The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adults has increased with sexual intercourse being the most common mode of transmission. This demonstrates their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the individual, psychological, and sociocultural factors associated with…

A compelling body of research demonstrates that music continues to offer powerful potential for enhancing health and well-being in old age. Active music-making has been found to provide a source of enhanced social cohesion, enjoyment, personal development, and empowerment, and to contribute to recovery from depression and maintenance of personal…

Research investigation of older adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) noticeably lags behind studies of children and younger adults with ASD. This article reviews the current literature regarding a range of quality of life outcomes of aging adults with ASD. Studies that have addressed life expectancy, comorbid physical and mental health…

Purpose: Despite growing research on assisted living (AL) as a residential care option for older adults, the social ramifications of residents' transitions to AL are relatively unexplored. This article examines family involvement in AL, including family structures of residents, types of involvement from family members living outside the AL…

Research review found that suicide rates of elderly showed similar regional social correlates as suicide rates of younger groups and that these rates could be explained using similar sociological theories. Time-series studies in United States indicated that impact of economic prosperity on suicide rate of elderly was beneficial, whereas impact on…

Reviews theoretical perspectives on voluntarism. Outlines factors that must be present if minorities and elderly people are to be recruited as volunteers for social agencies. (GC)

Suggests scientific investigations of the concept of friendship have been hampered by inadequate conceptualizations. By utilizing a social relations perspective and a network analysis methodology, shows how to overcome the limitations of previous conceptualizations and to attain a more developed scientific grasp of friendship. (Author)

A major problem of the elderly, alcoholism, has received little emphasis in counseling literature. This article presents physiological, sociological, and psychological aspects of alcoholism as they apply to the elderly. Conclusions and recommendations for counselor education programing are discussed. (Author)

Reviews problems with early survey research methods. Recent studies are examined in terms of characteristics of the stimuli and contexts, and characteristics of the perceivers employed in them. Methodological and conceptual issues in these three categories are used to organize the body of research that exists. (Author)

Examines the gap in the theoretical and clinical training of social workers in helping the homosexual client. Proposes specific approaches for improving services to clients who are gay or lesbian. Discusses other neglected clients including heterosexual spouses, children of a homosexual parent, and aging homosexuals. (Author/RC)

Discusses symptoms of Alzheimer Disease and suggests client-centered counseling techniques to use with patients and family. Considers the disease's effect on family relationships relative to stage of family development. Examines the adjustment of the caregiving spouse. Offers practical suggestions for coping. (RC)

The rationale for psychosocial micro and macro interventions for the prevention and treatment of depression in aging women is conceptually based upon empirical research. The investigator's person-environment incongruence model of depression, applied to a study of 50 depressed and 50 non-depressed white women for the purpose of exploring possible…

A critical review of the literature suggests the following: (1) negative changes in physical health, mortality rate, and mental health status usually accompany widowhood; (2) social-psychological variables such as the individual's characteristic ways of coping with stress and the adequacy of the social network may attenuate widowhood's negative…

This is the first of three volumes which comprise a review of the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging. This volume organizes, evaluates, and interprets research data, concepts, theories, and issues in aging from the perspectives of the various social sciences. Intended for use by researchers, professional practitioners,…

Reviews current knowledge about the misuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs by the elderly and discusses factors contributing to the problem, particularly the role of information and nonmedical individuals who may influence medication behavior. Also addresses the role of health professionals in the problem and its amelioration. (Author)