Intended for participants in the volunteer grandparents program, this manual briefly defines Head Start program purposes, goals, and recipients and describes training guidelines for volunteer grandparents and staff training coordinators. Training for the volunteer grandparent project is outlined in terms of volunteer service, personal…

The complex moral issues of dealing with elderly people are delineated in this manual for teachers responsible for changing the attitudes of young people toward this subject. Six major themes are considered: (1) attitudes toward the elderly; (2) the elderly in our society; (3) problems of the elderly; (4) the elderly and the work force; (5) the…

Presents basic information concerning normal aging that therapists need to understand sources of conflict and distress in older or caregiving couples. Describes unique aspects of assessment and intervention with older couples. Examines marital satisfaction across life span, including factors that alter marital functioning, developmental tasks and…

This paper describes the types of attitudes and behaviors that might be destructive to an individual's sense of self-worth, and suggests that counselors in long-term care settings face the challenge of changing these. One strategy for counteracting potential dehumanization, offering in-service training to all levels of staff and administrators, is…

This manual was developed as part of a program to create an awareness of library services for older adults, dispel myths of aging, and generate innovative programming. The first section offers a profile of aging and presents facts on older Oklahomans, reading habits of older adults, developmental tasks of aging and middle age, information needs…

This monograph is a collection of articles designed to expand the information network, identify current programs, and provide research in the field of dance/movement and gerontology. Different approaches, techniques, and philosophies are documented by individuals who are active in the field. Articles are organized into six sections: (1) guidelines…

A home safety checklist geared to the needs of older adults is presented in this document. The beginning of the checklist highlights potential hazards which may need to be checked in more than one area of the home, such as electric cords, smoke detectors, rugs, telephone areas, and emergency exit plans. The rest of the checklist is organized…

This article examines the development of new strategies for the measurement of intellectual competencies of the elderly. The author depicts his own view of the direction an analysis such as this might take, and presents a strategy which attempts to generate contextual criteria relevant to the assessment of competence in adulthood and old age.…

Intended to aid state departments of social services, the publication focuses on social implications of severe visual impairment and the provision of needed services. Chapters are given to the following topics: the relationship between the social service worker and the client who is blind, general terms and special services related to blindness,…

This guide is designed to help readers understand depression and factors related to its onset in later life; recognize signs of depression and potential suicide; and know actions they can take if they suspect an older family member or friend may be depressed or contemplating suicide. Following a brief introduction, a chapter on depression…

This booklet provides advice to widows and widowers on dealing with their spouse's death based on the experiences of others. The stages of bereavement and mourning are discussed, focusing on giving oneself permission to mourn. The most urgent financial and legal decisions a widow or widower is faced with are listed and discussed. These include…

Aging is a state of mind as well as body. The stereotypic image of old age is changing with the increasing variety of living patterns and lifestyles of the elderly. The physical and mental indicators of aging are also varied and do not necessarily keep pace with chronological age. The elderly face changes which challenge their physical and mental…

This instructional module emphasizes that depression and suicide are real problems for elderly people, shows how depression and suicidal thoughts can arise in older people, and describes interventions that can be used. Chapter 1 presents an introduction and overview of elderly suicide and includes sections on the plight of the elderly, community…

This document represents transcripts of a series of workshops presented for the staff of a long-term care facility for aged patients. A specialist in geriatric psychiatry leads the discussions, which cover topics such as the definition of brain syndrome; testing procedures; emotional and behavioral problems; and the optimal environment for the…

Accidents are the first cause of crippling and, many times, of death, among older people. To help reduce the possibility of accidents among older people, the Administration on Aging and the National Safety Council have joined in preparing this booklet--a course of instruction in safety and accident prevention for Older Americans. It spells out…