The far-reaching effects of the ageing of populations is being increasingly appreciated. Lengthening longevity, associated with decreasing family size, evokes rising charges, socio-economically, and on health services. Information on these and other parameters is presented for developed and developing populations. Examples are given, with lessons to be learned, of long-living segments of populations, past and present. The roles of diet, physical activity, and smoking and alcohol consumption also of attitudes, are discussed. It is concluded that if the middle-aged and elderly could be persuaded to follow long-term practices associated with good public health, then morbidity could be compressed, and disability-free years extended. However, this goal could only be achieved with a high level of motivation.
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