Contends that experience with a frail or dying client is a learning opportunity for the counselor. Presents several examples illustrating the reactions of the elderly to approaching death and suggests that successful counselors accept their own mortality and acknowledge the decision of the failing elderly that death is near. (JAC)

Suggests that the social position and value of old age are normally of little importance in the personal lives of older people, partly because of the limited salience of age within their informal networks. Factors that heighten the salience of being old may reduce well being. (JAC)

Older adults are finding themselves the neighbors of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients as well as the primary caregivers of infected adult children. Focuses on roles, issues, and conflicts older adults face in dealing with relatives or neighbors with AIDS. Case management and educational intervention strategies are also offered.…

Notes that national information is seriously lacking concerning the number and types of board and care homes, their residents, and the quality of services provided. Examines shortcomings in current living arrangement classification procedures used in federal surveys. Proposes definition and classification system that transcends state and local…

Proposes a consultative model for use by professionals who work with older adults, recognizing the rapidly increasing number of aging individuals in the United States and the difficulties encountered by these people. Proposes an example of content for possible inclusion in the consultative process for use in decision making. (Author/ABL)

Applies Erikson's life cycle conception of ego integrity versus despair in old age to three octogenarian women: Augusta Turnley (fiction), Florida Scott-Maxwell, and Arie Carpenter. Both dialectical struggle in Erikson's model of old age and specific components of ego integrity, despair, and wisdom are made concrete in theoretical exploration of…

Notes that age-related changes and maintenance of health and well-being of elderly prisoners require special management skills to assist elderly in coping with combined stressors of incarceration and increased health risks of aging. Information for training of law enforcement and jail personnel is discussed, including physical changes associated…

The authors discuss the contributions made by millions of older volunteers in the United States. They focus on the federal senior volunteer programs, (1) the retired senior volunteer program, (2) the foster grandparent program, and (3) the senior companion program. These model programs have been successfully replicated in other countries. (CH)

Profiles oldest-old Americans, those aged 85 years and over, including their demographic, socioeconomic, and relational characteristics. Concludes that the data which emerge are not as negative as might be feared. (Author/ABL)

Notes that some demented elderly people can still recall emotionally subjective past. Outlines case study that illustrates how emotional autobiographical memories of past events can be stimulated through individual use of reminiscence and counseling skills. Suggests that there are possible therapeutic effects attached to this approach and that…

Notes that older adults face major challenge in adjustment to retirement and that nearly one-third of older adults experience difficulty in making adjustment. Examines Atchley's (1975) theory of adjustment to retirement and relevant empirical data. Argues that reactions to retirement are diverse and multifaceted. Suggests specific counseling…

Discusses the therapeutic benefits of reminiscence group therapy with the elderly. Includes a brief literature review and a description of a reminiscence group. Provides counselors with a feasible technique when working with the elderly. (Author/NB)

Describes development of theory of solidarity among parents and children during adult family life course. Reports on four stages in theory's development: taxonomy of six dimensions of intergenerational family cohesion; revision of theory informed by empirical tests; translation of elements of revised theory into structural equation model; and…

Defines the concept of countertransference and four dimensions of possible countertransference responses toward the older client. Three of these responses are based on Karen Horney's interpersonal styles: moving toward, moving away, and moving against. Discusses strategies for managing countertransference with older clients, with special emphasis…

Presents overview of research on older adults with mental retardation, focusing on identification of the population, residential options, and service needs. Discusses similarities and differences between older persons with developmental disabilities and nonretarded elderly. Provides recommendations for future research. (Author/NB)