Sue Thomas and Dr Doug MacHahon start a new series to improve understanding of the issue affecting older people in today's health service.

Sue Thomas RGN, RM, DN, CPT, BA(Hons) Health Visiting, is Nursing Policy and Practice Adviser, Royal College of Nursing, London.
Dr Doug MacMahon FRCP, is Consultant Physician with Special Responsibility for the Elderly, Combourne Redruth Community Hospital, Redruth, Cornwall.

Article accepted for publication November 2000.