This unit of study is designed to allow students to explore, consolidate and apply clinical knowledge of acute and chronic disorders that affect older people. Common disorders are grouped into a ‘syndromes’ approach referred to as the five ‘I’s: instability, immobility, incontinence, iatrogenesis and impaired cognition and sensory input, in recognition that they cannot be satisfactorily attributed to a condition or body system impairment. Other areas explored include cancer, cardiovascular disease, infections, diabetes and chronic obstructive airways disease. Palliative care is discussed from the perspective of symptom control and the psychosocial aspects of care. In order to meet the needs of older people in acute and residential care, alternative health care delivery models are presented in an attempt to challenge the traditional acute care/disease approach often employed in aged care settings.