It provides a foundation for understanding and reflecting on key demographic and social trends, together with related theoretical and policy frameworks that are important in explaining changes and designing informed responses. With particular reference to countries that have the oldest or largest aged populations, the book presents a synthesis of research on population aging, new analyses of trends and a discussion of the major social policy strategies. Key topics include the new demography of aging, population health, family change, the third age, international policy concepts and strategies, and comparisons of countries.