This in-depth study of why aging in America is considered a “problem” scrutinizes how our values and ethics have shaped attitudes, behaviors and service provisions to older persons. It is demonstrated that the kinds of lives open to older persons in contemporary society are less determined by biological, psychological and social factors than they are by the attitudes and values developed over the lifespan. The importance of the spiritual aspects of life are given particular attention in this volume, which strikes at the root of the problematic nature of growing old in contemporary society. Areas explored include the aesthetic dimension of life, along with political participation, the sense of history, and self-determination in health care and life and death issues.