Aging

The perennial problem of aging has come into even sharper national focus in recent years, with the percentage of our population aged 65 and over having more than doubled in this century, thus far, while the number has increased more than sixfold. These facts are basic; but their implications are manifold, presenting challenges for both the aging individual and for society-at-large. Number Eight in the Pastoral Psychology Series, this volume points up some of these challenges, and in addition, provides useful and productive responses. Reflecting attention to topics of an immediately current nature, it views the subject matter in an interdisciplinary context. Aging is first viewed in historical, cultural, and religious perspective. This background is followed by the dimensions of aging as seen by modern science. Focus is then placed on the topic of retirement as the center of the aging challenge, as experienced on the societal as well as the personal level, with particular attention given to the religious dimensions of aging. The final sections are devoted to the challenges to the individual and society: aging in marriage, aging and career development, the prospect of death, family and community care for the aged, and, ultimately, whether one's "golden years" will be rewarding and satisfying. The published proceedings of the 1973 Institute in Pastoral Psychology, this work will contribute to a better understanding of this increasingly challenging problem among an increasingly wider readership of the concerned.