Behaviour and Adaption in Late Life

over time, depending on the time interval (3 to 13 years). In this same study little or no significant decline in happiness or life satisfaction was noted over a 10 year period. Dr. Palmore also describes new roles for the aged in society and concludes that most evidence supports the activity? rather than the disengagement? theory of retirement. Many chapters of this book deal predominantly with the American scene and the physical health of the elderly is not dealt with in any detail. Sexual behaviour in old age, the facing of death by the elderly and living arrangements and housing for old people are other subjects dealt with, while the broad pattern of psychiatric disorders and intellectual changes in old people are also discussed; there is useful guidance given on the treatment of ' hypochondriasis. The volume gives a broad prospective rather than intimate detail on any subject and will be of great value to physicians, social workers, nurses and voluntary workers in understanding what happens to people of advancing age.