Abstract

Care of older people is a major issue in the UK, crossing the boundaries between emotion, practical issues and economics. Yet many current concerns, and much conventional planning, are based on outdated assumptions or misunderstandings about the nature of ageing. Woodward and Kartupelis work to shatter these myths to create new and more useful models for our society.

Drawing on recent research, the book zeroes in on the nature of interpersonal relationships, their critical effect and the factors which affect their formation. The book has been inspired by the extensive work undertaken by both authors in the field of promoting the spiritual wellbeing of older people in in the UK, and brings together a diversity of expertise to propose a revolutionary new approach based on nurturing particular types of relationship.

Stimulating and eminently readable, this key text will play a vital role in reimagining care for the elderly and recognising the full potential of our older population.

An outstanding book of humane and imaginative analysis of how to meet the needs of older people,
rooted in research and policy expertise. James Woodward and Jenny Kartupelis take the reader well beyond
traditional models of care into a world of whole-person nurture, with spirituality at its centre.

James Woodward is Principal of Sarum College in Salisbury and Visiting Professor in Theology at the University of Winchester. He has written and lectured widely on areas of health and healing, old age, the practice of theological reflection, and end of life care.

Jenny Kartupelis is a writer and researcher and was previously the Director of the East of England Faiths Council for 11 years. In 2010 she was awarded the MBE for 'services to interfaith'.