This crucial Handbook provides a scientifically grounded exploration of ageing today and its impact on contemporary social work. Challenging stereotypes and simplistic views of later life, it blends rigorous research with practical insights to demonstrate how social work engages with ageing across diverse contexts. Presenting insightful and stimulating contributions from leading global experts, chapters examine pressing issues such as ageism, loneliness, homelessness, dementia, substance use problems, sexuality and gender and end-of-life care. They also consider practice across settings, from case work, integrated care and residential services to community engagement, family support, digital technologies and social work education. This Handbook is an essential resource for scholars, students and practitioners across the fields of social work, social policy and sociology keen to understand the challenges and opportunities of contemporary ageing.