Negative stereotypes of older persons pose barriers to productive and successful aging. A social work intervention model provides ways to overcome the barriers by training social workers, conducting early childhood and elementary school interventions, providing intergenerational programs, and assisting older adults with employment, volunteering,…

Most subjects were satisfied with the environment provided by home and community. Mobility, health and social interaction were generally satisfactory. Intervention efforts should use an interdisciplinary approach that remains sensitive to the informal helping networks of small towns. (JAC)

Perceived community function (PCF) provides a model for assessing the role of environmental attributes in individual well-being. Subjects over 60 viewed health and nutritional programs as maintenance functions, while turning to senior centers for both maintenance and recreation. Delivery systems must consider the different expectations of…

Describes a program designed to help rural elderly African Americans acquire daily living skills, conducted in their homes to reduce transportation problems and increase participation. The design takes into account characteristics of the population, such as age, health, economic conditions, race, educational level, and support systems. (SK)

Conducted case study research with adults between the ages of 75 and 82 who maintained a consistent level of integrity and emotional health. Results revealed that subjects did not consider themselves old and saw no reason to retire from life. Respondents considered successful adaptation to changes and losses throughout life had helped them adjust…

Explored number of programs initiated to involve older adults in meaningful volunteer tasks, responsibilities, and roles on university campuses. Data demonstrate the feasibility of these programs and positive outcomes include improvement of intergenerational communication, reduction of ageism, provision of services to educational institutions, and…

Describes a community college's efforts to develop a range of educational services for the aging. Discusses cultural, educational, and recreational activities provided within a college setting and through a network of neighborhood centers. Explores continuing education and in-service training programs for persons who work with the elderly. (Author)

Longitudinal data from a Dutch study of 708 older adults showed that persons with low educational attainment experienced more decline in information processing speed, memory, and cognitive function. About 42% of the variance was explained by low stimulus or challenge in work. Decline was independent of crystallized intelligence. (Contains 24…

Examined career preparation, personal expectations and interests, and workplace experiences of Jewish professionals, mostly rabbis, in the area of services to the elderly. Of all age groups, recent graduates (N=216) of a college of religious instruction felt least well prepared to work with the elderly, and advocated training in issues related to…