In this paper, basic socio-economic and demographic data about the elderly are presented. Since the younger elderly are more active and have better health than previous generations and since the older elderly comprise the group likely to make most demands on society, the paper concentrates mainly on those aged 75 and over. The demography of the elderly is considered by way of introduction, followed by more specific topics of particular interest for the group in question, such as finance, household composition, institutions and service, health and family structure. In conclusion, the inter-action between the public sector, the private sector, the independent sector (volunteers) and the family (social) network is considered in relation to ensuring acceptable quality of life for elderly persons in Denmark.