A study identified distinguishing characteristics of active older adults who participate in educational activities and measured factors that motivated participation. The dependent variables were participation and nonparticipation; independent variables were educational attainment, anomie, life satisfaction, and certain learning-related factors. A…

An analysis of the 102 entries, dated from 1975 to 1986, in the section on Religion of "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?: An Annotated GSA Bibliography of Aging and the Humanities" reveals three principal characteristics. First, with the exception of some literature on spiritual well-being, the material cannot be…

Personal response systems (PRS) bring immediate help to aged and disabled persons at home at the touch of a button. The PRS user wears a tiny radio transmitter as a pendant or a bracelet and can send a telephone signal from any part of the home to a 24-hour emergency center when help is needed. This study examined research on the Lifeline system,…

The Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ) has been used in different studies to assess the level of knowledge about old age. It contains 25 factual statements concerning basic physical, mental, and social facts and the most common misconceptions about aging. One purpose of this study was to identify the most frequent misconceptions in a group of older adults…

Many age-related biologic and physiologic changes can have important influences on drug pharmacology in elderly persons. Successful management depends upon good communications among health care providers, fitness instructors, and the medication user. Each exerciser should be monitored and reviewed at regular intervals. Medications may be a…

Describes the Southeast-Bayview Mental Health Center Geriatric Services Unit, which provides a comprehensive mental health program for the elderly of San Francisco. The program emphasis is on crisis intervention, with reliance on home visits and follow-up services as well as screening and referral. (JAC)

Examined the friendship patterns of older women (N=150). Results indicated the older widowed women received more help from their friends than did married older women. In addition, significant differences in the morale of the older women were found according to the equity of helping behaviors with friends. (JAC)

An existing large data set, the Health and Retirement Study 2000 (HRS 2000) was used to explore the relationship between cognition and other factors for individuals aged 65 and older, with a final sample of 1,610 males and 3,549 females. Using structural equation modeling, the entire model was tested to determine if there were differences in how…

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, affected the psychological health of individuals of all ages in the U.S. Compared to other age groups, older adults often experience more difficulty in obtaining disaster assistance. Therefore, an outreach team was formed specifically to assist nursing home residents as part of a community effort at a…

Many Americans engage in voluntary activities and many of these volunteers traditionally have been college students and older adults. A functional approach to volunteerism suggests that similar acts of volunteerism may actually reflect very different personal, social, and psychological functions for different volunteers. This study examined the…

This research sought to provide a protocol to the community program leader in health education for the older adult which could assist identifying specific needs and potential approaches. A protocol was developed for a community program leader's guide in health education and promotion through a series of questionnaires with a group of experts.…

This study examined the coping strategies implemented by older parents in their attempt to manage the pain and demanded changes which usually accompany the dissolution of family relationships. Fifty-two parents, ranging in age from 54 to 87 years participated in focus groups and personal interviews. A number of psychological and social resources…

Transactional theories of stress suggest that redefining or reframing difficult circumstances may be a useful coping strategy for family caregivers. To identify specific cognitive reappraisal themes and strategies caregivers use, this study examined published accounts of caregivers' (N=26) experiences, which represent an unobtrusive, untapped data…

Given the facilitating conditions and the characteristic qualities of worry, the elderly seem to be particularly susceptible to the experience of worry. The Worry Scale was developed in response to the concerns expressed about life events measures and as an attempt to address the needs of elderly people directly. Older adults (N=94) from 11 senior…

The demographics of the population 65 years and older are described within the context of attitudes toward aging prevalent in society today. A description is presented of the physical signs of aging. The benefits of exercise are discussed as well as the importance of proper nutrition. Suggestions are listed regarding diet and exercise. A…