Age discrimination is alive and well in America. Despite increased knowledge about aging and improved longevity, myths and stereotypes abound. This book's title refers to the need to dispel those myths and to see old age as characterized by new opportunities and the development of new talents and strengths. Gerontologist and women's studies expert Cruickshank (Ctr. on Aging, Univ. of Maine) examines the issues from a decidedly feminist viewpoint. She elaborates on two basic ideas: that aging is affected more by culture than by biological changes and that awareness of societal beliefs and customs about aging is essential if women are to achieve "comfortable aging." She also rails against "medicalization" and the overemphasis on bodily decline in old age. Cruickshank raises important issues, but at times her position might strike some as overly strident, as when she suggests that the aged are overmedicated as a result of an inappropriate relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and mainstream medicine. This thought-provoking book is recommended for academic social science and medical collections but would likely prove to be too dense for general readers.-Linda M.G. Katz, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In Western culture, aging women are the subject of negative stereotypes in many arenas--films, advertising, literature, television, etc. Compressing a significant amount of important information on issues of race, gender, social class, economics, and ethnicity, Cruikshank (women's studies, Univ. of Maine) has created a readable book on the general theme of gerontology. The author points out the necessity for health personnel and clinical psychologists to concentrate on the potential of older individuals and be sensitive to the negative connotation of dependency that goes along with stereotypes of aging. The current research, theories, and practices outlined by Cruikshank will give readers of all ages insights into "learning to be old." An extensive bibliography is provided for further study. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals in psychology and the health sciences. G. M. Greenberg emerita, Western Michigan University