This book is about older people, and the contribution occupational therapy can make towards the maintenance of their health and the appropriate provision of rehabilitation and care. The aim is to help occupational therapists and those involved in the commissioning of occupational therapy services for older people to target their efforts both sensitively and effectively, and to anticipate the demands which will shape service provision in the future.

The entire work is underpinned by current evidence regarding best practice and opinions voiced by older people during several research projects undertaken by the author. The first chapters examine the experience of growing older, from both societal and individual perspectives, the factors contributing towards vulnerability in older age and the provision of services to meet needs. The second part of the book concentrates upon the occupational therapy assessment and treatment processes. The final chapter considers the challenges for occupational therapy.