1. Does our society take advantage of the wisdom and experience of older people? How might the aged be encouraged to share their wisdom with younger generations?

2. What stereotypes of the aged might be founded in the symptoms of age-related mental disorders? What do these stereotypes say about our society?

3. You are a professional gerontologist who has been asked to help a local social agency address the high incidence of depression among aging women. What suggestions would you make?

4. Contrast the experiences of two older people you know; one who copes well with the challenges of aging and one who doesn't. How might their personalities affect their ability to cope?

5. Could failure to resolve a conflict that is central to adult development affect a person's ability to cope in old age? If you were a researcher in the sociology of aging, how would you find out?

6. Discuss the "caregiver burden"

7. After reading about assisted living facilities, which three (3) aspects or amenities would be most comforting and enjoyable to the older residence in your opinion? Why?