Outlines educational strategies that can help the nursing staff reduce the frustrations and stress often related to caring for the elderly. Shows how to help staff recognize their own feelings about the elderly, become aware of misconceptions, and develop positive attitudes. (JOW)

The "new gerontology," built on the concept of successful aging, sets forth the preconditions for and the end product of the process of aging successfully. Focused on health and active participation in life, it vests largely within individuals the power to achieve this normatively desirable state. While acknowledging the contributions of the…

This article presents findings from a questionnaire dealing with what young people think about the elderly and aging and how to bridge the generation gap. The role of the young in helping old people to become integrated in society is to encourage contacts in all fields. (UNESCO, Place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris) (SSH)

The concept of elders as both teachers and learners needs to replace the image of elders as intrinsically wise or as necessarily dependent or burdensome. (SK)

Interpretations of aging in film parallel concepts and theories in gerontology. This article examines gerontological themes, such as wisdom and guidance roles, in this popular film. The ubiquity of aging motifs in popular film offers gerontology a significant opportunity for public education. (JPS)

As society ages, changes in education will include: the development of educational services for older people; the preparation of qualified personnel to serve the elderly; the education of the public about the processes of aging; and the acceleration of efforts to expand and deepen the knowledge base about aging. (MLW)

America is rapidly becoming an aging society. This phenomenon is supported by statistics and fueled by socioeconomic developments, medical advances, and the probability of continued lower fertility. Seven themes provide some solutions for the successful process of aging: (1) "Vital Involvement" stresses interactions that are important to the…

Summarizes recommendations of a subcommittee of the American Geriatrics Society's Education Committee concerning core competencies for physicians caring for older patients. Competencies are organized into those concerned with attitudes, knowledge (basic science and clinical), and skills. (DB)

Schools have a role to play in educating young people about aging and the elderly. Education also has an obligation to the aged. Educators have an obligation to themselves to tap a vast resource stockpile that lies waiting. (BRR)

Identifies challenges to the social work profession in an aging society including the shortage of gerontological social workers, lack of gerontological expertise and competence, negative attitudes towards older adults, inadequate social work curricula in aging, and cutbacks in federal resources. Offers strategies for enhancing gerontological…

As the incidence of older persons in American society grows, their participation in training and employment programs (including vocational education) will be of special importance. Although the elderly population has become increasingly "older," this group is retiring earlier. There will be a decrease in active workers supporting retired…

Notes that, as the composition of the American family has changed, children often have limited experiences with their grandparents or other older adults. Discusses ways to help young children eliminate stereotypical views associated with aging by learning to appreciate the diversity and vitality of older persons and becoming comfortable with the…

In industrialized societies, life expectancy is increasing while the elderly are increasingly marginalized. Aging, especially with respect to social demography, should be an essential educational topic for teachers and those who care for the elderly. Education for the elderly should help them assume the role of transmitting their knowledge and…

The article addresses special problems of aging in persons with mental disabilities, including needs of persons living out their lives in institutions, normalized services for community residents, early preparation for aging, and appropriate residential placement. (DB)

A communication and aging course could potentially enhance both gerontological care providers' understanding of older persons' communication needs, and the older students' communication proficiency. Regardless of the theory of social adaption to aging that the course embraces--disengagement, activity-personality, social exchange, or fundamental…