Statistical handbook on aging Americans /

The need for a statistical handbook on aging grows with each passing year as the US population continues to age. This work updates and expands the 1986 edition and includes 378 totally new tables and charts that document this aging population. The text covers demographics, social characteristics, health status, employment, economic conditions, and expenditures for the elderly. Although the material is drawn largely from the US Bureau of the Census and other government agencies, the work also makes available unpublished texts and reports, and data from organizations such as AARP. Sources include book and serial publications and online computer data. A glossary of terms has been added to this volume. The cover is a slick red, white, and blue, and the charts, graphs, and tables are visually pleasing on the high-contrast paper. However, both young and presbyopic eyes will find using this book somewhat difficult: several charts, e.g., those treating voting-age population and work experience during the year, are difficult to read because of the typeface used. This is a useful tool for students, gerontologists, social scientists, and researchers interested in the aging population. All academic libraries. C. Snelling; Chicago State University

Drawing on such credible governmental and nongovernment sources as the National Center for Health Statistics, Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and American Association of Retired Persons, this second edition (the first was published in 1986) compiles nearly 400 tables and charts that present statistics on Americans over the age of 64. Including 1990 census data published through mid-1993, the volume is divided into six chapters: demographics (race, age, sex, ethnicity, geographic distribution, and life expectancy); social characteristics (e.g., living and marital standards, education); health status; employment; economic conditions; and expenditures for the elderly (Social Security, pensions, etc.). A helpful glossary is also included. This book serves as a good reference for librarians, researchers, social service planners, and gerontology program administrators.-- Kathy Segrist, Temple Univ., Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.