By the early 1980s, industrialised countries had experienced a dramatic increase in the number of people who survive into old age. The provision of a high standard of health care for these elderly citizens is one of the major challenges facing health services throughout the world.

Originally published in 1982, in this book experts describe the geriatric services in Britain at the time, a country which had pioneered developments in this field over the previous thirty years. Much of the practical knowledge required to establish a service is outlined and the underlying philosophy is also discussed. The material covered includes the historical development of the services, operational policies, the team approach, orthopaedic and psychiatric services for the elderly and the social aspects of care. There is also a chapter dealing with the importance of education and research in this field.

Unique in its approach, this book would have been of considerable value to those seeking to establish a geriatric service or to improve an already established service. Today it can be read in its historical context.