Those aged 85 and more are currently the fastest growing age group in the US population. This is so new a phenomenon that there is little historical experience to help in interpreting it. Not only are the old living longer, but they are also growing older in markedly different ways from their predecessors.

This book represents the first thorough analysis of the qualitative, as well as the quantitative changes in our ageing society. This book is a comprehensive compendium of current knowledge and a methodologic guide to assessing future findings.