When people reach their 60's, biologically they are less capable of dealing with infection, trauma, and other stressful conditions. Visual impairment is common among the elderly, and the aging person typically experiences a decrease in ability to acquire and retain information. Today's young and middle-aged citizens have higher educational levels and possibly reading levels than their elderly counterparts. Consequently, police officers might find it necessary on occasion to explain specific government benefits to the elderly who cannot comprehend written explanations. The elderly undergo tremendous psychological stress because of vulnerability to illness, the concentrated loss of family members and friends to death, and the loss of an occupational and social identity. Introversion tends to increase with age, while depression has been found to be the most common emotional disturbance among the elderly. Alcoholism tends to be a serious problem with the elderly, and old age is a period that holds a high risk for suicide. Thirty footnotes are provided.