Population aging often provokes fears of impending social security deficits, uncontrollable medical expenditures, and transformations in living arrangements, but public policy could also stimulate social innovations. These issues are typically studied at the national level; yet they must be resolved where most people live--in diverse neighborhoods in cities.

New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo are the four largest cities among the wealthiest, most developed nations of the world. The essays commissioned for this volume compare what it is like to grow older in these cities with respect to health care, quality of life, housing, and long-term care. The contributors look beyond aggregate national data to highlight the importance of how local authorities implement policies.

Michael K. Gusmano is Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. They co-direct the World Cities Project at the International Longevity Center--USA.

Victor G. Rodwin is Professor of Health Policy and Management, Wagner School, New York University.