The rapid rise in the aging population, growing understanding of mental health service needs of the aging, and the opportunity to promote mental well being among the elderly have provided the impetus for this special section of the Journal of Mental Health Administration (JMHA). The papers, selected from among those submitted for this special section, represent service developments, program case studies, applied research, and policy and management issues in delivering mental health services to the elderly. Additional articles on aging and mental health will be presented in subsequent journal issues to keep readers informed in this growing and complex area.