ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the status of the aged at the end of the twentieth century, and also examines the ethical issues faced by them and those who care for them. It shows how health care professionals can be educated to cope with issues of death and bereavement. The book discusses whether patient autonomy is always a blessing and whether or not lifting some of the burden of autonomy might be the nobler thing to do. It also examines the importance of physicians attending to their own needs as well as the sources of strength for health care professionals. The book describes specific issues that the aged and the dying, and those who care for them face beginning with illness, moving through dying, to the ensuing grief.
