Explores the special needs of older women who have no children. Uses a developmental framework to discuss physiological and social aging, adjustment to role losses, and lack of coping resources. Suggests implications for counselors. (JAC)

Gerontological counseling has a 20-year history that began with a dearth of information and has progressed to the development of preparation standards and a national certification. The question of whether generalization or a specialization will best serve the needs of older persons continues to be central to the development of this specialization.…

This information analysis paper is based on a computer search of the ERIC database from November 1966 through May 1984 and on pertinent outside resources related to counseling older persons. Following the brief introduction, the historical development of gerontological counseling is discussed. Major issues in gerontological counseling are…

To fill a gap in the existing knowledge base the network of personal and community supports that may be mobilized by rehabilitation counselors in working with older, disabled persons is identified. (Author/BL)

Identifies various approaches to providing preparation for counselors working with older adults, including the integrated, separate course, concentration, and interdisciplinary models. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of each model of gerontological counseling. (Author/ABB)

Counselors working with older adults may encounter situations that are not addressed by the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association. Article identifies and discusses types of situation one may encounter when working with older adults who have cognitive impairment, are victims of abuse, or are terminally ill. Proposes guidelines…

This monograph purports that American society limits the behavior of older individuals based on the arbitrary criterion of chronological age and proposes the concept of empowerment--gaining a sense of personal power or control over over's life--as the antidote for older persons who face devalued status as they age and the for the accompanying drop…

Examined the relationship between 52 children's attitudes toward older people and 52 older people's perception of children's attitudes toward them using the Attitude Perception Questionnaire. Older adults' perceptions of children's attitudes toward them were more negative than the children's actual attitudes. (JAC)

Reviews the research dealing with psychosocial aspects of death among the elderly, and discusses implications for counseling in the following areas: talking about death, fears, suicide, attitudes and bereavement. A variety of counseling methods are suggested. Grief is defined as a constructive process which results in transition. (JAC)

Black elderly males display the greatest death anxiety, followed in decreasing order by Black females, White females, and White males. The overall effects attributed to sex were not significant, nor were there any significant interactions. (Author)

Reviews current status of gerontological counseling specialty within counselor education. Notes that nationally endorsed competencies, certification process, and standards for specialty training in gerontological counseling have been developed and approved. Considers implementation of gerontological counseling specialty in counselor education.…

Reviews the literature on group interventions with both disabled older adults and their caregivers. Data suggest number of potential advantages of group interventions, which are summarized along with implications for structuring effective group experiences. Concludes with suggestions for further research to enhance group counselor's repertoire of…

Discusses psychosocial and personal needs and concerns of adult children and aging parents which can combine to create conflicts. Describes strategies for intervention and considerations for counselors. (Author/ABL)

A survey of counselor education training programs and test publishers indicates that some training in assessment with older persons is being done, although available instruments are limited. (Author)

Reports the results of a state-by-state (N=27) survey of mental health services available for older persons and compares the extent of need and existing federal mandates. Results show 52 percent of respondents provide mental health services for older adults, while 22 percent include older adults with the general public. (Author/JAC)