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This digital document is an article from Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, published by Western Michigan University, School of Social Work on March 1, 2005. The length of the article is 4800 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Viagra: medical technology constructing aging masculinity.
Author: Gregory Gross
Publication: Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 2005
Publisher: Western Michigan University, School of Social Work
Volume: 32Issue: 1Page: 85(13)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
349 pages.A Project of the ASA Section on Aging ... Read more

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The year 2008 marks the beginning of the baby boomer retirement avalanche just as the different demographics in advanced and most developing countries are becoming more pronounced. People are worrying again that developments in global population trends, food supply, natural resource availability and climate change raise the question as to whether Malthus was right after all.

The Age of Aging explores a unique phenomenon for mankind and, therefore, one that takes us into uncharted territory. Low birth rates and rising life expectancy are leading to rapid aging and a stagnation or fall in the number of people of working age in Western societies. Japan is in pole position but will be joined soon by other Western countries, and some emerging markets including China. The book examines the economic effects of aging, the main proposals for addressing the implications, and how aging societies will affect family and social structures, and the type of environment in which the baby-boomers' children will grow up.

The contrast between the expected old age bulge in Western nations and the youth bulge in developing countries has important implications for globalization, and for immigration in Western countries - two topics already characterized by rising discontent or opposition. But we have to find ways of making both globalization and immigration work for all, for fear that failure may lead us down much darker paths. Aging also brings new challenges for the world to address in two sensitive areas, the politicization of religion and the management of international security. Governments and global institutions will have to take greater responsibilities to ensure that public policy responses are appropriate and measured.

The challenges arising within aging societies, and the demographic contrasts between Western and developing countries make for a fractious world - one that is line with the much-debated 'decline of the West'. The book doesn't flinch from recognizing the ways in which this could become more visible, but also asserts that we can address demographic change effectively if governments and strengthened international institutions are permitted a larger role in managing change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Economics & Geopolitical Policies -- Potential Influences Based On Demographics
George Magnus' "The Age of Aging" is more than just about demographics in book form, but a truly global account of the upcoming population transitions that are slowly taking place around our fine planet.While strictly demographics in book form can be a very dry subject, Mr. Magnus writes an exceptional review in a thought provoking form which is not dry at all. So why should one care about the world of demographics anyway?One very good reason is that we have no precedents to guide us for our current situation of a rapidly aging population because the world's population has always statistically been young and growing in the past.Yes, the world's population will continue to grow on the whole for a number of years, but many industrialized countries actually will soon start to have population decreases and some are already in decline.

This book is not an alarmist treatise, but the worry and concern is that many institutions are just not prepared for the aging population which might bring with it strong political currents when seniors do not get what they were promised. In addition, when you want to regain your Super Power status but your population is shrinking, this also has potential geopolitical repercussions (i.e. Russia). How these themes, and others, play out is anyone's guess, but one should at least be aware of the potentialities.

On the whole, a thorough look thru the global prism of the forthcoming demographic shifts and their probable pocket book economic repercussions.

For reference and for those that may want to research more from an economic perspective, I would also recommend "Fewer: How the New Demography of Depopulation Will Shape Our Future" by Ben J. Wattenberg and "Boom, Bust & Echo" by David K. Foot and Daniel Stoffman.

Demographics is Destiny
Demographics is Destiny

Despite the "aging" in the title, this 313 page text is more of a practical tour d'horizon of global demographics. Greater longevity or aging of mankind turns out to be only half of a huge future problem. The other half of the problem is that women around the globe are not making enough babies. The fertility rate is so low in most countries that humans are not replacing themselves. The problem is acute where the work force is actually shrinking. Fewer workers generate less global economic growth and wealth creation. Not good.

In my research, I contend these two demographic markers (more longevity, less fertility) are foretelling the disastrous equivalent of an asteroid hit on earth. Magnus skillfully presents lots of data and concepts to help you understand this crisis. Bravo!
Unfortunately, the public does not seem to care. Witness the fact that even though his book has been listed in Amazon.com for over six months, I am the first to review it.

You should care. Check out his first three chapters where he foretells the breadth and depth of the problem. I guarantee you will be mumbling over and over: "I didn't know that!" Chapter 4 cuts to the chase and briefly describes how these trends will impact the
economics of your life. Chapters 5,7 and 8 analyze the impact on different blocks of countries. Industrialized areas such as Europe and Japan will be crippled by this double whammy of fewer workers to support more elderly. The United States, except for the help of immigration, limps closely behind. Remember China's "one child policy"? Guess how well they fare. Only a few emerging and developing areas may survive unscathed.

Magnus also drives down three fascinating side roads with comments and data on the impact on religion, the military, and your personal wallet(note his association with UBS and its money management arm). A tip from George to us in the U.S.: don't look for housing prices to get back to previous heights if prime-age buyers decline in numbers. He suggests that if U.S. boomers want to protect their wallets, they may want to be more open to immigrants. I need to put George in touch with Dowell Myers. I recently talked with Dowell about this very issue of the economic impact of immigration. You may also want to check out Dowell's 2007 book, "Immigrants and Boomers".

I have one small gripe about the book. Early on, we are assured by the author that he will not spend time laying out "...a blueprint for policymakers" or offering "...any particular legislative agenda". But he fails the reader. He succumbs to the controversies of global warming and the need for more governmental intervention. Aside from this minor shortcoming, this text should be required reading for any private or public planner. In an ideal world, it ought to also be required reading for college graduation.mysite.verizon.net/SidhuGroup
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Product Description
Aging and Everyday Life presents a balanced and penetrating view of the aging experience. The research in this book reveals that many, if not most, of the triumphs and trials experienced in later years are not unlike those confronted at other points in life. Just like younger people, the elderly experience both change and stability, shedding old roles and entering new ones. The process takes place in varied spheres of life: the worlds of home and family, work, and friendship.This thoughtful, engaging text brings together twenty-eight essays by leading researchers in social gerontology to explore the everyday aspects of aging. Readers will come away viewing the elderly as people whose lives are as complex and diverse, and therefore as nuanced, as any. ... Read more