Modernization of societies is accompanied by a demographic transition which results in the aging of popula tions. Yet, modernization also results in a lowered status for older people. The salient aspects of modernization which pro duce this effect are held to be: (1) the application of modern technology in the fields of health and economics, (2) urbaniza tion and (3) education. Each of these factors sets in motion a chain reaction which tends to undermine the status of the aged. However, there are some signs that this trend is being reversed in the most modernized societies.

Dissimilarity Indexes were computed for 241 Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 1970 measuring the dissimilarity of residential distribution between the population 65 and over and the population under 65. When possible comparable indexes were also computed for the same areas for 1960, 1950, and 1940. The pattern of age segregation in 1970 was analyzed and trends were computed from 1940--1970. The average DI in 1970 was 23.1 with a range from 10.9 to 44.4. The highest segregation was found in rapidly growing SMSAs, particularly in the West and South, and in areas with major military or educational institutions which fostered aggregations of age-homogeneous populations. A trend toward increased age segregation was found, especially in the period of rapid urban sprawl during the 1950s. The main factor conducive to age segreation was growth and differentiation accompanying it, although the presence of higher proportions of aged retarded the process and high proportions of nonwhites accelerated it.

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DARYL EVANS received his ph.D. from the University of Colorado. He spent an extended period observing and interviewing mentally retarded people, their parents, and allied professionals. He recently released a film on the issues surrounding a retarded man's movement to a community-based residential setting. In addition to serving as a consultant of federal residential grants, and numerous state service delivery task forces dealing with mental handicaps, he has a book forthcoming on the lives of mentally retarded people. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas with research and teaching interests in medical sociology, mental retardation, and rural health.

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