Each year the population of aging adults increases dramatically. Today there are more than 35 million persons aged 65 years and older. That's approximately 13% of the population. In the United States, every 7.6 seconds, another "baby boomer" turns 50 years old. 1 One in every five Americans will be over 65 by the year 2030, doubling today's statistics. 2 The increase in life span will have a tremendous effect on society, especially the health care system. Research will help us better understand the aging process, provide better care for the needs of the elderly, and encourage us to look to a brighter future.

Research in senescence is providing new information about the aging process and cognition as well as innovations for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and other dementias. Additional training of health care professionals about aging is necessary in order to provide a greater wealth of knowledge to deal with the complex issues of this age cohort. More courses in geriatrics will have to be taught and brought to the community to address the needs of the elderly. Research demonstrates that some of the risk factors for aging include smoking, alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status, depression, lack of exercise, and ethnicity other than White. 1 With advances in medical technology, we will continue to see the life span increase. We will also face greater challenges as the number of people over the age of 80 living alone, especially women, increases. While many older people do well, some suffer from clinical depression, alcoholism, loneliness, and poverty. 2

The future is not so bleak, however. Through continued research on the health of older Americans, we find that many are seeking ways to improve their quality of living through exercise, better eating habits, and greater social networks. In a ten-year study, the MacArthur Foundation found that "successful aging was found to be largely determined not by genetic inheritance but by individual lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, pursuit of mental challenges, self-sufficiency and involvement with other people." 1^(p11) The stereotype of the older person is also being challenged by the many older Americans who want to work and who continue to work. In fact, because of baby boomers' desire to be healthy and fit for as long as possible, we will see even greater numbers of older people living productive, healthier lives and continuing to contribute to society. I am optimistic that the future of aging is a good one and with greater emphasis on aging research tremendous strides will be made. We will all be able to live fuller, more productive lives in the future.

This issue of Family and Community Health (26:3) contains a wealth of information about projects, programs, and coalitions that have demonstrated an ability to make a difference in the way in which our communities provide attention and service to their older adult members. What is most useful is the practicality and applicability of these articles to the work going on at present. Central to each article in the way in which coalitions and partnerships have been developed and sustained over time to serve older adults. I hope you will find these articles useful and relevant to your work.

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