"A dramatic shift in the average age of the U.S. population and the increasing number of elderly Americans has introduced new and challenging health care dilemmas. This edited volume addresses these issues with contributed chapters by the leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. It deals with health and health care needs of the elderly by considering basic changes that result from aging and some of the more specific problems that accompany it." "Content highlights include a review of the basic tenets of genetic and molecular biology, including some of the methods of looking at heritable differences in health and well-being. Quality of life concerns are examined, including the differences between men and women as well as other gender issues. Several chapters deal with the effects of aging on immunity. The latter part of the book emphasizes the psychosocial implications of aging on cardiovascular disease. Chronic illness among the elderly is also addressed."--BOOK JACKET.