The elderly tend to suffer disproportionately from many chronic dis¬orders, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, inconti¬nence, and musculoskeletal problems. Cross-national comparisons of¬fer insights into the epidemiology and etiology of many conditions as well as into the differences in care patterns. This discussion focuses on two disorders—hip fracture and dementia—and then on quality of life and long-term care issues.