In the 1980s much research into the needs of the elderly was undertaken from the perspective of a 'sickness' model, a model which reinforced labels of elderly people as frail, disabled, dependent and economically unproductive. Few studies adopted a positive attitude to ageing and elderly people.

Originally published in 1986, reissued here with a new preface, this book helped to redress this imbalance by focusing on the theme of independence, examined particularly from the perspective of current housing and social policies relating to elderly people at the time. The author looks at sheltered housing in detail, including discussion of alarm systems, 'staying put' schemes and residential homes. The book was essential reading for academics and practitioners in the health and social welfare fields with a concern for the elderly and the ways in which they could retain a meaningful independence.