Social science research lies at the heart of developing appropriate policies for the ageing population. It has built up an evidential knowledge base which has influenced the provision of public and private support for older people.This is the second booklet in the Academy of Social Science’s Making the Case for the Social Sciences series, which offers a snapshot of social science research projects which have had an impact on public policy or social behaviour and so helped society to address the challenges being faced with some of the opportunities now available. The booklet can be accessed at the following link: Making the Case for the Social Sciences No 2