This book is a source that provides reference information on the myriad issues related to aging faced by the elderly and their healthcare providers. Dealing with aging can be bewildering and frustrating for ourselves or on behalf of others. The elderly are often challenged by health complications, difficulties in obtaining quality medical care, financial and legal hurdles, and psychological or social issues. Becoming elderly is an unavoidable, universal stage of life, but no one is ever well prepared for it. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of growth of the elderly population, defined as individuals age 65 or greater, increased by a factor of 11 in the past century, from 3 million in 1900 to 33 million in 1994. During the same time period, the total population only tripled. By the year 2030, there will be about 72 million older persons, or roughly 1 in 5 among the American population, more than twice their number in 2000. Clearly, geriatrics is a topic of vital interest and importance to policy makers, medical providers, caregivers, and members of the general population. In this book, the author presents a forum that allows readers to understand how one "comes to terms" with aging using real-life examples of healthcare problems, economic traps, and emotional difficulties such as grieving or feelings of isolation.