On Our Own: Independent Living for Older Persons (Golden Age Books) [Hardcover]

Ursula A. Falk (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0879755024 | ISBN-13: 978-0879755027 | Publication Date: January 1989

From our earliest years, we are taught to strive for personal autonomy and the freedom it offers. But as advanced age approaches, the confidence, self-esteem, and personal power that accompanies independence are often eroded by reduced income, failed health and nutritional problems, loneliness, the loss of a loving spouse, restricted mobility, fear of crime, and social neglect. Elderly single persons who find themselves 'on their own' are often faced with questions about finding suitable housing, handling emotional stress, managing finances, locating and using community services and resources, protecting themselves from violent crime, and securing transportation to shopping areas and physicians. "On Our Own" offers many insights into the choices and challenges of solo living. Dr Falk combines valuable information with compassion and understanding as she seeks to help today's aged single people live quality lives. Her thoughtful and thought-provoking presentation offers suggestions on maintaining family relationships, keeping fit in body and mind, locating part-time employment and prospects for volunteer work, available in-home aids, getting everything you deserve from public agencies, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Personal freedom is one of the cornerstones of American society, and while people may require more assistance as they grow older, "this by no means suggests that the greatest possible degree of personal independence should be denied to our elders." So says the author, a social service administrator, who explores in this eighth volume in the "Golden Age Books Perspectives on Aging" series the ways in which older people can continue to live successfully on their own. The book outlines services available, such as meal programs, alternative living arrangements, and medical plans, and touches on subjects crucial to meaningful independent living, including leisure activities and advocacy. Illustrated with case vignettes, this is an informative overview of an important subject.
- Karen McNally Bensing, The Benjamin Rose Inst., Cleveland
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"... basic information, many insights, and, most important, compassion and encouragement with easily understood, practical information and clinical sensitivity ... fills an important niche for the single elder ..." -- Hospital and Community Psychiatry "Practical advice and specific tips to enable seniors to sustain their cherished independence. The book provides the senior reader with a sense of the options and resources in support of independent living." -- Resources in Aging

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (January 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879755024
• ISBN-13: 978-0879755027
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,571,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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