Katz (sociology, Trent U., Peterborough, Ontario) presents this interdisciplinary collection of 11 essays, generated between 1994 and 2004, to expand the limited number of critical theory gerontology texts. Part one examines how life course patterns have historically been treated in such realms as medicine, government policy, handbooks on aging, and studies of creativity. The second half explores how senior identities are shaped by such lifestyle markets as Viagra and Sun Belt retirement communities. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)