Written in English and Spanish, this document contains the proceedings of the 14th International Congress of Gerontology on concerns about the impact of rapid social change on the well-being of older women and families in Latin American and the Caribbean and about effective programs that address the needs of the older populations. The first section includes three plenary papers: "Population Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean: Implications for Policy-Makers and Practitioners" (Margaret Joan Anstee); "The Current Situation, Limitations, and Potential Role of Social Security Schemes for Income Maintenance and Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: Focus on Women" (Carmelo Mesa-Lago); and "Informal Sectors of the Economy: Development Potential for the Aging" (Dunja Pastizzi Ferencic). The second section contains summaries of four workshops: (1) health promotion, prevention, and community-based care; (2) providing shelter; (3) improving the economic situation of older persons; and (4) new roles for older persons. Two additional papers offer cross-cultural views: "Empowerment of Older Women: Evidence from Historical and Contemporary Sources" (Elsa M. Chaney) with a summary of the subsequent discussion; and "Issues of Cross-Cultural Transferability of Model Programs for the Aged" (Luise M. Margolies). (KC)