Population ageing is frequently regarded in the media and elsewhere as a financial and social crisis as increasing numbers of frail aged people place greater and greater burdens on an already strained system of health, aged care and social security. In this article, the authors examine some of the myths and realities for current and future generations of older people, and argue that the ageing phenomenon is not necessarily the crisis often portrayed in the media. The International Year of Older Persons provides an opportunity to overcome the negative stereotyping of ageing, and to recognise the positive contribution older people make to their families and the community.