This ground-breaking and highly regarded book explores the central ethical issues arising from the day-to-day care of older patients. This Third Edition incorporates key recent developments including guidance from the General Medical Council and the National Council for Palliative Care on consent and refusal of treatment, The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the NHS Code of Practice on Confidentiality. The key aim of the book remains to provide a practical guide for health professionals who are involved with doctors in making difficult decisions. Medical students who now study medical ethics and their application in the day-to-day management of patients as part of the undergraduate curriculum will also benefit.