The term "old people" is offensive to me, and this book is full of the term. The authors cite themselves so frequently that the validity of the content is questionable.

Schaie and Willis provide a wonderfully rich, interdisciplinary overview of adult development and aging. Each chapter is chock full of information on the biological, psychological and physical effects of aging from young adulthood onward. Interesting statistics (that are updated for new editions) and tables are also included. I had to purchase the book for an undergraduate class on adult development; it was a great primer for understanding the changes we undergo as we age.

This book covers, in very good depth, the life cycle from youth through old age. Backed up by plenty of research and statistics, the look is more of one of cold hard fact than of heart, but this is helpful for those just entering gerontology. I was given this text by my supervisor upon entry into a senior residential facility, and I felt I certainly gained from it. Maybe not as handy to those well-read on the topic, but a very good basic guide and introduction. Recommended.