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June 25, 2003
California/Milbank Books on Health and the Public
Lisa I. Iezzoni
Co-published with and distributed by the University of California Press
Publication
May 7, 2024
May 6, 2024
Apr 10, 2024
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366 pages Paper $31.95 Ebook $31.95
Roughly one in ten adult Americans find their walking slowed by progressive chronic conditions like arthritis, back problems, heart and lung diseases, and diabetes. In this passionate and deeply informed book, Lisa I. Iezzoni describes the personal experiences of and societal responses to adults whose mobility makes it difficult for them to live as they wish—partly because of physical and emotional conditions and partly because of persisting societal and environmental barriers.
Basing her conclusions on personal experience, a wealth of survey data, and extensive interviews with dozens of people from a wide social spectrum, Iezzoni explains who has mobility problems and why; how mobility difficulties affect people’s physical comfort, attitudes, daily activities, and relationships with family and friends throughout their communities; strategies for improving mobility; and how the health care system addresses mobility difficulties, providing and financing services and assistive technologies.
Iezzoni claims that, although strategies exist to improve mobility, many people do not know where to turn for advice. She addresses the need to inform policymakers about areas where changes will better accommodate people with difficulty walking. This straightforward and engaging narrative clearly demonstrates that improving people’s ability to move freely and independently will enhance overall health and quality of life, not only for these persons, but also for society as a whole.
Reviews
“[Iezzoni] conveys a high degree of authenticity in her writing and a convincing combination of personal experience and professional expertise. . . .An interesting and enlightening read.”—Susan M. Allen, Health Affairs
“In this wonderful book, Lisa Iezzoni opens a window to the overlooked world of people with mobility problems. . . . An appendix of resources enhances this useful, interesting, and well-written book, which contains more than enough information to qualify as a textbook but is fast and enjoyable to read.”—New England Journal of Medicine
