Ageism is highly prevalent, especially among college students. However, efforts to reduce ageism largely take place in helping professions. This activity seeks to promote positive perceptions toward older adults and aging among communication undergraduate students through gerontological education, a positive intergeneration contact experience, a…

Secondary students analyze a map showing global aging trends. Selected materials on the aged and aging population with geographic content are listed. (RM)

Five teachers developed and tested creative, subtle approaches to the use of aging-related source material in language arts activities, an effort which resulted in this volume of 14 self-contained activities. These activities have been successfully field-tested in junior or senior high school classes, resulting in gains in language arts skills,…

Ageism is a relevant topic of study because of its inevitability for all humankind. Student attitudes toward the elderly are generally negative and often follow stereotyped views found in books. An outline for use in developing a curriculum on aging is provided. (DF)

Argues that including study of family relationships in adult development and aging courses is desirable because family members are key sources of support throughout adulthood. Includes suggestions for course activities, and instructor and student resources related to family gerontology. (DSK)

Outlines two projects that highlight the multidimensionality of aging processes for adult development and aging courses: (1) students design an age-appropriate retirement community using buildings on the local college campus; and (2) students present products they design to remedy specific age-related problems. (DSK)

To help students identify with and appreciate the elderly, this annotated bibliography lists 24 books for kindergarten through seventh grade that involve children and young people in close relationships with older people. Annotations, divided according to primary level or upper elementary level, include publisher and date of publication, as well…

This guide provides background information and learning activities to help teachers provide educational experiences for elementary students regarding older Americans and the process of aging. There are two major sections. The first section contains a facts-on-aging quiz and discusses facts and myths about older citizens. Examined are feelings and…

By participating in these class activities, students will acquire mathematical skills and at the same time learn about aging. Topics related to aging are often quantitative, and therefore, subject to mathematical analysis and procedures. The activities, which contain teacher suggestions and all student handouts, deal with seven topics. In the…

Students ask five individuals what three terms or words come to mind when they hear the term old person. The student prepares an overall list and frequency count of responses. Students present their findings to the class. Each response is discussed and its connotation (e.g., negative, positive, neutral) determined. (RM)

Describes an interactive method for teaching a course in the psychology of aging based on a multidisciplinary approach. Argues that it allows incorporation of a wide range of age-related topics, and provides students with practical applications. Allows students to identify and challenge perceptions of age and understand aging from multiple…

Argues that quality children's books represent effective and accessible avenues for inviting children to explore issues related to older adults and the aging process. Discusses and lists such books and offers suggestions for related activities. (NH)

Describes four units in an undergraduate course that examine aging from interpersonal, intrapersonal, and mass communication perspectives. Includes readings. (PD)

Provides an inquiry lesson on aging for the intermediate grades. The goals of the lesson are to provide accurate information about the elderly, to enable children to assess their perceptions of the aging process, and to expose children to an unbiased look at the attributes, behaviors, and characteristics of the elderly. (JDH)

Educators increasingly realize that longer life expectancies and changing demographics require literacy about the why's and how's of aging across the lifespan. While other contemporary issues are routinely addressed in schools, aging-related issues are often ignored or presented in stereotypical ways. This reference book suggests practical ways to…