Few people are conditioned in the middle years to cope with the prospect of old age and retirement. If public libraries could act as the liaison in this transition, perhaps more people would be prepared to lead productive lives after age 65. Public libraries set aside sections for children and young adults but fail to do the same for the elderly. This age group has very little to occupy their time or mind after retirement, and many regress to the point of turning their energy inward, which can result in psychosomatic disorders, death wishes, or depression. This energy could be channeled into continued education, pursuit of a new interest, or interchange of knowledge. The public library could and would be the most logical coordinator of such a program. A bibliography is inserted at the end of each chapter with a glossary and list of available literature appended. (DS)