Ageing in Modern Society draw attention to the changed circumstances in which ageing takes place, at the subjective level, at the level of care and provision, and at the level of theory. Some challenge prevailing notions about the characteristics, needs and capacity of older people. Others are about the changing perceptions of policy makers and practitioners. The collection as a whole offers a view of social gerontology and illustrates the integration of theory and practice. Taken together, the contributions reflect the view that the contemporary experience of old age needs to be seen against a background of social change and cultural diversity.