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Those aged 85 and over are currently the fastest growing age group in the U.S. population. This is so new a phenomenon that there is little in 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. Since the burden of morbidity and the corresponding use of health services is exceedingly high for this age group, the potential demographic transition will have profound effects on health and social security systems. This book represents the first thorough analysis of the qualitative, as well as the quantitative, changes in our ageing society. Contributions from diverse fields of population studies, biomedical sciences, health services research, and public policy are combined to illuminate our understanding of ageing as a complex and dynamic process. This book is a comprehensive compendium of current knowledge and a methodologic guide to assessing future findings. The Oldest Old advocates only that good science, from a range of basic and applied disciplines, must inform our research and policy agendas to critically integrate the results of continuing research.