This text provides a comprehensive overview of the sociology of aging, and remains the only book of its kind to approach aging from a purely sociological perspective. This new edition is completely updated throughout, with new chapters that discuss the now immanent retirement of the first of the baby boomers, the new form housing arrangements known as semi-independent or assisted living, elder abuse in nursing homes (and quality issues in nursing homes generally), and the long-term problems facing Medicare and Social Security.