Geroethics: A New Vision of Growing Old in America (Golden Age Books) [Hardcover]

Gerald A. Larue (Author)

Book Description

Series: Golden Age Books | Publication Date: September 1992

Gerald A. Larue shows how social values impact elders in the United States and how older persons, and those who advocate on their behalf, may respond to the attitudes and actions of others. This book offers the elderly and those who care for them a vibrant look at the challenges of ageing: the role elders can and do play in shaping and changing society's views of its oldest members, regaining control of important life choices, and the struggle to live a meaningful and independent existence free of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Included are chapters on stereotypes, human rights, ageism, the ethics of survival, elder power, elder abuse, fear of ageing, caring for elders, health care, dementia, loneliness, death and dying, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ethical questions raised by aging--from the metaphysical to the mundane--are explored with mixed results in this new addition to the Golden Age Books series. An emeritus professor of religion and adjunct professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California, Larue argues eloquently that the elderly should not be treated like "shadow people," and offers fresh insights into ageism, or age-based discrimination; senior citizens' need for meaning, sexual intercourse and companionship; and what he sees as their right to commit suicide, with assistance if they so request. But his arguments take some peculiar turns, as when he predicts that there will be a justifiable backlash against the emerging political power of elderly people (whose numbers grow daily), or when he cautions those who care for them not to become too emotionally involved. It also seems a touch ironic that, after extolling the physical beauty of older women and the value of elders' love, Larue ( Long-Term Care in an Aging Society ) reveals that he himself is married to a much younger woman.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Larue (emeritus professor of religion and gerontology, Univ. of Southern California) introduces readers to "geroethics"--consideration of the impact of social values on the elderly and their responses to these values. His book's premise expands the notion that aging is an individual and societal internal/external developmental process with ethical demands to be met on an individual and societal basis. By discussing ageism, human rights, elder abuse, healthcare, death and dying, fear of aging, dementia, religion, and the search for meaning, Larue aims to raise our consciousness about these concerns. Questions and situations are posed and potential solutions provided for short- and long-term survival. Larue loads his short, easy-to-read chapters with practical case examples and appropriately referenced material; pertinent bibliographies follow each chapter. Useful to all libraries requiring materials on the social and ethical concerns of an aging population.
- Linda Malone, Univ. of Virginia Health Sciences Ctr., Charlottesville
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1st Edition, 1st Printing edition (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879757507
• ISBN-13: 978-0879757502
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,014,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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