The application of technology to the problems of the elderly will reduce the costs of care by providing additional help to the elderly so they can remain independent and will enhance the quality of life. Technology is divided into health care technology and ecological technology. (Author/ABB)

Reports effects of institutional regimes on levels of dependency among residents of public homes for the elderly in England. Differences in management practices and caring routines did not affect the creation or reduction of dependency among residents. Questions the rationale that informs some current notions of good practice in residential work.…

Measured levels of living among 157 elderly family households in a plantation community. Found the level of living to be determined more by the plantation production system and the elderly's past patterns of economic participation than by the size of the completed family. (Author/ABB)

Outlines a complex research agenda for understanding the contributions of informal social support to the quality of later life. Suggests a conceptual model for investigating informal support networks and well-being for the elderly and offers suggestions for operationalizing the model. (NRB)

Defines personal well-being as closely related to the congruence between what is expected by an individual as appropriate and what he perceives as actually happening. Suggests that through appropriate expectations old people are contributing to their own well-being. (Author)

Interpersonal networks of 56 residents in a home for the aged were studied before and after relocation. Close primary relationships were associated with successful adjustment to relocation as measured by changes in life satisfaction, degree of physical infirmity, psychological deterioration and agitation. (Author)

A reply to recent articles by Borup and Gallego refuting their contention that relocation has no adverse consequences on the elderly. A response by Borup et al. reaffirms their stand and further describes their studies leading to their original conclusion. (KMF)

Results showed few social, economic, or psychological consequences as a result of childlessness. Changes in the life situations of childless adults would appear to leave this group with limited alternatives. The findings provide evidence of the need to strengthen the informal helping networks of older adults. (Author)

Outlines a framework for organizing discussions of quality of life for elderly persons with disabilities, reviews relevant empirical research, and develops a framework for understanding the different interpretations of quality of life as it is used in communication among health care providers, elderly patients, and their families. New models of…

Used data from a longitudinal study of elderly which began in 1979 with 534 individuals in rural North Wales to study relationship between social circumstances and longevity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated there is no prima facie evidence that survival is affected by social networks or quality of life factors. However, socioeconomic factors…

Presents an intervention, used in the Netherlands, that empowers clients in residential care homes. The intervention comprises a standardized survey-feedback procedure in which residents' opinions on life and care in their particular home are gauged, discussed, and reported. Explores instrument validity, reliability, and its use in the home. (RJM)

Describes a workshop in which family members and friends of persons with dementing disorders who live in nursing homes develop stories of these residents' lives. The workshop is product-oriented, is not meant as a support group, and works best in organizations emphasizing individualized care. Stories should help staff members better understand…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the factors associated with turnover and retention of direct care workers. We hypothesize that a dual-driver model that includes individual factors, on-the-job factors, off-the-job factors, and contextual factors can be used to distinguish between reasons for direct care workforces (DCWs)…

Supported earlier findings of Black-White differences in attitudes toward the elderly. Blacks under 65 have more favorable attitudes than Whites under 65. Suggests a gap exists between the perceptions of younger Blacks and the reality experienced by older Blacks. (JAC)

Purpose: Bringing state-subsidized assisted living services (ALS) into congregate housing (CH) is a strategy for reducing rates of nursing home placement. This article discusses CH residents' reactions as a new ALS program was introduced in their housing, and it provides recommendations for others who are considering the implementation of similar…