This volume uses the concept of culture to explore the parameters of aging and being old in a worldwide context, thus providing a true cross-cultural and qualitative approach to social gerontology. Containing both specific case studies and broader analytical articles, this revised second edition focuses on the multitude of cultural solutions societies have available for dealing with the challenges, problems, and opportunities of growing old. Each of the book's six parts is preceded by an introduction providing a framework for the chapters and highlighting key related issues. Also included are state-of-the-art resource guides, including Internet sites, special student resources, data sets, and annotated bibliographies of related readings. This essential text focuses on how real people worldwide experience old age, allowing students to understand fully how culture can dictate what may appear to be "natural" responses to elders and aging.