Diana Laskin Siegal

One of the series of books on women's health sponsored by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective, this is their first publication specifically targeted at older women. As has been their habit, the articles are well balanced and current, relating the latest in research and treatments. The obvious headline topics such as breast cancer, menopause, and heart disease are included, as well as more general topics, such as the excellent piece on genes and disease by Ruth Hubbard, co-author of Exploding the Gene Myth. This book and its companion, The New Our Bodies, Ourselves, are two very good places to start when looking at women's health issues. (February 1995)… (meer)

Book is dated but contains much useful information as well as references and resources leading to more information. This is a feel-good, sharing book. The content is interspersed with quotes from other women sharing real experiences. The text does not have to be read in its entirety. Chapters cover all areas of aging--social interaction and relationships, psychological well being, menopause, sexuality, birth control and childbearing, nutrition and weight, exercise, housing alternatives, work and retirement, money matters for retiring women, and the responsibility of care giving. In the section on the types of medical problems affect quality of life, the author provides details about dealing with the medical system, nursing homes, arthritis, osteoporosis, dental health, urinary incontinence, hysterectomies, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, gallstones, hearing and seeing loses, memory loss, and dying.… (meer)