Discusses how the feminization of poverty argument may distort and simplify the issue of old age poverty and may be politically divisive. Claims it is necessary to discuss how race, as well as gender, is interlocked with social class and to demonstrate how a singular emphasis on gender misrepresents the phenomenon of poverty in later life.…

Contends that one's generational position and gender influence one's perspective on family structure and function. Suggests integration of child developmental research with gerontological research. Advocates recognition of reciprocities of interaction and influence among family members of all ages, correcting the child focus. Discusses kinkeeping,…

Argues that currently age-differentiated society will give way to age-integrated one; that age will lose its power to constrain people's entry, exist, and performance in such basic social institutions as education, work, and retirement. Sees revolutionary changes toward age integration as needed to reduce structural lag in which dynamism of human…

Responds to discussion (Fries, 1984) of an earlier article (Myers and Manton, 1984) presenting empirical evidence on changes in the distribution of ages at death. Further analysis of the data is presented, including life expectancy changes from 1950-1978 and comparison of data for men and women from several countries. (JAC)

Considers role patient age plays in cost-effectiveness analysis. Quantifies magnitude of age bias and describes means to modify it. Present value analysis (discounting) is demonstrated to markedly attenuate effect of patient age on cost-effectiveness analysis. Explains how, as discount rate grows, difference in potential "life-years" between old…

Social policies and programs for aged are characterized by failure to recognize that females predominate among elderly persons. Masculine bias toward independence and disregard for feminine values of relatedness are considered in relation to studies of interdependence of elderly, their families, and communities. Foundations of this bias are found…

Discusses research suggesting that television viewing contributes to negative attitudes and low levels of knowledge about older people. Using the same data set and measurements, concludes that the effect of television viewing on knowledge and attitudes about older people is small and restricted to younger people. (NRB)

The growing proportion of elderly and rising costs of health care for the aged raise ethical issues about the nature of the social obligation to the elderly as contrasted with the young. Reexamination of health care policy must consider the role of values, social justice, and individual self-respect. (Author/NRB)

Contends persistent heterogenity observed among older adults indicates aging processes are the synergistic products of biological, psychosocial, and cultural factors. Asserts evidence of modifiability promotes consideration of alternative policies regarding the construction of alternative futures for older adults and aging societies. (Author/ABL)