As the demographics of many Western industrialized societies are approaching the point where they will have more older citizens than young, there is a growing need for a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of adult lives. This diverse collection of readings including both seminal works and newly commissioned ones takes an holistic approach to understanding aging, drawing on biography and autobiography to contextualize the process. This life course perspective will lead readers to a better understanding of how those working and living together in an aging society can...