Abstract:

Introduces a special journal issue on the sociology of aging. Contributors examine the critical sociological questions raised by an aging population, & identify some of the challenges & opportunities that this demographic shift presents to the policy community. Most of the articles focus on the aging population in the U.S., but many of the topics are pertinent to global concerns as well, including social diversity (race, class ethnic identity, & age), geographic heterogeneity, & the requirements for healthy aging. Also briefly discussed is how policymakers might better plan to meet the needs of a diverse aging population by conducting local needs assessments & evaluations.