Reviews the effects of vision changes on intelligence and explains how intellectual performance may be improved by attempting to compensate for vision loss. Suggests that vision factors can't be ignored when assessing intellectual changes and may account for a large portion of mental impairment previously ascribed to other factors. (JAC)

Interviews with 6 of 10 Veterans' Affairs programs offering postdoctoral fellowships in geropsychology indicated that only 30% included palliative care or hospice training, despite the fact that the veteran population is likely to have an increasing need for terminal illness care. (SK)

Describes the design of two 40-hour geriatrics education programs based on Moore's Theory of Transactional Distance and delivered via interactive televison to mental health/mental retardation professionals. Discusses budgeting, technical support, and training issues involved. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

"Positively Aging (TM)" is a middle school curriculum designed to provide effective gerontology teaching materials for math and science, teach students about making life-defining decisions, and help students develop sensitivity about aging. Preliminary evaluation of the 12 interdisciplinary units shows they improved student attitudes about aging.…

The effectiveness of social work education can be improved by including applied research in field work experiences. The systematic approach to problem study developed through research training can be applied to real-world practice problems encountered in field settings. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

This paper provides insight into the reasons underlying medical students' interest in geriatrics. Semi-structured interviews, informed by attitude theory, were conducted with first-year medical students who indicated that they were not interested in geriatric medicine and those who indicated that they were moderately to very interested in…

Mental health needs of older persons are projected to grow significantly over the course of the next years. Consequently, the need for training counselors to work with the aging population is presented. Addressed are 4 curriculum models, as well as areas of training related to geriatric counseling, that can be incorporated into counselor training…

The future of geriatric education is mixed, with an increase in social recognition and support, but with uncertain public funding and reluctant acceptance by conservative clinical schools and professions. The recognition of the importance of integrated health care will support interdisciplinary education but strong vested interests in disciplinary…

Discusses the problem of hypothermia and specific factors that put older adults at risk. Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an educationally oriented prevention program. Data suggested the information presented through community education was effective. (Author/JAC)

In a needs assessment of 84 rural health care professionals (44.1% physicians, 15.5% pharmacists, 14.3% nurses, 26.1% other), 39% considered their geriatrics knowledge above average. They were interested in learning more about Alzheimer's/dementia, medication use, and adverse effects. Preferred methods were videotapes, CD-ROM, and an…

An interdisciplinary team from various college allied health departments implemented Project AGE: Alliance for Gerontology Education to develop content to infuse in courses on the themes of age and culture, assistive technology, collaboration, and consumer health education. One goal was to foster interaction among allied health students to prepare…

Pre/post course evaluations by 35 students in an interdisciplinary geriatric training program delivered via distance methods indicated an increase in interdisciplinary team skills. Students working with older clients had better attitudes about teams and were motivated to seek additional training. Distance delivery enabled outreach to underserved…

In an Italian university, a multidisciplinary course in nursing home care focused on use of the Resident Assessment Instrument. Students learned to use it effectively and developed decision-making and problem-solving abilities using concepts of comprehensive geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary teamwork. (SK)

The LIFE SPAN geriatric interdisciplinary curriculum trains health occupations students in team dynamics, problem solving, assessment, and care planning to prepare them for interdisciplinary teams that provide holistic health care for older adults. (SK)

The University of Louisville's School of Dentistry, through student research fellowships, seeks to promote interest in geriatric dentistry by sponsoring gerontological research. In addition to increasing student interest, it provides an opportunity to work in the field in the summer, and research findings enrich the curriculum. (SK)