Overview

Impelled by the realization that his undergraduate students seem unaware of their place in a personal or societal trajectory over time, Achenbaum has written a book that will capture the attention of students and others alike. He states, ""Life's Uncertain Voyage attempts to grapple with major issues associated with societal aging from a historical perspective."" Grounding his assessment in literature, philosophy, and history, Achenbaum looks at the demographics of our aging society and the impact on employment and markets, education, health care, religion and spirituality, and political action. The book ""ends by challenging the Baby Boomers to be trailblazers as members of particular networks and as citizens of the world."" The reviewer says, ""Researchers have been aware for some time that the 'aging experience' is not uniform and the population of elders markedly diverse. The 'Uncertain [Voyage]' will be distinctive in offering an extended and tightly knit exploration of these phenomena and [...] in doing so with the perspective of a masterful historian."" This book will be read by students and professionals in adult development and aging (psychology and gerontology); some general readers may also be interested.

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9780801887680

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Reviews

Achenbaum brings a historian's sensibility to his analysis... [His] treatment of religion, spirituality, and aging is one of the most informed and sophisticated that I have read. -- Larry Polivka, Ph.D. The Gerontologist A well-referenced and clearly, engagingly written account. -- Marshall B. Kapp, JD, MPH Care Management Journals Achenbaum's book makes a useful contribution to knowledge. His long experience in the field of aging allows him to provide important policy insights. -- Sarah Ruiz Journal of Marriage and the Family A well-researched historical overview of trends in societal aging over the past century. -- Allison Kabel Anthropology and Aging Quarterly If the six main chapters alone were not enough to recommend this book, the 30-page reference list that wraps up the volume certainly would be. As textbook or professional reference, Older Americans, Vital Communities would be a worthy investment. -- Christina Butler The Older LEARNer Achenbaum's study provides a powerful and superbly written starting point for what will be a key area of research within gerontology over the next decade. -- Chris Phillipson Ageing and Society Researchers, scholars, and graduate students will find that Achenbaum has written a useful, current overview of the literature and history for the field of aging. -- Naomi Eden Educational Gerontology

I have been able to suggest only some of the richness of Achenbaum's book that provides a clear demonstration of the author's narrative and descriptive powers. - Larry Polivka, Ph.D., Gerontologist Achenbaum's book makes a useful contribution to knowledge. His long experience in the field of aging allows him to provide important policy insights. - Journal of Marriage and the Family A well-researched historical overview of trends in societal aging over the past century. - Anthropology and Aging Quarterly

Achenbaum brings a historian's sensibility to his analysis... [His] treatment of religion, spirituality, and aging is one of the most informed and sophisticated that I have read. -- Larry Polivka, Ph.D. The Gerontologist 2006 A well-referenced and clearly, engagingly written account. -- Marshall B. Kapp, JD, MPH Care Management Journals 2006 Achenbaum's book makes a useful contribution to knowledge. His long experience in the field of aging allows him to provide important policy insights. -- Sarah Ruiz Journal of Marriage and the Family 2006 A well-researched historical overview of trends in societal aging over the past century. -- Allison Kabel Anthropology and Aging Quarterly 2006 If the six main chapters alone were not enough to recommend this book, the 30-page reference list that wraps up the volume certainly would be. As textbook or professional reference, Older Americans, Vital Communities would be a worthy investment. -- Christina Butler The Older LEARNer 2007 Achenbaum's study provides a powerful and superbly written starting point for what will be a key area of research within gerontology over the next decade. -- Chris Phillipson Ageing and Society 2007 Researchers, scholars, and graduate students will find that Achenbaum has written a useful, current overview of the literature and history for the field of aging. -- Naomi Eden Educational Gerontology 2008

Author Information

W. Andrew Achenbaum is a professor of history and social work at the University of Houston.

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