In today's western societies, it is quite common for nearly a quarter of the population to be retired, for fewer babies to be born than is required to sustain the size of the population and for life expectancy to exceed eighty years old. This book provides an in-depth overview of the key issues arising from this demographic change, examining the universal characteristics of aging and what makes old age unique in the contemporary world. The author also examines issues ranging from the social construction, diversity and identity of old age to areas of social conflict over population, pensions and the medicalization of old age. Vincent's examination is both timely and much-needed.