The 20th century has seen average life expectancy in the United States move from under 50 years to over 70 years. Coupled with this increase in average life expectancy is the aging of the 76.4 million persons born between 1946 and 1964. As they approach retirement, these baby-boomers will have to balance their own needs with those of living…

There has been little comment in the hospice literature about the special problems of the elderly. Promotes the continued refinement of hospice concepts and practices in relation to both disease and age. (Author/CMG)

The improvement and expansion of health care for our older population must now be a major priority of all health care providers. All allied health professionals should strive to learn more about the processes of aging and translate this knowledge into specialized services and medical care for older people. (Author/CT)

Examines the current status of self-care and self-help as they relate to health, and explores their potential in enhancing the health of the elderly. It is based on a review of the literature, and reports from self-care conferences and interviews with individuals interested and active in the field. (Author)

This address by the Director of the National Institute on Aging is a plea for the recognition of the necessity of fundamental research on the aging process. It cautions that new scientific discoveries need to be evaluated more carefully before they are used on humans, and warns that the effects of drugs and treatments on older people may vary from…