This volume is a practical resource for all those responsible for caring for older people across health and social care. It provides a comprehensive and holistic approach helping nurses, therapists and social care professionals to better understand the impact of ageing upon the person and wider society. A unique feature of this text is the focus upon positive ageing and the attempt to dispel and challenge some of the myths, prejudices and negative attitudes that still prevail towards ageing and older people. A key objective of the book is to introduce practitioners to some of the neglected or under-addressed aspects of ageing such as spirituality, sexuality, and LGBT.Chapters are written in an engaging and interactive style and where appropriate draw upon case  studies and scenarios to maximize engagement developing competence, by informing knowledge, attitudes and skills.  The text introduces the practitioner to key dimensions of what it is to be a person, physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually and how these contribute to the ageing process and can enhance the quality of life of older people.Irrespective of whether one cares for older people in an acute hospital setting or domiciliary, home care, this text will be of relevance. The material and content transcend health and social care boundaries, providing valuable, contemporary evidence that can inform and shape practice. Above all this text will encourage reflection, dialogue and engagement with some fundamental aspects of ageing, challenging, attitudes, values and behaviour so that a more positive and balanced insight towards ageing is fostered. This book will ensure that self-awareness and professional practice are enriched and informed and the practitioner has a holistic understanding of ageing that will enable them to care for older people with compassion, dignity and respect.

Foreword.- Preface.- Chapter 1. Physiology and ageing.- Chapter 2. Life history of older people.- Chapter 3. Spiritual care/existential care.- Chapter 4. The psychology of ageing.- Chapter 5. LBG/Sexuality and ageing.- Chapter 6. Acute care settings.- Chapter 7. Nutrition, thriving, mealtimes.- Chapter 8. Continuity of care.- Chapter 9. Palliative care and end of life care.- Chapter 10. Social issues and ageing.- Chapter 11. Legal and ethical aspects.- Chapter 12. Inspection, governance and quality.- Chapter 13. Contemporary developments.- Afterword.