As people are living longer, the older population is growing exponentially throughout the world. In the United States, in 1999, 14 percent of the country's population was 65 years of age and older. Among these 36 million people, nearly 5 million were aged 85 and older. Yet even more startling are the Census Bureau's projections for the years ahead. The Bureau predicts that in the year 2030, 70 million people will be 65+! Our current perception of what aging is will be shattered as these millions enter their mature years.

However, longevity is a double-edged sword. With lengthened years comes increased threat of chronic diseases and impairments, imposing limitations on what older people can do for themselves, especially if they live alone. And most do. In 1997, only 4 percent of the older population lived in nursing homes; nearly one-third over 65 lived alone and the proportion of those 85+ living alone is even greater. The quality of life in the later years may be diminished for millions if illness, chronic conditions or injuries limit the ability for self-care.