From the Preface:

This book emphasizes the pleasures, joys, and satisfactions that are experienced during the stages of later life. Chapter one discusses various theories of the life cycle, including death and dying. Chapter two offers the different definitions and ideas about the aging process. Chapter three discusses wisdom and acknowledges some notable elders. Chapter four gives statements on the joys of growing older, myths and facts about aging, and a humorous short story about one elder's experience. Chapter five presents eight perspectives on successful aging, based on research studies and individuals' opinions. Chapter six discusses the history of elders as a special group and the various perceptions of older citizens in different cultures. Chapter seven deals with the nature of retirement: the process, personal characteristics, Social Security, and the baby boomers. Chapter eight speaks to the reasons one decides to retire: pros and cons. Chapter nine describes different retirement behaviors and life-long satisfaction. Finally, chapter ten is devoted to retirees' responses to a questionnaire and it provides information obtained through the author's interviews of older Americans.