Examining the care of older people from a holistic viewpoint, Ruth Bright argues that all of geriatric care - physical, psychological, spiritual and psycho-social - is or should be, intended to improve the overall quality of life for older people, so that they can actively enjoy life and do not simply have to endure it until death comes as a relief. To this end the text discusses the many different challenges that an older person might face, including physical difficulties, psychiatric problems, mental retardation and the impact that a life long disability can have, particularly when it accelerates the ageing process. The book also discusses cultural aspects of ageing and uses case studies to provide illustrative examples of how and why quality of life can and should be improved.