Women in the Middle Years: Current Knowledge and Directions for Research and Policy

Abstract

As America becomes older, with the majority of its citizens in the category of the "later mature" or elderly, works that inform the health professional about the lives of persons in these categories are increasingly useful. This volume, which presents five essays and an appendix, grew out of a seminar sponsored by the Social Science Research Council, an indication of the growing importance of understanding women's lives and an aging population. The essays treat some of the unknown questions about the lives of adult women, their health, adult development and women's development, work and family roles, women in the German Democratic Republic, and, finally, research and policy questions. Each of the chapters presents a rather broad overview of the topic addressed and each contains useful references. Also commendable is the appendix, which outlines longitudinal and cross-sectional data sources on women in the middle years. Happily, the volume also contains an