Senescence is a time of decline; yet many seniors remain active and engaged into very old age. How and why do some seniors live long and keep well? We report the responses to this question from a representative sample of 2,783 Canadian seniors. Overall, seniors placed primary responsibility for their long lives on their own individual practices,…

The Geriatric Function Score Scale was developed for the elderly. It is an objective tool that examines physical, cognitive, and motivational components of functioning. Results of a preliminary study revealed that the score patients received was able to discriminate the level of placement they would need upon hospital discharge. (Author/CH)

This analysis employs the distinction of parent's home versus child's home and investigates multigenerational households in a random sample of adults in Hamilton, Ontario. In a qualitative analysis, the two types of multigenerational households are shown to be related to different family life course phases and to differ on a number of dimensions.…

Examines three conceptual and methodological problems characteristic of research on patterns of aging in rural versus urban environments. These include (1) lack of consistency and clarity in definitions of rurality and in the application of those definitions and (2) inconsistency in the way in which rural-urban comparisons are made and…

An ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social, and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. (Author/CT)

Bimanual coordination was tested at two metronome speeds with simultaneous performance of an attention-demanding task by 12 younger (20-22) and 12 older (65-74) adults. At the lower frequency, coordination patterns seemed automatic and impervious to aging. At the higher frequency, older adults sacrificed movement frequency in order to maintain…

Constructing the agenda for research on grey power requires recognizing the diversity of older people and the context through which concepts of old age are developed. Studies of political power should be longitudinal and cross-sectional. Studies of age advocacy should be linked with those of other advocacy groups. (SK)

Measurement of physical activity patterns is discussed in terms of data obtained by attitude assessment, activity questionnaires, personal monitoring devices, and fitness assessment. Problems of each technique are described. Application of activity measures to the estimation of total dietary needs is discussed. (SK)

Recent major life events were identified by 200 adults over 55, who also completed the Hassles Scale and Perceived Well-Being Scale. Findings showed that (1) self-rated health, activity limitation, and frequent hassles were related to physical well-being, and (2) psychological well-being is associated with age, limitations, and frequent hassles.…

Telephone interviews with 294 people in Quebec involved in informal care of elderly persons found that perceived burden was related to level of assistance provided, participation in personal care activities, the elderly person's functional independence and health status, caregiver's age, relationship between caregiver and patient, living…

Interviews and a life-history questionnaire collected data from 21 retired and 30 employed professionals over 60. Both groups were involved in meaningful relationships and were satisfied with their lives. Those employed valued career prestige and challenge; the retired valued supportive relationships and task completion. (SK)

A study of 170 older adults in Israel found that physical disability was a primary predictor of well-being. The social network aspect of activity made a difference in older persons' subjective well-being, rather than the effect of the activity. (Contains 62 references.) (JOW)

Medication use is recognized as the least expensive, most cost-effective health care intervention. In older adults this is especially important, as they are the largest consumer of prescription medications. We describe the use of a linked data set including pharmaceutical, medical, and hospital claims to examine pharmaceutical use in the…

Hospital overcrowding has plagued Winnipeg and other Canadian cities for years. This study explored factors related to overcrowding. Hospital files were used to examine patterns of hospital use from fiscal years 1996/1997 to 1999/2000. Chart reviews were conducted to examine appropriateness of admissions and hospital stays during one pressure…

In this article, we examine how seniors are portrayed in the "Globe and Mail." Thirty articles published in 2004 were selected and thematically analysed. Seniors were discussed in six different contexts, including family, work/retirement, community networks, scientific studies of population, social and health care policy, and social attitudes to…