The decision to move a family member with dementia to a nursing home is a difficult experience for caregivers. Complex psychosocial factors are involved and knowledge of predictive factors alone is insufficient. Using grounded theory, this study explores the decision-making process with regards to institutionalization, from the perspective of…

Purpose: This study estimates the prevalence of problems with transportation in a sample of community-dwelling seniors residing in an urban setting and investigates the role that gender plays in the ability of seniors to remain mobile in their communities. Design and Methods: Data collected as part of a study assessing the prevalence and…

Using the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), this paper examines the health status of the older (aged 55[thorn]) immigrant population relative to that of non-immigrants in order to identify areas where their health statuses diverge. First, we compare the health status of older immigrants (foreign-born) aged 55 and over in Canada to…

In two experiments designed to investigate perceived cognitive abilities of young and old targets, 200 undergraduates estimated the performance of either a young or an old target on several tests. Results suggest a highly differentiated view of cognitive abilities. Compared to norms, estimates were unrealistically generous, particularly for older…

The study attempted to determine effects of basic client characteristics on the delivery of services to disabled older adults in Canada. Results indicate that there is a weak relationship between age, gender, and level of cognitive functioning and the overall receipt of services. However, when each service is analyzed, only day programs are…

The study examined relationships of 8 categories of leisure participation and enjoyment with 10 selected demographic variables. A Likert-type questionnaire was designed to ascertain the degree of participation and enjoyment in 89 activities. Results indicate that planners should consider the ethnic orientation of senior clubs in delivery of…

The authors outline the field development of a self-advocacy program whose central purpose is to assist seniors to speak up for what they need to maintain control of their health and their lives. They state that results support the effectiveness of this model. (Author/CH)

Examines the interrelationships among cognitive and social rigidity, intelligence and personal adjustment in old age, and evaluates a six-week training program teaching social problem-solving skills to the elderly. The hypothesis that cognitive rigidity is independent of social rigidity was not fully supported, and the findings suggest that social…

Findings are presented on the psychometric properties of a short psychological hardiness measure using subjects predominantly aged over 60 years. The sample of 223 participants was administered the hardiness questionnaire and other instruments twice, with a one-year test-retest interval. Results are presented and discussed. (Author/CT)

This article reviews two questionnaires designed to measure people's perceptions of their own memories and identifies several research questions requiring further study. Results show that, in general, memory perceptions appear to be multidimensional and involve belief and affective components as well as knowledge components. (CT)

Screening interviews and clinical assessments were conducted of Manitobans over age 85: 74 had no cognitive impairments, 94 had impairments with no dementia, and 58 had dementia. Half of those with dementia and one-quarter of those with impairments received home care. Type, cost, and amount of community health services used varied with each…

Factor analysis of scores of 458 college students on the Aging Sexuality Knowledge and Attitude Scale revealed a two-factor structure. Religious affiliation and ethnicity uniquely predicted permissive/restrictive attitudes. Death anxiety and salience of elderly sexuality uniquely predicted empathic/indifferent attitudes. Students of different ages…

A factional survey analysis of 198 older adults found that the old and the young are apparently accorded less status or prestige than persons in midlife. Gender differences were smaller and status ratings less extreme than those made by earlier samples of university students. Status ratings were unaffected by respondents' age, sex, marital status,…

Ecological models currently used agree that happiness can be found at different states of equilibrium between the person and the environment and that the elderly arrive at this state through a special "docility" toward the environment. This docility appears to be historically and socially contingent rather than being "natural." (JOW)

Results of a study of the types of help provided by 27 adult children to chronically ill parents demonstrated that despite profound stress and strain, they still provided a range of help within the formal structures of the hospital. Dependence was a weak indicator and stress was a stronger indicator of the adult child's helping behavior. (JOW)