ABSTRACT
Older adults have been a relatively neglected group in the field of developmental psychology; only in the 1970s did interest surge in this phase of the life cycle. The same has been true in the health care fields. Despite the economic burden of medical expenses, older persons' use of health resources is significantly higher than that of other adults. The increased use of health care resources is especially pronounced among those aged 85 and over. The time of life termed "aging" conventionally begins at age 65, a demarcation point selected by Bismarck in the 1880s for legislation concerning retirement pensions. A major investigation of public beliefs concerning old age and older persons was conducted by Louis Harris and Associates for the National Council on Aging. Aging is a complex, multidimensional process that begins at conception. It may be divided into three major types: biological, psychological, and social.
