Purpose: This study explored the role control plays in the dying process of terminally ill elders by investigating the aspects of the dying process over which they seek to exercise control, the strategies they use, and whether they desire to exercise more control. Design and Methods: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 84…

Research on the relationships between health care aides (HCAs) and families of clients has been situated mainly in long-term care settings and includes scant findings about the perceptions of HCAs. Based on the findings of a larger qualitative study using a grounded theory approach, this paper addresses the topic of HCA-family relationships in…

Describes a brief nine-item interview, designed for use by practitioners. Based upon results from field-testing with 65 ambulatory geriatric patients, the instrument can be used as an aid to assess health and treatment perceptions in clinical settings. Responses to specific items may also suggest broader areas for follow-up discussion. (JAC)

Describes a media history assignment in which students interview older adults about changes they have observed in communication media. (PD)

Presents examples of ways information gathered in oral history interviews may be used to teach home economics concepts. Sample projects are described in the following areas: nutrition, clothing, housing, family life and human development, and household management. (CT)

To determine the nature of camp for senior citizens, four participant observers (staff members) conducted open-ended interviews with campers at a five-day residential camp in Oregon. Results showed universal satisfaction with the camp experience. Campers valued the wide range of activities, comfortable places to socialize, and staff relations with…

First year science students at University High School (Illinois State University) begin the year with a 3-week unit on science and technology. This unit, through various means, encompasses the past, present, and future technological advancements and their effects on life and life styles. Each student is given a series of years for which they…

When the author was in fifth grade, she and the other students took a field trip to a nursing home; each child had to interview an elderly person. She discusses the impact of the assignment on her life to illustrate the effectiveness of field trips and interviews as teaching methods. (RM)

A Queensland (Australia) interview survey of 19 rural and 31 urban individuals over 50 years of age with mild or moderate intellectual disability is reported. Results are reported for both groups in terms of access to and participation in community activities, self-care and independence, health problems, and economic situation. (DB)

Informal learning by Canadian seniors was examined through semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected group of 51 older Canadians (28 women and 23) who ranged in age from 58 to 95 years (average age, 73.7). All were retired or semi-retired, and all had engaged in several learning projects over the previous year in topics such as the…