Encyclopedia of Aging and the Elderly

Library Journal

This encyclopedic reference responds to the need for limited, authoritative work on aging from a strictly medical/social perspective. Unlike George L. Maddox & others' Encyclopedia of Aging ( LJ 4/15/87), which combines diverse contributions from over 200 scholars in the areas of biology, biomedicine, behavioral science, social planning, and social practice, this book is limited to the contributions of the two authors, who represent the fields of medicine and gerontology. Maddox's text truly represents a gerontological focus--holistic coverage from a multidisciplinary perspective. In contrast, The Encyclopedia of Aging and the Elderly appears to focus primarily on geriatric medicine, comprehensively listing and describing in a detailed manner numerous illnesses specific to this population. Such relevant and pertinent topics as mental health status or physical functioning are not directly addressed as individual entries. Unless a reader is familiar with geriatric terminology and has some familiarity with the method of entry used here, particular aging concerns may not be easy to locate. However, cross references are provided at the end of many entries, increasing the usefulness of information for readers. Also included are appendixes consisting of a directory of related organizations, a listing of state units on aging, and 47 tables, charts, and graphs that cover various social, demographic, and medical topics such as age and chronic health problems, crime statistics, life expectancy, and retirement areas. A useful feature appearing in the Maddox work but absent from this text is an alphabetical listing in the front enabling readers to scan for possible topics at a glance. The bibliography, listing over 200 references to sources cited in the text, appears to be lacking in pertinent authorities, mainly in the social arena. While The Encyclopedia of Aging and the Elderly is a reasonablly priced reference book that provides information on aging from a specific perspective, libraries needing more comprehensive coverage should have Maddox's book.-- Linda Malone, Univ. of Virginia Health Sciences Ctr., Charlottesville

Booknews

A great deal of well-stated information is presented in entries arranged alphabetically, although the rationale for such an arrangement seems weak and, in fact, topical chapters might better serve both lay and professional information-seekers. The scope is broad--life style, myths and misconceptions, medical and legal concerns, death and dying. Statistical information is presented in charts and tables, appendices list organizations, and the bibliography is respectable. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)