Presents historical themes relevant to religious education of older adults. Draws on themes in Jewish, Christian, Confucian, and other world religions to show that religious bodies have shown respect for the elderly, especially for their abilities as teachers and counselors. Asserts that increased numbers of older adults in religious bodies can be…

Examines patterns of religious behavior and participation of older adults in five areas: social profile of religious participation; profile of patterns of religious behavior of elderly; effects of age, period, and cohort on socialization to religious practice; meaning and role of organized religion for older adults; and implications for future…

Older adults use computers for entertainment, education, and creative and business endeavors. Computer training helps them increase productivity, learn skills, and boost short-term memory. Electronic mail, online services, and the Internet encourage socialization. Adapted technology helps disabled and ill elders use computers. (SK)

Adolescence and old age are both stigmatized as pre- and postadulthood transition periods, each forming a biopsychosocial subculture. Age is one of eight cultural identity systems, with ethnicity, race, gender, family, vocation/avocation, religion, and health/disability. (SK)

Creativity is universal and not limited by age. Creative acts help in understanding the meaning of life and aging; they contribute to well-being and life satisfaction. Programs such as Elderhostel and California's Creative Aging Workshops nurture creativity in older adults. (SK)

Claims the aging-related and disabilities fields are concerned that their constituencies hold on to what they have, receive recognition for their special characteristics and status, and receive appropriate benefits. Notes the two fields need to understand what differentiates them. (Author/ABL)

Critically examines the present state of religious education for older adults, finding it inadequate because it does not provide for making collective meaning through sustained conversation. Proposes a perspective in which the religious education of older adults is transformative and countercultural. (Author/NB)

Examines what theology in the Jewish and Christian traditions says about understanding older people and their purpose in life of society and the religious community. Draws implications of such theological understanding for religious education. Discusses three common historic themes: the blessing of age, aging and the justice of God, and the…

Efforts to prepare faculty to teach students to work with culturally diverse populations of older adults included conferences on course content and instructional methods and minifellowships in ethnogeriatrics. Most faculty reported changing course content to include knowledge gained from the training. (SK)

Rather than Tyler-style transmission models, process or transaction models are more appropriate for teaching older adults. Whereas Tyler models focus on achieving rigidly defined objectives, process models view education as activities worthwhile in themselves. (SK)

Universities of the Third Age are developing the research facet of their mission. In this model, the senior citizen is both the object and the agent of research, being involved in action research that transforms their subjective impressions and intuitions into objective knowledge with which to transform their environment. (Author/SK)

Issues of aging and elder care are growing in importance. Policy and strategy should focus on prevention and health promotion. Affordable, accessible care balanced between home and institutions must be available everywhere. Education and training in elder care and changing the attitudes of the public about aging are essential. (SK)

Reviews the role and scope of school volunteerism and suggests ways to integrate Retired Senior Volunteer Program participants into school volunteer programs. Concludes that schools need the assistance of volunteers and that elders can benefit from serving in such socially meaningful roles. (Author/ABB)

Claims there is no coherent public policy regarding aging and blindness, but five issues may provide perspective and direction: burgeoning demographic forces, the concept of independent living, a "small gains" orientation to rehabilitation of blind elders, the needs of family caregivers, and the roles of management and leadership during times of…

Contends that the aging of the population and the widespread prevalence of significant mental and physical disabilities create ethical dilemmas in providing care. Discusses two dilemmas, competency to refuse treatment, and recompense for prior mistreatment as illustrations. (Author/ABL)