People aged 65 and over, and particularly the "old old," i.e., 75 and over, are the fastest growing age group in the United States. This group numbers 25 million in 1980, 11% of the population, with women outnumbering men by 5 million. Although a quarter of the federal budget goes to their support, poor coordination among federal programs for the elderly means that only three percent benefit from government housing programs and 33% remain ill-housed. Nearly 25% live near or below the poverty level. The impact of inflation on fixed retirement incomes may discourage early retirement and force many older adults back to work. Although elderly Americans are healthier than ever before, many over age 75 need long-term health care. Financial coverage for home care is extremely limited under current Medicare and Medicaid regulations. Future shifts in policy for the elderly may include increasing the eligible age for retirement benefits, encouraging greater pre-retirement savings, and shoring up the support network of family and friends. Growing problems of the elderly in less developed nations will be the focus of the United Nations World Assembly on the Aging in 1982. (Author/NRB)