(I) Just one of the problems facing government policymakers and health-care professionals is widespread ignorance about responsiveness to and tolerance for drug treatments in a population of over- 65s. (II) Clinical trials for new drugs rarely address populations of old people as a sizable component. (Ill) More importantly, there has been little attempt to encourage post-market studies of existing drugs in elderly populations. (IV) But even in the medical community, there is a lack of awareness about the high suicide rate among the elderly. (V) However, as they become the biggest demographic segment in society, new opportunities will emerge for pharmaceutical and related companies.