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This article challenges all of us—policymakers, practitioners, scientists, members of the medical profession, the public at large—to intervene in the most basic of all problems of old age: "ageism," a term the coinage of which I lay claim to. In concluding this special issue of The Annals on interventions designed to enhance the quality of aging, I begin with a history of ageism as a disease. I specify many of its manifestations, which still linger today despite years of effort to dispel the false stereotypes and myths about older people. Concerning the treatment of ageism as a disease, I find that knowledge is the most basic intervention, serving as antidote to numerous erroneous but widely held beliefs. I conclude with a brief rehearsal of a few interventions of special interest, including support for older people's sense of mastery, provision of specially designed self-help books, and the recognition of older people both as constituting an important market and as potential contributors to the productive capacity of the society.

A history of ageism as a disease is presented, specifying many of its manifestations, which still linger today despite years of effort to dispel myths about older people. Concerning the treatment of ageism as a disease, knowledge is the most basic intervention, serving as antidote for numerous erroneous but widely held beliefs. Interventions of special interest are outlined, including support for older people's sense of mastery, provision of specially designed self-help books, & recognition of older people both as constituting an important market & as potentially contributing to the productive capacity of the society. Modified HA

Nations around the world are experiencing a spectacular increase in longevity. Society as a whole is being challenged by issues arising from this revolution in longevity. Although the specter of the loneliness and existential suffering of older citizens is such that some people under the age of 65 find it difficult to conceive of a long-term future, persons over 85 have proven that aging does not necessarily preclude a healthy and productive life. Extraordinary progress in both curative and preventive medicine justifies optimism about the quality of life and state of well-being that can be enjoyed even in great old age. We should look to professionals in diverse fields to develop creative solutions to the inevitable issues that will arise with aging. Governments must prepare for the future health of their citizens by making long-term investments to educate all sectors of society in the value of good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyles that enhance well-being throughout life. Also, governments should realize that the main cause of health care expenditure is serious illness which occurs in persons of all ages, and not predominantly in older people. Early detection can help save lives, as well. Health and longevity of life will ultimately end as a political issue. What is needed is long-term government investments necessary for a viable health policy. The question arises: will world leaders be able to commit to such a policy? Two major socioeconomic phenomena may have a regulating effect on this issue. The first is the emergence of pressure groups that have come into being in response to a particular health issue, such as AIDS. The second is the emergence of ethics committees in developed nations that deal solely with health issues

Von den Büchern zur Alterssexualität (H.-J. von Schumann: BA 8/90; W. Rost: BA 7/94; Kirsten von Sydow: BA 10/92) ist dieser, 1976 erstmals in den Staaten von 2 Gerontologen vorgelegte und seither mehrfach aktualisierte Band der "praxisnahste". Von einer Haltung der Unterstützung und Ermunterung getragen, erläutern die Autoren die körperlichen Veränderungen der Sexualität im Altersprozeß und ggf. deren Behandlung. Sie beschreiben akribisch die Auswirkungen von (Alters-)Krankheiten und Störungen auf die Sexualität; auch die Auswirkungen von Medikamenten, Drogen und Operationen (Gebärmutter- und Brustentfernungen, Prostataektomie). Ausführlich gehen sie auch auf die Bewältigung emotionaler Probleme in der Alterssexualität ein (incl. Scheidung und Tod des Partners) und entwickeln Perspektiven für alte und neue Beziehungen (auch schwul-lesbische). Eingebettet in Fälle, mit deutschen Adressen. (2) (Uwe-F. Obsen)