Abstract

This brief chapter sets the context to this book by outlining what we mean by ‘older age’, which represents an important period of life in which health and social care needs rise substantially, and in which multiple mental and physical health problems are common and interacting, often compounded by social isolation. We discuss the recent and projected demographic changes, and the transitions which can accompany growing older. We discuss the current context in which health and social care is provided, particularly in the United Kingdom, and the challenges faced, including inequity of access to care, particularly for mental health problems. We outline the recent policies which aim to reduce this inequity of access, against which provision of care for older people with mental health problems is organised.