The aging of our society is not merely a possibility, contingent on future increases in life expectancy; it is a certainty driven by well-defined factors, including the aging of the unprecedented baby-boom generation, dramatic reductions in fertility rates at or near the replacement level, and increases in life expectancy. Demographic projections indicate that about 10,000 people in the United States will turn 65 every day for the next 19 years. By 2035, the U.S. population will consist of more people over 65 than under 15 years of age. Current political debate and public policies are often premised on myths rather than solid scientific evidence about the challenges and opportunities of an aging society. Science has an important role to play in helping the nation to adapt to the challenges of the coming dramatic demographic transition and emerge as a productive and equitable society. Speakers in this symposium will address myths and facts about aging societies as well as research on individual capacities across the life course, intergenerational synergies based on these capacities, alternative institutions and policies based on international comparisons, and the cost of the growing gap in health and opportunity between rich and poor in America.