In St. Lucia there are increased proportions of elders secondary to decreasing fertility
and mortality rates and increasing life expectancy. The fact that people are living longer is a
reflection of social success; however, increasing numbers of elders (often with chronic health
problems) challenge family, social, health, political, and economic systems. Who will provide
care and how this care will be provided are at the forefront of health and social service planning
and debate. This paper describes the status of elders in St. Lucia. Expectations as well as current
care experiences of elders and villagers are described.