The Real Truth About Aging is a comprehensive and well-written book which should be helpful to the general public and health professionals alike.-David Satcher, MD., PhD, Sixteenth Surgeon General of the United StatesI was getting frustrated searching on the internet for information about a particular type of hip fracture, when I gave up and went to open The Real Truth About Aging and it opened right to the page where there were a series of drawings of the location of different types of hip fractures that can be such an important source of disability for older people. This book is chock full of useful information, like taking a look at nursing homes from all angles: what do the patients think? Or the staff? Are nursing homes REALLY understaffed? Why are older people on too many prescription medications? This book goes beyond the usual fluff of ''aging gracefully'' books and provides real information that you can use.-J. Douglas Bremner MD, Author of Before You Take That Pill: Why The Drug Industry May Be Bad For Your Health, is also Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology at Emory University School of MedicineNeil Shulman is a multi-talented author whose writings touch everybody, from the youngest to the oldest, and who can deliver important information on serious topics in a very readable and accessible way.-Daniel S. Blumenthal, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Associate Dean for Community Programs, Morehouse School of MedicineIt is refreshing to find a book that is honest and courageous enough to fly against the ''happy-talk'' genre of books for the elderly. I''ve never seen anything to match the straight-talking authenticity that explodes off of every page.-Barry Farber, Veteran Radio Talk Show HostAs life expectancy continues to increase, millions of seniors are living well into their eighties and nineties. With the aging of the baby boomers, the population of senior citizens will swell dramatically in the coming decades. These statistics will inevitably draw more attention to the aging process. What should middle-aged people expect as they grow older? What should caregivers of the elderly know about normal aging? How can we all stay healthy despite the limitations of age?In this authoritative, user-friendly guide, three experts in geriatric medicine provide the latest evidence on: healthy aging, an understanding of the modern and often confusing health care system, and information about the medical issues affecting frail older adults.They begin with the basic facts of aging, distilling the current research on the underlying molecular mechanisms, organ system changes, and associated disease risks that occur as our bodies get older. They devote separate chapters to preventative medical testing, so-called anti-aging therapies, vitamin and herbal supplements, exercise, and medication problems.In the next section, they present an overview of the American healthcare system, from making the most of a doctor''s visit and an explanation of various healthcare professionals involved in elder care to guidelines for choosing a nursing home or assisted care facility. They also discuss the health risks of a stay in the hospital, including antibiotic-resistant infections, temporary delirium, and bedsores.In the following section, they tackle the challenges of caring for a frail senior, covering a range of issues from falls, osteoporosis, and infections, to sleep difficulties, depression, and dementia. A chapter is also devoted to the last days of life and how hospice can help.The authors also provide a section on the need to plan ahead. Among the questions considered are: When should an advance directive be written? How much money will be needed for the elder years? When should a senior give up driving?At a time when geriatric medicine is becoming a rare specialty and doctors receive little training in this area, the wealth of information compiled in this outstanding volume is invaluable. Senio