Imagine a world without debilitating costly diseases such as Parkinson's, heart disease and diabetes. It may be possible because of research into human embryonic stem cells. These tiny biological units pack a very big punch. They have unlimited potential to divide, retain the characteristics of "young" cells and become almost any tissue in the body.

Although medical research is a major avenue to healthy aging, it is seriously under-funded. The Clinton Administration's budget for next year includes only a 1.4 percent increase in the budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), America's premier federal agency for medical research. That represents the smallest increase in the NIH budget this decade.

It would be a mistake to think that life in your 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond will resemble aging in your grandparents' generation. Discoveries in genetics and medicine, plus many changes in society are occurring at great speed and in ways that are likely to redefine health, vitality, and independence for older Americans. Scientists say many Baby Boomers will have quality of life in their mid-80s akin to what people in their 60s have today.