ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a unique perspective by writing about learning in later life from a social work and social care lens as well as inviting those writing in the field of gerontology and specifically educational gerontology field. It examines what opportunities might be present within care services and public services in general for older people using social care to capitalise on the skills and knowledge they might need to achieve more person-centred support. The book builds towards developing a sound and detailed theoretical basis from which authors work with older people can be enriched. It draws on the work of Habermas whose paradigms of strategy-oriented and identity-oriented analysis are embedded in his theory of communicative action. The book finds mechanisms in care settings that engage with learning in a way that will improve the quality of responses to older people's support needs.
