Aging is a continuum which begins at birth and ends at death. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to the study of aging as a part of developmental psychology. The individual is a biological organism as well as a member of society. Biological adjustments to life are affected by physical changes which influence motives and emotions. Some of the changes are obvious and some are not. Social influences affect intelligence, ability, and skill, whereas heredity determines the foundation which is modified as a result of experience. Thus it becomes necessary to arrange the physical and social environment to facilitate the optimum functioning of the aging. The opportunities and challenges to work with the aging are great. It will be for those in the future to continue improving the quality and quantity of services available to all mankind. (Author)