This series provides students of social administration and social work with informative guides to the major areas of social policy. It is aimed at all students of social administration and social work at the beginning of their courses. Western societies have become more aware of the fact that we are an ageing society with fewer babies being born and more people surviving into old age. This book offers an account of the present situation and analyzes some of the problems and options for the future. This edition has been completely rewritten and updated. It offers a broad coverage of the subject, taking into account a wide range of literature from medicine, architecture, sociology, psychology and social policy. No previous knowledge is assumed. It is aimed at students studying degree and diploma courses in gerontology, the social sciences, medicine, nursing, social work, law and geography. It should also stimulate interest among many professions, voluntary bodies and the general public.