This text investigates the intersection of aging and social structure, questioning how societal institutions and cultural norms create or exacerbate the challenges faced by the elderly population. Duane A. Matcha, a scholar in the field of gerontology, utilizes a sociological framework to analyze aging not merely as a biological process, but as a social phenomenon. The book synthesizes demographic data, policy analysis, and sociological theory to argue that the experience of aging is fundamentally shaped by social inequality and systemic barriers.

This work provides a structured, academic examination of aging through the lens of social problems, making it a standard resource for students of sociology and gerontology. The framing suggests a comprehensive, theory-driven approach that prioritizes systemic analysis over individual clinical perspectives.