Challenges the disengagement theory of adaptation in the aging process. Suggests that the withdrawal phenomenon exhibited by the elderly simply reflects reduced environmental opportunities for social interaction. Views interpersonal intimacy as the key to satisfactory adjustment. Presents a longitudinal developmental approach to the development of…

This model: (1) involves senior adults as resource people and permits them to plan their own educational programs; (2) takes advantage of their previous experience and knowledge; (3) assists them in utilizing existing learning resources; and (4) does not lock them into fixed schedules or locations. (Author/BEF)

Claims increased survival by Blacks and Hispanics is causing a widening of sex imbalance of elderly population with trends pointing to greater widowhood among minority women and continuing high rates of poverty. Claims increased rates of disability in minority elderly women, increased dependency, worsening intergenerational relationships, and…

The author (1) identifies groups involved in retirement planning, (2) describes recent accomplishments within the field, (3) recommends ways to address unmet needs, and (4) identifies emerging trends. Trends in retirement planning include early retirement, differentiation between married and single prospective retirees, and competition for…

Examines a variety of personal qualities usually found in creative people. Discusses many theories of creativity representing a variety of intellectual traditions, most of which predict aging decrements of some sort. Suggests that the creativity decline may vary, or that creativity may change rather than decline with age, with differing stylistic…

Notes that research on elder abuse highlights importance of communication and conflict resolution in families of older people, and that few prevention programs are available for use with community groups. Reviews literature on elder abuse and describes an educational curriculum designed to prevent abuse and neglect in families of the elderly.…

Explores some reasons why gerontological training has been slow to develop within religious or interreligious contexts. Examines obstacles to its assimilation into graduate programs and religious communities and investigates alternative ways of integrating gerontology into graduate theological education. (Author/NB)

Gives an overview of the study and practice of educational gerontology in Canada and proposes an organizing schema: (1) senior adult education--instruction for older adults; (2) gerontology education--teaching of children, youth, and others about aging; and (3) academic gerontology--training for certification or specialization. (SK)

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…

Describes development and evaluation of three-hour multimedia community education program on depression and suicide in later life. Designed for families, older adults, and service providers, program provides information and teaches skills to recognize and respond to depression and suicidal behavior in elderly. Compared with controls, participants…

Notes that family life education programs for older adults address issues of marriage, sexuality, retirement and family life, widowhood, intergenerational relations, and caregiving. For each of these issues, research is briefly reviewed, educational programs are discussed, and issues for future are noted. Seven guidelines for development of family…

Notes that many older adults wish to continue their productive involvement in society. Suggests several areas for social work intervention to promote continued employment and rehiring of older workers, including advocacy, linking older job seekers with interested employers, advising companies on work arrangements and training programs, and…

This article discusses Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS), a disability in which the individual has visual hallucinations that are complex, persistent, or repetitive, retains full or partial insight into the unreality of the hallucinations, does not have hallucinations in other modalities, and does not have delusional ideation. (Contains 12…

This document presents summaries of conference presentations which attempted to assess how computer and communications technologies can be harnessed to meet the special needs of elderly people. Each of the eight sessions of the conference opened with experts discussing their respective research projects and electronic technologies: their origins,…

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…