In the 1960s and 1970s doctors were increasingly trained to apply science to the eradication of disease, the accent being on the treatment of disease rather than the true welfare of the patient. This is not the same as dealing with illness and its attendant problems.

Originally published in 1976, this book highlights the modern approach to the care of the elderly at the time, and emphasises the individual contributions of doctor, nurse, social worker and paramedical members of the team. It also stresses the important role of voluntary associations relatives and neighbours.

Much of the book is concerned with the particular medical problems which occur in the elderly and would have been of great help to the physician practising geriatric medicine at the time.

This new fourth edition of the standard textbook had been fully revised and includes additional chapters on such important and practical matters as Pensionable Retirement, Housing, Home Help Services and the scope of the Hospital Advisory Service.