ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrate on a critical evaluation of existing theories and practices that relate to life-course concepts, and the social construction of age and ageism. It discusses positive implications for assessment practice in relation to the critical auto/biography (CA/B) framework, together with an awareness of the consequences for professional intervention. The aim of the CA/B framework is to support and build on the best practice of experienced women workers who have used their judgement and experience of life to make sensible assessments with their users and carers in difficult circumstances. The difficulty of making good assessments in the time available, and with the inevitable bureaucratic constraints of strict eligibility criteria, followed by lengthy pro formas and assessment schedules which must be completed are major practical issues, which are also discussed. The chapter also examines the connections between some recent developments of social theory about age and the idea of CA/B method as a basis for assessment of older people.
