Intended for journalists, this sourcebook contains background information on aging and the problems of the aged. Arranged into two major parts, the sourcebook contains 10 chapters. The first part provides a summary of facts and ideas that should be known to reporters whose stories are related directly or indirectly to aging. Chapter 1 makes the point that demographic and other information can tell us much about aging, but that diversity abounds among elders. Chapter 2 examines myths concerning old age. Chapter 3 describes major legislation dealing with aging since 1960. Ageism is the focus of chapter 4. The second part of the document discusses information sources on aging and suggests newsworthy approaches and topics. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 list and describe governmental agencies, private organizations, and academic centers that provide information on aging. Chapter 8 discusses investigative reporting related to aging. Chapter 9 gives examples of journalistic initiatives related to aging. The concluding chapter, chapter 10, reviews two principles that journalists must keep in mind: (1) journalsists should localize their stories about aging, and (2) they should give the stories the thought and research they deserve. Regional and state gerontological societies are listed in the appendix. (RM)