This is a book about people. It celebrates people's lives and values their experiences. The approach is that we all age, inevitably, but let's do it well. Of course there will be issues and challenges to face, troubles and pain to deal with, and the loss of dear ones; and these realities are not glossed over. Author Meredith Budge has gained many years experience working with older people, and from her own personal relationships with older friends and relatives. In 'Age Matters: The Art of Keeping Active and Independent' she brings her empathy, sensitivity and insight to offer a very constructive approach to what we will all experience. From a positive but realistic viewpoint, 'Age Matters' focuses on ageing as a process of adapting to change. It demonstrates that older people can contribute to society in exciting and fulfilling ways. While setting out the physical, mental, and emotional changes ageing brings, the book explores common myths and misconceptions. Calling on a rich variety of personal accounts, the book offers inspirational and practical examples of the ways in which people revitalise their lives through identifying and valuing the driving forces that sustain them. This book sees an active old age offering the choice to do a range of activities, but also the chance to develop life philosophies, intimate relationships, social networks, support systems, self-esteem, financial independence, personal control and social justice. Opportunities for community participation, voluntary service, hobbies, social and physical activities and the pursuit of consuming interests are outlined. Helpful information is offered on services that some older people may require in their own homes; how to select the residential options that will improve quality of life; and resource material for carers of frail older people.