The aging of America, as well as of the entire world, will have wide-ranging consequences on our society, economy, government, and our own lives. Everyone will be affected in some way by this demographic change. Untold opportunities and challenges will present themselves. A shortage of clinicians and paid caregivers will put greater strain on our health care system. Ensuring the health and welfare of our nation, including those who are most vulnerable, will require a reassessment of personal and governmental priorities. It is likely that more of the caregiver burden will be shifted to families and informal caregiving networks and more of the financial burden for long-term care will shift from government onto the private sector. Necessary increases in government spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, even if individual benefits decrease, will result in decreased discretionary spending by state and federal governments. There will also be a greater burden on local governments and communities to meet the needs of a growing number of older adults. Nevertheless, the opportunity for many to live longer, better lives is a real possibility.