Predicted that marital satisfaction would be higher in later stages of life cycle because of diminishing demands of nonmarital roles. Data from 2,327 older married persons showed that departure of children was associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction; other hypotheses based on role overload theory received no support and were…

As life expectancy increases, more people continue working later in life. Some retirement plans offer incentives, others disincentives to retire. Health, life, and disability insurance plans often have different provisions for older workers. (SK)

Presents case of attempted suicide of 66-year-old female, along with comments based on the chapters of this special volume on suicide among the elderly. Specific topics of demographics, psychiatric-psychological, object relations, the attempts, and concluding comments provide an idiographic illustration of suicidal behavior in an older adult.…

Art work produced by geriatric patient on psychiatric ward illustrated metaphors of loss. After three months, patient was diagnosed with liver cancer; she died three weeks later. All work was produced before cancer diagnosis, yet it showed similarities to work by cancer patients, suggesting that client unconsciously knew she was dying and worked…

Examines what is known about one element of the politics of aging--the voting behavior of older persons in recent presidential elections--and suggests areas of research on the 1992 election that may tell something about how far, and how soon, proponents of generational equity will be able to move toward dismantling policies that benefit older…

Describes use of photography as method embedded within ethnographic investigation of rural home care for older adults. Illustrates how photography fostered data generation, elicited participants' stories, and showed patterns of rural aging. Notes that analysis of photographic data pooled with interview and observational data facilitated in-depth…

The elderly patient's choice to die may only appear to be independent of the family's choices. Behind patient's choice often lie implicit interpersonal and overt personal reasons. These must be understood to provide optimal care for patient and family. Case examples of undeliberate and deliberate clarification are offered. (Author)

Presents four "best practice models" that address problems faced by community agencies working with elder abuse cases: multidisciplinary case consultation team; senior advocate volunteer program; victim support group; and master's of social work degree specialization in adult protective services. Sees their relatively low cost, flexibility, and…

The recent deaths of more than 13,000 French elderly in the European heat wave of 2003 revealed cracks in the social foundation of urban communities, here and abroad. The breakdown occurred in community services, neighborhood networks, and governmental agencies that were responsible for warning of impending dangers to at-risk elderly. This paper…

This guide on Alzheimer's disease is for those who care for Alzheimer's patients, as well as those who want to learn more about the disease. It answers these questions: (1) what is Alzheimer's? (2) how does the disease progress and how long does it last? (3) how do families cope? and (4) who can provide assistance and information? The guide also…

This document is the annual report of the Federal Council on Aging whose purpose is to review and evaluate federal policies and programs affecting older Americans, serve as a spokesperson for older Americans, and inform the public about needs of this group. The first section discusses affiliations and committees of the Council. The second section…

This brochure provides information on Alzheimer's disease by examining who gets Alzheimer's disease and what to expect when someone has Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal brain tissue findings are discussed and three clinical features of Alzheimer's disease are listed: dementia; insidious onset of symptoms; and exclusion of all other specific causes of…

Examines the consequences for housing assistance to the elderly of shifting from current income eligibility criteria to a permanence of poverty standard. A multivariate model of the probability of being permanently poor shows the elderly to have disproportionately high probabilities of persistent need. (Author/JAC)

The first University of the Third Age (U3A) in Poland was established in 1975; there are now 15. U3As are considered instruments of dissemination of science and knowledge for older people. Lectures are very popular. (SK)

Examines changes in business sector's stereotype of elderly population from negligible consumer group to $500 billion market. Explains recent trends using concepts of privatization, consumerism, and rise of geriatric social industrial complex. Raises questions about extensive targeting of new elderly population and ethical dilemmas it may pose in…