The purpose of the book is to raise awareness of and to explore the opportunities which the self-help and self-health movements provide. These movements defend state provision and supplement it in ways which empower older people rather than impose dependency upon them. The book is needed not only to raise awareness amongst a wide audience, but also to provide guidance and models of practice as to how such activity can be promoted by professionals and helping organisations. It promotes the dissemination of information between groups and organisations involved in promoting the empowerment of older people and suggests ways in which professionals in health and welfare can practice and manage positively so as to contribute to this movement. This book should be of interest to health care professionals working in the community, health managers, and volunteers working in the community.