People older than eighty-five, sometimes called "the oldest old," are now the fastest growing age group in the United States. As such they merit the attention of healthcare professionals, social workers, specialists in social gerontology, and everyone with a family member in this expanding segment of society. In this informative book, Drs. Johnson and Barer present original research showing how those eighty-five and older are adapting to the daily challenges of advanced age. They also examine what competencies people in this group need to survive and continue living within the larger community.The authors address the topics of health and physical status, family and social relationships, and quality of life, as well as the implications of this increase in life expectancy for families and society. An especially interesting feature of the book are vignettes that illustrate how the oldest old perceive and interpret their world, and thereby convey the "aura of survivorship."This book will be of interest to students, researchers, and policy makers in the fields of aging and wellness.