Ageing, Healthy and in Control challenges conventional approaches to meeting the health needs of older people. It examines the neglect, despair and pessimism that so often surrounds the subject. Medicalization of caring for older people, which so often appears to remove them from personality responsibility for their own health is also discussed. The book recommends that older people, sometimes with the support of carers, take a more pro-active role in the maintenance of health as they grow older. It does this by: critically examining the role of conventional medical ideas and practice, particularly in relation to the health of older people; rejecting the idea of self help through exercise, nutrition, continuing social engagement, and the adoption of practical, preventative measures in individual lifestyle; and examining the potential value and benefit to older people of many alternative medical disciplines, such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture and others. This text should appeal to professional and family carers, including nursing staff, health visitors, social workers, residential and day care staff, occupational therapists, wardens in sheltered housing schemes, family carers and older people themselves.