Over the next three decades, the number of Americans over fifty will double, swelling to more than a quarter of the population. Already we are living thirty years longer than a century ago, with further gains expected in the coming years. The end result is a new stage of life, one as long or longer than childhood or middle age in duration, and one spent in unprecedented good health. Yet, as individuals, and as a society, we've shown little imagination or wisdom in using this great gift of a third age. Marc Freedman identifies the new longevity as not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized-provided we can engage the experience, talent, and idealism of older Americans. At a juncture when the middle-generation faces a time-famine, struggling to simultaneously raise kids and work long hours on the job, the older generation is awash in free time, poised to succeed women as the trustees of civic life in this country. In the process they stand to find new meaning and purpose in their lives, and abandon the limbo-like state unfulfilling for so many older individuals. Freedman argues that the aging phenomenon, the massive transformation that many portray as our downfall, may in fact be our best hope for renewal as a nation.

Because researchers often treat baby boomers of color as belonging to one group, quality data on the individual status of specific racial populations is lacking, leading to insufficiently designed programs, policies, and services. The absence of data is a testament to the invisibility of baby boomers of color in society and deeply affects the practice of social work and other helping professions that require culturally sensitive approaches. Melvin Delgado rectifies this injustice by providing a comprehensive portrait of the status and unique assets of boomers of color. Using specific data, he grounds an understanding of boomersÕfinancial, medical, and emotional needs within a historical, socioeconomic, cultural, and political context, resulting in tailored recommendations for meeting the challenges of a growing population. His research focuses on African American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American older adults and addresses issues of financial security, employment stability, housing, and health care, which are often complicated by linguistic and cultural differences. Rather than treat baby boomers of color as a financial burden on society and its resources, Delgado recognizes their strengths and positive contributions to families and communities, resulting in an affirming and empowering approach to service.

Is the United States prepared for the Baby Boomers to grow old? This book seeks to answer these questions. It also suggests strategies to make sure that the answer to these questions becomes YES. Much has been written about the Baby Boom generation but this is the first book to address current issues they face while simultaneously projecting ahead to challenges and benefits that are likely to characterize this next generation of older persons. It is based on keynote presentations by noted leaders in the field of aging, who discuss their expectations of their old age. Thus, it is both an introductory primer to aging today as well as a book that raises questions, suggests solutions, and indicates avenues of planning for the future. The book takes a close look at the state of readiness of health and social service providers for the large numbers of older persons in society's future. A careful look is taken at what is and what might be in the areas of income security, health security and health care, long-term care, and housing and living arrangements. The importance of this book lies in the fact that it addresses the lack of planning by both the Baby Boomers and services providers, and identifies steps to be taken, with particular emphasis given to needed changes in the education of health and social service professionals to prepare them for what lies ahead.