This study looks at opportunities for health improvement of older people from the point of view of health promotion and public health with special reference to London. Based on an extensive review of current literature, it includes:

• discussion of key policy issues
• epidemiological data on the health of older people with special emphasis on studies of older Londoners
• a summary review of the kinds of intervention that might be deployed as part of a health improvement strategy for older people, collating available evidence on effectiveness and cost- effectiveness

In particular, the CPA review tries to identify health problems where there is evidence of the scope for health gain and evidence of the availability of policy measures or interventions that are effective in achieving this end. The specific needs of ethnic minorities are addressed within the study. Based on a report commissioned by the London Office of the NHS Executive to inform the proposed Health Improvement Strategy for London.