Why Survive? Being Old in America

Robert N. Butler

Why is old age in America so neglected and so often painful, and what would make the last phase of life worth living?

At a glance

You will question the idea that decline is the whole story of late life, since research has barely studied healthy older people
You will weigh the common belief that poverty in old age is a personal failure to prepare
You will be able to spot ways institutions put their own convenience first, as when drugs are used to keep patients quiet