Publisher's Weekly Review
The stereotype of the "oldest old" (age 85 and above) in our society is of frailty and dependence, often in nursing homes. Yet 78% of those in this demographic still live in their own homes and 75% still drive. Colgate University sociologist Loe (The Rise of Viagra) reports on her research on 30 oldest old individuals in small city and rural upstate New York. She draws 13 lessons from their experiences, including "(Re) Design Your Living Space," "Resort to Tomfoolery," and "Accept and Prepare for Death." Above all, she notes that the oldest old remain very much in charge of their own lives: "They innovate. They grow and learn." Some 30% volunteer and 40% provide financial contributions to family members. Loe also stresses the importance of social capital, the network of relatives, friends, neighbors, and even paid help who sustain the elderly emotionally and practically. Loe's writing is clear, jargon-free, and warm-she clearly likes and often admires her subjects. She has done an excellent job in organizing her book topically and lets her subjects speak for themselves, then distills their most important points. While there are few startling revelations, there is a great deal of wisdom. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Choice Review
The US population is not just aging, but is getting extremely old. By 2008, 5.8 million Americans were age 85 or older. This text examines how the oldest actually live and what conditions and attitudes are necessary. Loe (Colgate Univ.) uses life histories, interviews, and participant observation to observe and assess how 30 noninstitutionalized participants creatively use their wits, life experiences, resources, and adaptability to make the most of diminishing health. She contends they actively negotiate for what they want, still learning and growing, despite increasing frailty. Readers see this process in numerous case studies: people modifying their environments, making new friends, figuring out when and whom to ask for help, etc. Problems exist, however. The sample is not representative. Fifty percent of the women have college degrees, atypical in this population. The focus is on "living alone and making it work," but in real life, it works until it does not. Family members frequently experience burnout. As Loe acknowledges, lack of available services, finances, and uncoordinated care make retaining independence challenging, even for resourceful people. This is why 12 million older Americans now live in senior communities. Useful for its thoroughness, examples of resiliency, and attention to this growing phenomenon. Summing Up: Recommended. General, public, and undergraduate collections. S. D. Borchert emerita, Lake Erie College