With continuing declines in death rates among
older people, the proportion aged 80 or older
is rising quickly, and more people are living
past 100. The limits to life expectancy and
lifespan are not as obvious as once thought.
And there is mounting evidence from crossnational
data that—with appropriate policies
and programs—people can remain healthy
and independent well into old age and can
continue to contribute to their communities
and families.