The Sociology of Aging

Focusing on demographic data from the United States, nine industrial democracies, China, and India, The Sociology of Aging: An International Perspective explores and compares existing and emerging policies that impact the elderly around the world. Throughout the analysis, core sociological issues are examined, including family relationships, living arrangements, health, politics, and economic well-being. The text's international perspective locates the aging process and its consequences within the globalization of everyday life and its economic and political realities. As a result, comparisons between countries offer readers insight into how well different economic, political, and health systems address demographic changes. A wealth of pedagogical features are presented, including chapter-ending glossaries, national and international websites, and a series of review questions that allows readers to test their knowledge. The final chapter offers a country-specific analysis of the future of aging.