HEALTHY AGING - A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR PUBLIC-POLICY

Recognition of the diversity that exists among older Americans has stimulated thinking about the implications of these differences for public policymaking. The emergence of the healthy elderly has contributed to the breaking down of stereotypes of older people as being characterized by illness and infirmity and has initiated a discussion of new policies based on older persons' ability to continue making productive contributions to society. This article presents an overview of several authors whose work provides insight into the rationale and potential of formulating public policy aimed at utilizing the resources of the elderly, as contrasted with the present effort of meeting the vulnerabilities of old age.