Purpose: We explored Bandura's self-efficacy theory as applied to older adult (aged 63-92) participation in physical and social activity in a cross-cultural study. Design and Methods: Older adults in Spain (n = 53) and the United States (n = 55) completed questions regarding self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and participation in physical and…

Purpose: To examine perceptions about aging well in the context of cognitive health among a large and diverse group of older adults. Design and Methods: Forty-two focus groups were conducted with older adults living in the community ( N = 396; White, African American, American Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic). Participant descriptions …

Purpose: Evidence suggests that physical activity and healthy diets may help to maintain cognitive function, reducing risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Using a cross-cultural focus, we describe older adults' awareness about cognitive health, and their ideas about how to inform and motivate others to engage in…

Conducted a three-generation study of women's attitudes toward gender-appropriate roles and filial responsibility. United States gender-role attitudes were more egalitarian than those of the Japanese. In both countries, all three generations agreed that care of the elderly is a family responsibility, but attitudes toward filial responsibility were…

Used data from United States, Jamaica, Malaysia, and Bangladesh to explore gender differences in adult health. Found that women fared worse than men across variety of self-reported health measures in all four countries. Data from Jamaica indicated that gender disparities in adult health arose early and persisted throughout the life cycle, with…

In older persons the disabling process follows a general pattern of progression based on a typical sequence of impairments. Critical steps are identified and a model is presented. The model, based on a hierarchy of activities of daily living, was tested in several ways, including cross-cultural verification. (Author/EMK)

Studied American images of Japanese aging in Americans (N=40) living temporarily in Japan and Americans (N=120) living in Chicago and Honolulu. Results suggest that Americans idealize Japanese old age; that this idealization reflects Americans' ambivalence about dependence across the life cycle; and that this idealization is not limited to laymen.…

Reports data on admissions, discharges, and changes in health status of eight admission cohorts to nursing homes in a jurisdiction with universally-insured nursing home and home care services. The findings are compared to U.S. studies and disclose differences which may reflect differences in payment mechanisms and admission policies. (Author/JAC)

Examined the involvement of 1,050 older Australians with members of their modified-extended families, especially adult children. Results showed the relationships entail close emotional bonds, regular interaction, and a two-way flow of instrumental support. Older Australians live in joint households more frequently than Americans do. (JAC)

A descriptive analysis of official statistics of completed and attempted suicides of the Jewish elderly in Israel disclosed patterns somewhat different from those known in Western industrial societies. (Author)

Examined helping networks of older people in 10 different ethnic groups. Found that immigrants are more likely than native-born older people to have family members to turn to in times of need. Suggests major group differences exist in the helping networks of older people. (Author)

Tested U.S. nursing home case-mix system, Resource Utilization Groups, Version III (RUG-III) in Japanese long-term care facilities. Measured staff time and resident characteristics for 871 patients. Found acceptable reliability for items defining RUG-III, and system explained 44% of variance in wage-weighted staff time (cost). Japanese and U.S.…

Explores the effects of modernization on the aged in Samoa, where age has traditionally brought increasing status and respect. Data from participant observation and interviews suggested that rapid and extensive societal changes have not eroded the status of these elders. Cultural values are crucial intervening variables. (JAC)

Although Japan is known to have the earliest mandatory retirement age (age 55) among the industrialized nations, the majority of workers continue to work beyond that age. Two systems allow those retired from their career jobs to continue to work: the reemployment system and the extension-of-employment system. (Author)

Interviewed 151 Korean elders residing in the New York City area regarding their living arrangements, service needs, and orientation to filial and formal support systems. Comparison with available data on elders (N=1,427) in South Korea revealed changes have occurred in intergenerational relations and living arrangements for older Koreans in the…