This monograph purports that American society limits the behavior of older individuals based on the arbitrary criterion of chronological age and proposes the concept of empowerment--gaining a sense of personal power or control over over's life--as the antidote for older persons who face devalued status as they age and the for the accompanying drop in self-esteem and self-worth. The concept of empowerment is explored in detail, developmental issues, the key to understanding the aging process are reviewed, and empowerment strategies are discussed through a holistic wellness model. Chapter 1 looks at aging and the need for empowerment, considering: demographic changes, gender and aging, health and disability, and the social context of aging. Chapter 2 examines self-efficacy and empowerment and presents models of helping and empowerment, while chapter 3 focuses on developmental and transition theories for later life. Chapter 4 concentrates on reactions to late life stress, looking at mental health and aging, the social breakdown syndrome, and psychological components of social breakdown. Chapter 5 suggests strategies for reversing the breakdown syndrome by presenting the social reconstruction model and discussing societal, psychological, and other aspects of reconstruction. Overcoming learned helplessness and perceived lack of control and coping with depression and discouragement are also addressed. Stages of the empowerment process are outlined. The final chapter considers empowerment through developmental approaches, with an emphasis on wellness. (NB)