ABSTRACT
The effects of age on people’s physical and mental health have major implications for service planning. Indeed, the presence or absence of good health is one of the most important factors in determining the extent to which a person is capable of maintaining an independent life. In this chapter we consider the various sources of information which may help to inform service planners who are working with older people with mental handicap. It will be seen that there are many gaps in our knowledge, and a consequent need for appropriate research in a variety of topic areas.
