Training for caregivers of elderly nursing home residents focused on the use of reminiscence for psychological and emotional health. One technique taught was the memory box, an old suitcase filled with objects sorted into themes to stimulate memories. (SK)

Challenges the pessimistic conclusions of recent studies of longevity and health among the elderly which claim positive trends in prolongation of life have not been matched by extension of healthy life. Examines conceptual issues related to measurement and dynamics of mortality-disability. Uses data from the 1986 Longitudinal Study of Aging to…

This report from the Select Committee on Aging examines financial, medical, and social issues surrounding terminally ill patients with special emphasis on the elderly terminally ill. The first section discusses topics related to the medical treatment of the terminally ill. Two basic issues are important: the right to have medical treatment and the…

The population of older women consists of relatively healthy, educated, nonpoor, native-born women, not employed and not living with a spouse. Women's involvement in significant activities is limited and there are impediments to their greater participation. Social gerontologists should design new opportunities engaging older women in socially…

The older population in the United States grew twice as fast as the rest of the population in the last 20 years. This growth is expected to accelerate early in the next century as the large baby-boom cohorts move through middle age and become elderly. Substantial improvements in life expectancy at all ages, particularly at extreme old age, mean…

Describes four sectors comprising "the good life": behavioral competence, psychological well-being, perceived quality of life, and objective environment. Assessment approaches for each sector are described and empirical evidence is presented regarding interrelationships among them. Presented at the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the…

Compares and contrasts value orientations of personal independence and collectivism in the United States and Canada and examines their relationship to concept of quality of life in aging. Explores implications of the analysis for expanding understanding of importance of value dimensions in comparative gerontology, and suggests ways of integrating…

Despite a real sense of need, the development and application of technology for the elderly has progressed very slowly. This report explores reasons for this slow progress; examines how the process can be moved along; looks at what must be known about aging and the future to assure appropriate technological application; considers how to translate…

This document presents a summary report of the hearing conducted by the Select Committee on Aging of the United States House of Representatives to study the quality of living of older American women who live alone. Section I reviews information collected by the committee, focusing on the unique circumstances and needs of older women. It provides…

Discusses the theoretical proposition that adolescent-young adults and the retired-aging bear a symmetrical relationship in terms of psycho-social propensities and "social location." Respondents from two age groups reflected personal views of goals, values, and satisfaction and stresses of life as they experienced it. (Author)

Elaborates on the relative deprivation model proposed by Liang and Fairchild (1979), and explores the relationship between income and financial satisfaction. Financial satisfaction is influenced by relative deprivation and distributive justice. Race and age also relate to social comparison and financial satisfaction. (Author)

The application of technology to the problems of the elderly will reduce the costs of care by providing additional help to the elderly so they can remain independent and will enhance the quality of life. Technology is divided into health care technology and ecological technology. (Author/ABB)

Outlines a complex research agenda for understanding the contributions of informal social support to the quality of later life. Suggests a conceptual model for investigating informal support networks and well-being for the elderly and offers suggestions for operationalizing the model. (NRB)

Describes a unique experience in training the staff in the Borders Health District in Scotland in techniques designed to improve the quality of life of elderly people. The curriculum, philosophic approach, methodology, and techniques are described. (Author)

This Technical Committee Report begins by citing function as the key factor in the committee's view of quality of life and by examining four elements upon which function depends, i.e., satisfaction of basic physical needs, choice, freedom from undue stress, and the lack of a direct correlation between affluence and quality of life. Key issues and…