A comparison of offending among age groups showed that the elderly are less prone to crime and that elderly offending is not increasing faster than crime rates for other groups. In addition, arrest rates of the elderly were found to decline in two communities as a result of the creation of community alternatives for alcohol-related offenses. Two studies of elderly offenders found variations in the patterns of lawbreaking by age, race, sex, and settlement area (urban, suburban, rural). Profiles are offered of the elderly shoplifter and the elderly violent offender, and comparisons with their younger counterparts are made. The implications of diversion for elderly offenders are examined in the context of a study of a California program. A laboratory study found that elderly offenders are perceived less negatively than adult and juvenile offenders. Finally, a literature review examines the extent to which the alleged increase in elderly offending constitutes a social problem. Chapter tables, figures, notes, and references.