ABSTRACT
Health is a matter of prime importance for older people because it is staying reasonably well, among other things, that helps them to remain independent. As has been seen in Chapter 2, a common view of ageing is of a steady decline in physical and mental powers. Professional workers can be particularly prone to this negative view, since it is those who are ill and frail whom they normally meet. This chapter concentrates on physical health (see Chapter 9 for mental health). Throughout this chapter it must be remembered that there are often variations which include gender and social class.
