Behavior and Adaptation in Late Life

• Dr. Busse, a well-known geriatrician, psychiatrist, and author, is no doubt one of the best qualified pioneers in gerontological research. As chief editor-together with Dr. Pfeiffer, of Duke University's Center for the Study of Aging-he achieves a rather thorough gathering of papers dealing with the psychological and socioeconomic aspects of the aging process. The chapters are written by members of the Duke faculty, with three exceptions: Carl Eisdorfer, Ethel Shanas, and the late Alan Goldfarb. Some chapters are of a high level, especially those concerned with psychology, physiology, and psychiatry. Others, treating such subjects as retirement, public policy, geriatric nursing, housing, and institutional care, are useful and informative. Included, no doubt for completeness, are studies on sexual behavior of older persons and attitudes held by the elderly toward death. I read with interest the chapters on "Brain and Time," by F. S. Vogel, "Functional Psychiatric Disorders in Old Age," by Busse and Pfeiffer, "Health Experience in The Elderly," by E. H. Estes, Jr., and "Organic Brain Syndrome," by H. S. Wang. The chapter, "Theories of Aging," by Busse, however, though it is both informative and interesting, seems out of place in this particular book. Drs. Busse and Pfeiffer discuss competently the biological, social and psychological factors that de-