But now a more positive and less ageist view is emerging.  Recognising that this age group is just as heterogeneous as any other, and is both entitled and able to participate in planning its own future, Better Government for Older People has consulted on integration and improvement of services, local innovation and experimentation.  Older people themselves can help to define the care appropriate to their individual needs, with the new Care Trusts set to extend the principle of choice as they reshape how social care will be organised and delivered.

The same principles apply to housing.  Older people know what space they need and should have a say in the design of their homes and an input into decisions affecting the management of their homes and environment.

The Housing Corporation's new Policy for Older People highlights a set of challenges for social housing providers, who are being asked to develop a range of housing and services that meets the needs of the whole community; to produce effective, culturally sensitive solutions; to make it possible for older people to choose the housing most appropriate for them; to develop ways of joint working to improve quality of life.

Here, as elsewhere, choice and anti-ageism are placed at the heart of provision.  This seminar, analysing the new approach and examining examples of good practice, is designed to help social landlords to live up to the challenge of choice for older people.