In an experimental evaluation of a "friendly visitor" type of program in which adolescents visited senior citizens, it was found that general attitudes toward elderly people improved following weekly contact with specific elderly persons. Two outcomes of these programs were found: the provision of service to the elderly and the change of negative…

Reid and Zeigler's Desired Control Measure (DCM); Levenson's Internal, Powerful Other, and Chance Locus of Control scales, Life Satisfaction Index; and Affect Balance Scale were completed by 363 older adults. The DCM apparently does not primarily tap locus of control and would be more appropriately used as a measure of individuals' perceptions of…

Expressions of disengagement and depictions of life review in novels and poetry are used to illustrate strategies of coping with loss and diminishment in old age. Novels include "An Imaginary Life,""Adele at the End of the Day," and "The Remains of the Day." (SK)

The Falls Intervention Trials included 50 older adults as controls and 50 who were given risk assessment, individualized feedback, and a motivational video and booklet. The treatment group acted on only 50% of recommendations for risk reduction. The intervention may not have addressed many of the specific causes of falling. (SK)

The views of 76 young adults on their own reminiscences and those of older persons were compared with the self-reports of 83 older adults. Older adults used reminiscence to transmit life experiences. The beliefs of younger adults about elders' use of reminiscence reflect the prevalence of ageist stereotypes. (Contains 22 references.) (JOW)

While there is growing evidence of the increasing use of medicines by the elderly, research undertaken to critically examine differences among types of medicine users in this population is limited. Using population data, we examine the influence of social, demographic, and health-related factors on likelihood of being a non-user, a user of…

The purpose of this exploratory, phenomenological-hermeneutic study was to explore the experience of non-problem gambling by older adults. Twelve older gamblers were identified as non-problem gamblers using two gambling screens and participated in in-depth interviews about their experience of gambling. Two major themes emerged from the interviews:…

Although decisions related to driving are vital to well-being in later life, little is known about how aging drivers who do not experience a medical condition that requires driving cessation regulate their driving. This exploratory, qualitative study used focus groups with 79 such community-dwelling individuals to examine driving self-regulation…

The authors describe the history of Canadian veterans' legislation since 1866. Emphasis is placed on issues relating to aging and elderly persons, with particular concentration on pensions and health. They show that veterans' legislation and issues have played a role in the development of Canadian health and social services. (Author/CH)

A study of older women and their employed daughters used social exchange theory and a life-course perspective in focus groups with 12 daughters/caregivers. Results showed that being reliant on a busy employee for care has negative consequences. (Contains 55 references.) (JOW)

A sample of 334 people aged 56 and older living in British Columbia were interviewed about their supportive social network. Four supportive roles were investigated: caretaker, helper, confident, and advisor. The research supports earlier findings about the vulnerability of widows over 74 years old. They are most in need of networks. (Author/JOW)

Data from the Canadian Time Use Pilot Study were analyzed for 311 adults aged 65 and older. Of the independent variables (age, sex, marital status, education, and whether the individual lives alone) and the dependent variable (daily activity patterns), only age was significant across all comparisons. (SK)

A meta-analysis was conducted of 22 studies in which verbal stimuli were used as targets in episodic memory tasks. Of the 24 comparisons, 21 supported the hypothesis that these tasks require self-initiated operations and display a gradation of age-related deficits. (SK)

The process that allows family caregivers to combine employment and elder care was examined in interviews with 25 caregivers. The effects of elder care on employment are the result of the degree to which caregivers manage to maintain balance between different life spheres: personal and social life, family life, caregiving, and employment. (53…

Summarizes a broad and inclusive model of the psychology of aging and highlights ways in which Canadian research and training reflects and advances scholarly agendas. Commentary by Neil Charness highlights differences in U.S. and Canadian perspectives and the cross-fertilization between the two research communities. Contains 131 references. (JOW)