This chartbook, developed for participants in the 1981 White House Conference on Aging, depicts past, present, and projected developments in demographics, economics, and other areas to explain the size and makeup of the older population and its economic and social roles in society. Each of the 70 charts, classified under seven headings, includes a discussion of the topic. The Overview section provides statistics on such topics as the numerical growth of the older population and racial and ethnic makeup; the employment charts illustrate the composition of the labor force and retirement trends. The third section, Income, provides charts of income trends, poverty rates, and social security. The section on Health gives charts for mortality trends, mental health, and health care costs. Charts in the Family section focus on such topics as the changing family structure, living arrangements, and nursing home residents. The Physical Environment section contains charts for housing, transportation, and crime victimization. The final section, "Continued Social and Economic Involvement in the Community," looks at voting patterns, educational attainment, volunteers, and leisure activities. A supplement to this chartbook is included that contains updates and corrections. (NRB)