The study of ageing is continuing to increase rapidly across multiple disciplines. Consequently students, academics, professionals and policy makers need texts on the latest research, theory, policy and practice developments in the field. With new areas of interest in mid- and later life opening up, the series bridges the gaps in the literature as well as providing cutting-edge debate on new and traditional areas of ageing within a lifecourse perspective. Taking this approach, the series addresses ‘ageing’ (rather than gerontology or ‘old age’) providing coverage of mid- as well as later life; it promotes a critical perspective and focuses on the social rather than the medical aspects of ageing.

‘Housing with care’ has become an increasingly important aspect of policy and practice in relation to maintaining independence in later life. There are a burgeoning number of models which, for example, promote such environments as ‘extra care’ or retirement communities of leisure, activity and well-being. Simon Evans brings together a number of themes and issues around such ‘housing with care’ models. In doing so he interrogates the notion of community and place, of how the experience of community changes as we age, and provides an insight into the older person and provider aspects of such community living.

The book is an original contribution to the literature drawing not only on UK, but also on European and North American examples. It is informative in relation to the theory, policy and practice around ‘housing with care’ and is a very timely and comprehensive book that will appeal to a wide audience – students of gerontology, geography, urban studies and urban design, housing specialists, developers and policy makers in this area. It is an invaluable read for those who wish to glimpse into what the future may hold for such communities combining ‘housing with care’.