Introduction: social and cultural diversity of the oldest-old

This introduction describes a volume devoted to a much neglected topic and population, the social and cultural diversity among individuals eighty-five years old and older. Four articles come from the San Francisco 85+

1) comparisons by Colleen Johnson between whites and African Americans in socioeconomic status, health, and other outcomes; 2) Barbara Barer's analysis of gender differences in the stressors faced in late-life; 3) Charlotte Perry and Colleen Johnson's examination of the families of oldest-old African Americans; 4) Lillian Troll's analysis of white families. The fifth article by Gloria Clayton on rural/urban differences comes from the Georgia Centenarian STUDY. Finally the volume concludes with a commentary by Leonard Pearlin that places these studies into the broader context of aging research.