Jean M. Coyle - Böcker

Statistics show that women live longer than men, and that they constitute a substantial majority of the North American population over age 50. But more research has been done on the lives of older men, and the lack of empirical data on aging women has perpetuated a number of myths and stereotypes. Twenty years ago, for example, there was a presumption that only males worked and only males retired, though women often held jobs outside the home and these jobs were sometimes their only source of income. Studies of retirement, therefore, rarely treated the experience of women. Many fallacies still remain, despite a growing body of research conducted by women investigators. This reference provides a comprehensive overview of current research on women and aging and helps correct many mistaken assumptions.Chapters are written by expert contributors and are grouped in several broad sections. The first section provides a historical and theoretical perspective on women and aging and covers topics such as sexism and ageism, representations of older women in the arts, and the attitudes of society toward aging women. The second section treats economic issues related to employment and retirement. The third section explores the psychological and physical health of women and includes related information on topics such as voluntarism and religious activity. The fourth section looks at the particular concerns of women from diverse racial and ethnic groups. It also includes a chapter on the special needs of the rural elderly. The final section studies the relationships of older women, including the impact of widowhood and the significance of friendship patterns. Each chapter cites current research and the volume closes with a selected bibliography of major studies.

Coyle has compiled an impressive bibliography of more than 600 books, articles, government documents, films, and dissertations on women and the aging proces. . . . Concise annotations highlight the significance of each item. While some of the material is scholarly and theoretical, most is from books and journals that are very readable and easily accessible. A notable part of the bibliography is the extensive listing of films that would be useful for groups interested in doing programs on elderly women. RQThis bibliography provides ample evidence of the increasing research interest in issues affecting women as they age. Over 600 annotated citations for materials published from 1980 through early 1988 are included. Although the primary focus is on older women, references dealing with middle-aged women are also included. Both pragmatic and theoretical issues are covered in the resources cited. All of the materials identified are accessible through basic library systems.While research results are reported in some annotations, the primary objective of the work is to provide the reader with extensive references to useful and appropriate materials on women and aging. The major subject areas covered include roles and relationships, economics, employment, retirement, health, sexuality, religion, housing, racial and ethnic groups, policy issues, international concerns, and middle age. An extensive selection of general items covers materials that do not fit into specific categories, but which address important areas of concern and interest. This comprehensive bibliography will be welcomed by those involved in gerontological research and women's studies.

Families have become an increasingly important source of support for the elderly, and gerontologists are directing more and more attention to older adults and their families. This bibliography reviews the most significant works on families and aging published within the past ten years. Jean Coyle has selected and annotated nearly 800 books, articles, films, dissertations, and government documents. The detailed annotations summarize and evaluate the significance and usefulness of each item, and the comprehensive author and subject indexes make this volume a valuable reference tool.A thoughtful introduction surveys the most noteworthy research on families and aging done in the last decade. This is followed by eleven chapters, that address such topics as widowhood, intergenerational relationships, family caregiving, and the role of older adults in ethnic and minority families. Gerontologists, social workers, and all those interested in families and aging will find this guide an indispensable source of information.