In view of the ever-increasing fraction of older adults, understanding the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases has become a matter of urgent necessity. Gerontology, the oldest journal in the field, is also the only journal that responds to this need by drawing topical contributions from multiple disciplines to support the fundamental goals of extending active life and enhancing its quality. The range of papers is classified into five sections. In the Clinical Section, the aetiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of age-related diseases are discussed from a gerontological rather than a geriatric viewpoint. The Experimental Section contains up-to-date contributions from basic gerontological research. Papers dealing with behavioural development and related topics are placed in the Behavioural Science Section.