Abstract
Demography is of great importance for those involved in caring for the elderly or in planning services. Current and future variations in the proportions of elderly people around the world are reviewed. Determinants of age structure are considered, and aging and aged populations are defined and discussed. Consequences of population aging extend into every sphere of life; particular attention is paid to the health service and economic implications. Attitudes to population aging and some of the special characteristics of the elderly in the West today are also considered. Probable future trends in developed and less developed parts of the world are discussed.

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