Abstract
There is no abrupt change in physiology, pathology or pharmacology occurring at or around the age of 65 years. There is some evidence of a change in the effect of illness, and of the prevalence of disability with advancing age. However, these changes are individual and gradual, and more associated with passing 75–80 years rather than 65. The main change occurring in the seventh decade arises from retirement from paid employment, and is therefore financial. Hence, in contrast to personal financial support, Health and Social Services departments would be ill advised to use the age of 65 as a threshold. Age-related admission policies may perpetuate ageism, and needs-related policies may therefore be preferable. The challenge facing departments of geriatric medicine and psychiatry is to present their services attractively to patients, carers and purchasers, who need to recognize the rationale for the purchase of these forms of care, with reference not only to benefit to patients, but also to their informal carers.