This book looks at the historical background to the law's approach to ageing, focusing on questions such as:

• Has the law promoted ageism? 
• How well has the law protected older people against discrimination, abuse and social exclusion?
• How effective will new prohibitions on age discrimination be when they come into force?

Themes include the ways in which the law has a distinct impact on the lives of older people, human rights, housing, finance, health and social care, discrimination, crime, abuse and the state's reaction, and poverty and social exclusion.