The aging of population is a world-wide phenomenon bearing important policy implications for both developing and developed nations. The health programme for the elderly in the years 1990 to 1995 will focus on approaches leading to the well-being of aged persons. This might be achieved by reducing their functional dependency due to the deterioration of their health, social and economic status. This objective will be realized through the following approaches: --support to Member States in the formulation and implementation of policies promoting the well-being of the elderly; --data collection and information dissemination important to decision making, service planning and policy formulation; --cooperation with national programmes in organising comprehensive care systems for the elderly including training components; --promotion of research directed towards the well-being of the elderly; --development or adaptation, when applicable, of technologies appropriate for the elderly in developing countries; --encouragement of multilateral international collaboration for the well-being of the elderly.