While there is growing awareness of the special needs and problems of older adults, little research has focused on differentiating groups within the older population. To determine whether different types of problems are more likely at specific ages within a range typically served at geriatric facilities, geriatric clinic patients in three age groups, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, were evaluated Information about patients' medical, socioeconomic (SES) and psychological problems, as perceived by staff and patients, was compared. Overall, for both patients and staff, physical problems were perceived most frequently, psychological problems next most frequently, and socioeconomic problems least frequently. Frequency of perceived physical problems did not vary significantly among patients in their 60's, 70's, or 80's. Frequencies of psychological problems were perceived less often by patients than by staff, regardless of patient age. Patients in their 80's reported psychological problems less often than younger patients. Both patients and staff perceived fewer SES problems among patients in their 80's than among those in their 60's and 70's. Exploring the degree to which these problems interfere with patients' functioning is merited. (Author/JAC)