Introduction

Old age is a time of many changes. With aging, the ability to function declines to some degree in every person, and older people, on average, tend to have more disease and disability than do younger people. But the changes of old age are more than just changes in health. As people age, they are often faced with events that can dramatically alter their lives, such as retiring from the workforce, losing a loved one, or changing their living arrangements.

Whether the changes that accompany old age are viewed as a blessing or a curse may hinge on the older person's ability to cope with or adapt to change. Successful coping skills are often linked with how well older people stay connected with family and friends, with their community, and with their own values and sense of purpose. In general, older people are well able to cope with the many changes that occur in later life. These transitions can be substantially eased with planning and preparation as well as with assistance tailored to individual needs.

See the sidebar Bouncing Back.