The number of U.S. citizens over the age of 65 who live alone is expected to rise 21 percent over the next ten years, to more than 12 million . The nation's rapidly aging population has led to the development of a host of new business.

Two-thirds of the children of the elderly in the United Satates today have jobs and most do not live near their aging parents. Geriatric care business have sprung up to fill the gap, offering transportation, medical assistance, meals and emotional support. "Our name is Parent Services," the brochure for one company reads, "We will be there for your parents when you cannot be."In addition, new technologies are being created to enable old Americans to receive care in their own homes. Tel-Assure, a St. Louis, Missouri computer telephone service, employs a software program to check on its elderly customers twice daily. "Good morning, Phyllis. This is Tel-Assure call. If you are okay,press one on your telephone keypads,if you need assistance of someone in your caring circle, press two."If Phyllis, the elderly woman receiving that message, does not press the button to confirm she is all right , Tel-Assure calls her again ten minutes later. If there is still no response, the service alerts her family or friends. Ther voice on the computer tape belongs to Tel-Assure founder, Janet Carver, who says she addresses subscribers by their first name to make the service more personal. "We also have their birth date, so on the day of their birthday , the system knows that and wishes them a happy birthday, They look forward to the call. Whe had one person say 'I feel as if I had someone in the room with me, even though I know there isn't."

Analysts say the burgeoning new geriatric industry demonstrates that when a need arises, a bussines will rise to fulfill that need.