An interdisciplinary geriatrics team training institute focused on cutting-edge health care themes had 30 participants. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation showed that participants sought specific, work-applicable insights; the focus on new approaches was critical; and careful attention to educational program marketing was needed. (SK)

This descriptive study examined the conceptions and misconceptions students in health professions have regarding older people. The research was conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The findings revealed that students in health professions, as a whole, demonstrated a high degree of stereotypic misconceptions and poor knowledge about aging and older…

Gerontological education is expanding for academic and practical reasons. One urban college offers a concentration in the psychology of aging within the psychology major. The philosophy, sequence of courses, required and/or recommended supportive courses, practical and field experiences, academic advisement procedures, and other features of the…

Subjects (N=43) aged 50 and more were tested on a Sternberg recognition-memory task to explore the relative effects of depression and altered brain function on short-term memory in later life. Many performance differnces were best accounted for by the additive effects of depression and educational background, rather than by either variable…

Psychological services are largely unavailable for older people who want help in coping with their interpersonal problems. The Continuum Center of Oakland University selects, trains, and supervises older men and women, who serve as paraprofessional group leaders in a self-exploration program offered in a variety of community centers. Paper…

Geriatrics, a new medical speciality, is closely linked with scientific research in experimental gerontology, the biology of aging, and social gerontology and gerohygiene. The importance of using gerontological research data and data on relationships between the aged, family, and society plus the significance of international cooperation are…

Focuses on the supports and impediments inherent in the provision of geriatric medical care by family physicians. Addresses providing a good educational program for medical students and residents who will be caring for the elderly and developing uniform access to quality care for the elderly, the community, and community institutions. (Author/ABB)

Reports findings from a preliminary survey of the growing phenomenon of endowed faculty positions in social gerontology and geriatric units in institutions of higher learning in the United States. There has been a distinct upsurge since 1980 in the number of endowed chairs and professorships in gerontological units. Identifies and describes…

Examines personnel needs for geriatric social workers, explores growing demand for geriatric social work practitioners, reviews argument for specialized training in geriatrics, and identifies number of social workers specializing in geriatrics. Discusses state of the art of geriatrics in social work education. Makes recommendations for increasing…

Reviews the effects of vision changes commonly associated with aging (e.g., cataract, presbyopia, pupil changes) and examines their relationship to intellectual performance. Discusses variables related to intellectual functioning including motivation, education, test anxiety, and fatigue. (LLL)

In response to aging patient demographics and a call for increased formal geriatric training in medical schools, a community volunteer geriatric mentor program, Bridging Generations, was developed to shape attitudes of medical students caring for the elderly. The geriatric mentor experience provided students with unique insight into the challenges…

Results are reported from 2 common measures of medical student attitudes toward older adults: Maxwell-Sullivan Attitude Survey (MSAS); and UCLA Geriatrics Attitude Survey (GAS), with students entering the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USCSM) in the period 2000--2005. A reliability analysis incorporating item means, Cronbach's…

This article presents four models of education for older adults and examines their assumptions and implications for curriculum development. It also examines the role of higher-education in meeting the needs of old people. (Author)

Age effects on increasing number of targets in a letter-canceling task were examined. Age differences increased with practice but reached significance only in Session 9. The oldest group made the most omission errors. All age groups improved with practice. (Author)

In a mandatory 4-week program, medical students assessed and managed the care of frail elderly with acute medical problems and disabilities. Web-based lectures with pre/posttests and electronic portfolio assessment were included. The experience was intended to promote reflection, interactive learning, and feedback. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)