Old age represents a new frontier. The number of older people is increasing throughout the world. This changing demography affects individuals, but also families, communities and societies. The focus of this issue is the well-being of older adults on different continents. Scientists from around the world address this issue using a wide array of research designs and methodologies to provide a broad perspective on aging. Five topics are considered: Well-Being Among Older Adults; Social Support; Functional Status, Well-Being and Successful Aging; Cross-Cultural Approaches to the Study of Aging; and Research Perspectives in Aging. This issue clearly demonstrates that scientists have much to contribute to the goal of optimizing the experience of aging and creating a society for all ages.

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As the major global policy framework for the 1996 Gmp Machel headed United Nations Study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) holds special significance within the international community because of its pervasive attention to children's psychosocial and physical development. This article presents an overview of major findings of the Machel Study within the framework of the CRC, highlighting enabling attributes and special challenges of the CRC that bear upon the ecology of armed conflict. Psychologists have much to offer in understanding and resolving armed conflict, alleviating children's suffering, and promoting children's human rights and social transformation as essential conditions for their psychosocial development. Examples of opportunities for broader participation by psychologists are offered.The publication of the Graqa Machel United Nations (UN) Study on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children ( 1 996) has been applauded for generating international dialogue and action. Although the report does not claim to be exhaustive, it documents widespread violations of children's human rights in eight areas, including participation of children as combatants, risks from landmines, refugee and internally displaced children, sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence. The Study also addresses impacts of economic sanctions, increasing child mortality and morbidity, psychosocial impacts, and risks to children's educational development.The findings and recommendations of the Machel Study were framed by two bodies of international law: international humanitarian law and human rights law. Although these laws contain provisions that apply to a range of issues involved in protecting children's welfare, the Study establishes the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as its most comprehensive framework. It is within Requests for reprints should be sent to Corann Okorodudu,

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