New Books Network Deborah Carr, "Aging in America" (U California Press, 2023)
Nov 28, 2025
Deborah Carr, a sociologist and professor at Boston University, discusses her book on aging in America, which reveals the complexities of our aging population. She highlights the evolving definition of old age and how cultural shifts influence perceptions. Carr dives into the impact of policies like Social Security on elder poverty and contrasts perspectives on aging, from disengagement to lifelong activity. She also explores the diversity within older demographics and the vital contributions they make to society, challenging outdated myths about aging.
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Chronological Age Hides Life Course Differences
- Age 65 is a statistical cutoff but chronological age masks wide biological differences across social groups.
- Deborah Carr shows education, occupation, and wealth shape how “old” a body feels long before retirement.
Social Safety Nets Transformed Old Age
- Before Social Security, families or poorhouses supported frail older adults, producing widespread hardship.
- Carr emphasizes the Social Security Act (1935) fundamentally reduced elder poverty and dependence on family.
Engagement Beats Forced Withdrawal
- Early theories framed aging as either retreat (disengagement) or continued participation (activity).
- Carr argues modern practice favors meaningful, choice-driven engagement over one-size-fits-all programs.
