This book examines the worldwide growth of elderly populations and its consequences for future care, and the associated costs for this sector of the population. Living a longer life does not necessarily imply an improvement in the quality of life. Important issues concerning the overall quality of additional years gained through increase in life expectancy are addressed in this book. Progress in specific dimensions of wellbeing are described. Recent gains in knowledge are reviewed, together with advances in our understanding of falls, sensory disorders, mental health in old age, osteoporosis, incontinence, drug therapy and iatrogenic disorders. The book extends outside medical care to encompass the family, which is the key issue in developing countries, community care, nursing home and hospice care; health care services that are particularly appreciated by older people are described. It will provide readers with a knowledge base for developing policies and programs that will advance the wellbeing of the elderly people of the world.

Based around the core curriculum for specialist trainees and consultants, Oxford Case Histories in Geriatric Medicine is a valuable reference and teaching tool, which provides an opportunity for case-based learning across a rapidly growing field. This book uses well-structured and concise cases from the Oxford hospitals. Each case has associated questions on the differential diagnosis and aspects of management providing interactive learning material. Cases were chosen to illustrate specific issues of particular relevance to geratology, emphasizing the unusual or occult presentation of disease, the presence of multiple interacting pathologies, possibility for rapid deterioration, high incidence of complications of treatment, including adverse drug reactions and a need at times for difficult clinical decisions. Part of the Oxford Case Histories series, this book will be valuable reading for postgraduate trainees and consultants, and will be an essential resource for those preparing for exit examinations and revalidation. It is also the ideal tool for those who wish to improve their skills in diagnosis and management of a broad range of geriatric disorders.