This study examines the views of scientists who study aging and compares them to the broader public. Scientists say the field is on the threshold of a new way of thinking, shifting focus from specific illnesses to searching to understand aging itself as a biological process. The report suggests that many of the scientists' concerns about the public's understanding of these issues emanate from political arguments or media coverage rather than actual public opinion at large. For example, researchers are generally pessimistic about public support for funding, but the research suggests the public seems to be far more supportive of basic aging research than the official political voices might lead scientists to believe. Prepared for the Alliance for Aging Research and the American Federation for Aging Research. Funded by MetLife Foundation with additional support from Atlantic Philanthropies, Ellison Medical Foundation, John A. Hartford Foundation, Pfizer Inc and Retirement Research Foundation. The report is being presented at the White House Conference on Aging.