An Aging Population (Opposing Viewpoints Series)

From School Library Journal Grade 10 Up-As is always the case with this series, varying viewpoints are included; however, in this volume, a diversity of sources is also given weight. In addition to books and journals, material is drawn from policy and foundation reports, congressional testimony, and Web sites. Under the chapter heading of "How Does Society View Aging and the Elderly?" forceful discussions address how seniors are treated in society, specifically in the workforce. "How Will an Aging Population Affect America?" contains opposing essays on the aged as an economic drain, the power of the elderly as a consumer force, and a particularly eloquent piece by Virginia Stem Owens on aging parents being cared for by their children. Librarians would want to purchase this title for the cogent presentations in "Should Social Security Be Reformed?" alone. "Are Improvements Needed in Elderly Health Care?" focuses on the current controversies regarding Medicare, prescription-drug coverage, and the quality of nursing-home care. Each of the entries is packed with information and statistics that would be useful for research projects. Although a high school audience would understand most of the articles, a few are technical and detailed. This book updates Karin Swisher's The Elderly (Greenhaven, 1990; o.p.) and will serve as a companion to Olivia Smith's Aging in America (Wilson, 2000).