Older people and advance care planning

This chapter discusses the relationship between law and medicine within the context of advance care planning for older people. The first section of this chapter traces the development and definition of advance care planning and the growth of the concept over time. The second section examines the benefits and challenges of advance care planning, highlighting the experiences of specific groups in society. Despite some limitations, advance care planning is increasingly important across healthcare systems, particularly given demographic changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third section explores the relationship between law, policy and advance care planning, emphasising that some elements of advance care planning are legalistic and involve limited engagement with the individual. The chapter concludes that bridging the gap between law and medicine is crucial for improving the experience of advance care planning for all stakeholders, particularly older people, and highlights the importance of information, guidance and support in achieving this goal.