This book explores many of these aspects of ageing in Ireland today. It is envisaged that it will serve as an appraisal of policy developments to date and as a point of departure for future challenges. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students eager to familiarise themselves with the challenges for older people, their families, service providers and policy makers. It is a resource for those approaching gerontology for the first time and introduces conceptual and theoretical writings on ageing.The book is pertinent to a range of training courses for social workers, psychologists, doctors, nurses and care workers and the same professional groups employed in working with older people. It has relevance for the vast array of agencies engaged in policy creation and implementation in this area. Each chapter addresses a specific area of social policy, forming a complete unit in itself. Taken together, the chapters provide the reader with a readily accessible and wide-ranging overview of ageing and social policy in Ireland.