This paper provides information for the use of leaders concerned with the development of proposals and recommendations for national policy consideration and by delegates to the National White House Conference on Aging. The first four sections discuss the nature of the need for meaningful roles and activities in retirement, identify goals proposed by previous conferences and groups, present information on the knowledge available with respect to the retirement activities of older people, and identify gaps in meeting such needs. The fifth section of the paper identifies several major issues relevant to improving the retirement activities of older people. The issues were formulated for the purpose of focusing discussion on the development of recommendations looking toward the adoption of national policies aimed at meeting the activity and role needs of the older population. A bibliography is included. (CK)