This is an optimistic book. The attempt here is to instill a more positive outlook in mental health professionals who work extensively with elderly subjects. Unfortunately, the numerous loss events inevitably accumulating in the latter part of life provide a partial explanation of the greater prevalence of depression in this age group. The authors argue that it is important to modify the attitude of resignation so often characterizing the clinical approach to psychiatric disturbances in the elderly. They advocate the view that there are no inherent constitutional reasons why biological, psychological or social therapeutic approaches to the elderly should necessarily be futile or ineffective.
