At least 5.6 million to 8 million-nearly one in five-older adults in America have one or more mental health and substance use conditions, which present unique challenges for their care. With the number of adults age 65 and older projected to soar from 40.3 million in 2010 to 72.1 million by 2030, the aging of America holds profound consequences for the nation. For decades, policymakers have been warned that the nation's health care workforce is ill-equipped to care for a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. In the specific disciplines of mental health and substance use, there have been similar warnings about serious workforce shortages, insufficient workforce diversity, and lack of basic competence and core knowledge in key areas. Following its 2008 report highlighting the urgency of expanding and strengthening the geriatric health care workforce, the IOM was asked by the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake a complementary study on the geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands? assesses the needs of this population and the workforce that serves it. The breadth and magnitude of inadequate workforce training and personnel shortages have grown to such proportions, says the committee, that no single approach, nor a few isolated changes in disparate federal agencies or programs, can adequately address the issue. Overcoming these challenges will require focused and coordinated action by all.

This series attempts to address the topic of aging from a wide variety of perspectives and to make available some of the best gerontological thought and writings to researchers, professional practitioners, and students in the field of aging as well as in other related areas.This volume is an invaluable resource for those persons seeking a broad, comprehensive coverage of current public policies and service programs for the elderly. Besides dealing with present gerontological services, it also explores the emerging challenges that these services must face in the future. One of the outstanding features of the book is that its contributors include some of the most prominent authorities in the field of gerontology. This is an exceptionally important and timely volume and is a much needed addition to the literature on aging.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

The legislation, administration, funding, history of programs, and related acts to assist older persons have been drawn together to provide a single source of information on all aspects of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The entitlements include the purposes and implementation plans for grants to state and community programs, such as disaster relief and nutrition services; training, research and discretionary projects such as legal services or long-term care; community service employment; and grants to Indian tribes. Relevant sections of the related acts include adult education, civil rights, economic opportunity, food stamps, housing, rehabilitation, urban mass transit, etc.