ABSTRACT
There is clear evidence that the structure of the Scottish population, in common with other Western countries, has changed over the course of the twentieth century. In order to understand the process of becoming older it is therefore useful to analyse particular socio-demographic elements. This chapter examines ethnicity, financial security, class, and gender in the context of growing older. Policies regarding welfare provision for older people, in common with other sections of the population, rest on preconceived notions of community and care. The chapter explores the implications of a change in policy emphasis from residential to community care. Community care policy is considered in terms of its impact on; older people as service users and carers, on other informal carers and service providers. Local authorities do still provide home care services, but they have been compelled through legislation to seek value for money, and therefore domiciliary services are now sometimes being purchased by local authorities from voluntary and independent agencies.
