The world is facing an unprecedented increase
in life expectancy and this phenomena posseses
important social, cultural and public policy
implications. This presentation addresses the
population consequences of population aging and
the challenges and issues which all nations must
face. The United States, in particular, reflects
the aging of societies and presents a unique
model of how an advanced multi-cultural nation
adapts to the growth of its older population,
increases in longevity, and the resultant impacts
on its social, political and financial institutions.
Particular attention in this presentation is given
 

to the nexus of aging and diversity and the
unparalleled trends of longevity and the
growth of immigrant, minority and ethnic
populations in the U.S. with differential
patterns of individual and group longevity.
Lessons for developed and developing nations,
particularly those in the Pacific Rim, are drawn
from the U.S. experience. The 21st century
will witness an unprecedented event in the
aging of the world's population. An
understanding of these demographic changes
and increased longevity can guide
governmental and private sector responses.