“Elder Care Gaps” addresses one of society's most pressing challenges: the unprecedented demographic shift toward an aging population and our collective unpreparedness for its implications. By 2050, a quarter of Americans will be over 65, creating unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, families, and economic structures.
The book weaves together comprehensive research, including multi-country studies and hundreds of interviews, to examine the triple crisis of financial burdens, caregiver shortages, and emotional challenges facing families caring for elderly relatives.
The narrative progresses through three distinct sections, beginning with an analysis of economic realities that particularly impact middle-class families—those caught between qualifying for assistance and affording quality care. Through careful examination of retirement savings, healthcare costs, and hidden caregiving expenses, the book illuminates how different nations approach elder care, offering valuable comparative insights.
The middle section delves into social and emotional aspects of aging, while the final portion presents practical solutions, from policy reforms to innovative community-based care models. What sets this work apart is its methodical, evidence-based approach combined with accessible prose that makes complex concepts understandable for diverse audiences.
Rather than viewing elder care as solely a family or government responsibility, it advocates for a collaborative solution involving multiple stakeholders. The book serves both as a scholarly resource and practical guide, offering actionable strategies for readers ranging from family caregivers to policymakers, while maintaining a clear focus on developed nations and their specific challenges in addressing the elder care crisis.
