It is important to have explicit, clear goals for health promotion and preventive care that encompass the broad view of health as described in Chapter 2. The needs of carers, and to an extent the needs of society (as a ‘corporate carer’ for this population), must also be considered. Once these goals are identified, specific measurable and realistic targets can then be formulated for each. The following goals are offered as a starting point in this process.

Health promotion and preventive care for elderly people should:

• catalyse, enable and empower elderly people to continue their self development as individuals and as important members of society

• prevent or palliate physical, psychiatric and psychological disorders and the symptomatic consequences thereof

• prevent iatrogenic insult to health, to functional status and to the social support system

• prolong life where this is desired by the elderly person and is compatible with ethical principles of care

• prolong the period of effective activity and independent living in old age

• ensure a support system adequate to preserve people's autonomy, independence, dignity and quality of life at all levels of care

• avoid institutionalisation as far as is practicable in both humanitarian and economic terms

• support and assist elderly people to adapt to loss when this is inevitable

• ensure that when illness is terminal there is as little distress as possible to patient and caregivers

• […]