Mental Health and older people's services have been neglected by policy maker and given low priority in resource allaction. The comination of old age and mental health problems produces a double disadvantage and within the broad spectrum of care,the promotion of mental health and well being in later life has been the least visable area of activity. In spite of this issue dismal history,we feel opimistic that things may improve,everyone is becoming more aware of demographic change,individauls reconise that they are likely to live into the eighth or ninth decade and want their lives to be happy and heathly. Policy makers are begining to understand the implacations for the economy and the work force has provided sound evidence about the factors that influence health and the effectiveness of each interventions to improve it. At preasent the main emphasus is on improving physical health.Age Concern and Mental Heath foundation lauched the U K inquiry into mental health and well being later in life In 2003 because of a shared concern that mental health in later life is a much neglected area. It is often described as "falling into the gaps",between policies and services for the mental health, and these for older people!
