The United States population is aging, and the number of people over age 85 is expected to quadruple early in the next century. Advancing age increases the likelihood of acquiring a disabling condition. By the next century, every other visit to a health provider will be made by an elderly person. Nurse practitioners will see increasing numbers of older patients. They will be called on to differentiate normal aging states from pathological conditions. A focus on promoting vigorous aging, minimizing disabling conditions, and restoring or preserving function and independence will assist the practitioner in appropriate evaluation and treatment of the elderly.