These conference proceedings contain nine theme papers from a conference on the University of the Third Age (U3A); the concept of positive aging; and new directions in political thinking, education, health, and social services. An introduction by the conference coordinator, Geoff Cawthorne, begins the volume. The papers are as follows: "Positive Ageing: Developments in Services for Older Persons in New South Wales" (Gillian McPhee); "U3A in Australia: Who Are We, What Do We Want, What Are the Benefits?" (Rick Swindell); "Cognitive Change in Later Life" (Michael Dunne); "Consultations with Older People as Part of Policy Making in the Commonwealth Department of Community Services and Health" (Harold Wilkinson); "Council on the Ageing: An Organization for All Older People" (Heather Johnson); "Healthprint: A Natural History of Health for Older People" (Deborah Saltman); "Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks" (Ray Morland); "Normal Ageing and Intelligence" (Lazar Stankov); and "Comparison of Some Disease Prevalence Rates in People over 60 Years of Age from Beijing and a Selected Rural Area" (Tong Zhi-fu). Two workshop presentations address practical topics: "How to Use the Media" (Liz McLaughlin) and "Course Preparation and Training" (Susan Skidmore). (YLB)