As life expectancy increases, more people will confront failing health at a greater age. Illness in late life is often chronic and accompanied by loss of independence, and this can mean that family members become responsible for care. Assessment, management, and care in these complex situations require considerable knowledge and skill, with contributions from a variety of professional disciplines. Nursing is central to the care of older people. Indeed, nurses often take a lead role.

Gerontic nursing is relevant not only to those care domains that have traditionally been regarded as 'aged care'-such as nursing homes and community care-but also to acute hospital and rehabilitation services. There is therefore a need to promulgate education in gerontic nursing across all care domains.