This Technical Committee Report concerns the adoption of public policy for the development of a comprehensive continuum of services available to all older persons. Basic values, trends, and changing patterns of living are presented along with key issues such as the interrelationships among the family, social services, and other support systems in…

This Technical Committee Report addresses the interactions between governmental structure and aging policy and administration, focusing on three general areas: (1) the role of government; (2) strategies to achieve national objectives; and (3) the most effective, efficient, and responsive structure for delivery of needed services. The impact of…

This Technical Committee Report focuses on theological, ethical, and spiritual values within the context of spiritual well-being from the perspective of institutionalized religion in America. The place of organized religion in regard to aging and its role in developing national aging policies is examined. A presentation of the data base for this…

This Technical Committee Report discusses the general implications of creating an age-integrated society for societal institutions by concentrating on basic conceptual issues involved in thinking about the future of aging and the aged in society. An explanation of committee procedures is followed by a discussion of key topics and findings of the…

The testimony provided in these hearings addresses the most fundamental problem facing older Americans today, i.e., economic security. The report discusses the results of expanding social services and income transfer programs to reduce poverty, and examines ways to increase older adults' economic self-sufficiency through expanded employment…

Many older Australians are up-skilling or retraining to maintain gainful employment or pursue other interests. This study, a systematic review of existing research, set out to find evidence that skill development activities for the mature-aged lead to improved employment opportunities and improved productivity. It also looks at what factors act as…

Reviews methodological weaknesses of studies that evaluate alternative settings and programs for long-term care of the elderly. Argues that research should provide better information and present options to clients, service providers, and policymakers, rather than studying whether one alternative is more effective than another. (Author/MJL)

Describes an educational program providing structured intergenerational dialogs facilitated by visiting older volunteers for 10- to 11-year-old students. Program evaluation data indicated educational experience resulted in an increase in level awareness of aging issues and of older persons. (Author/RC)

Elderhostel, modeled on the youth hostels of Europe, is a national nonprofit organization offering older adults a week-long learning experience at any one of a national network of participating colleges and universities. The history and reasons for its success are described, along with a profile of its participants and an optimistic projection of…

Welfare reform must include reform of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is more costly and faster growing than Aid to Families with Dependent Children. SSI allows growing numbers of disabled citizens to depend on the government in spite of new employment opportunities for the disabled and protective legislation. (SLD)

Several recent national initiatives by both professional associations and public agencies provide measurable health objectives and suggestions for educational activities in geriatric oral health promotion. These can be used to evaluate current educational programs in geriatric dentistry and to plan programs and health promotion activities to meet…

Change in cognitive functioning is an important aspect of human aging and a key outcome in many medical conditions. However, cognitive change can rarely be measured directly, since prior cognitive data do not exist for most people. We examined the criterion validity and one-year stability of the difference between National Adult Reading Test…

Objective: This study examines the issues influencing psychiatrists' decisions to provide care to the under-served geriatric population. Methods: Community-based psychiatrists who see geriatric patients participated in focus group discussions exploring factors that influence the characteristics of their current practices. Results: Personal themes,…

Depression and anxiety affect up to 50% of people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) (Marsh, 2000; Murray, 1996), however, few studies have examined the effectiveness of psychological treatment. This study examined the effectiveness of group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in treating depression and anxiety in PD. Four participants, aged between 56…

Based on the complementary model of support use, we investigated older adults' preferences for short-term and long-term future care needs in a U.S. and a German sample (65+ years). A greater preference for the exclusive use of informal support and for mixed support (a combination of informal and formal support) was found with regard to short-term…