Subjects in three age groups (N=96) who resided at home were tested on appreciation and comprehension of 12 conservation and 12 nonconservation jokes. Cognitive perceptual theory of humor applies in old age as in childhood, with appreciation depending on a match between ability level and cognitive demand of the joke. (Author)

After seven years, a group (N=32) of originally nonemployed poverty-level older people (over 60) now employed as foster grandparents were retested with the WAIS. Three subtest scores showed stability and Digit Span showed a statistically significant drop. Neither age nor initial level of health or WAIS scores was related to test-score changes over…

To explore the underlying dimensionality of beliefs about aging, two sets of opinion statements were factor analyzed for two age groups: persons under 60 (N=290) and persons 60 and older (N=181). The belief structure of the older group was more complex and variegated than the younger group. (Author)

Males (N = 170) aged 24 to 91 years were measured on daydreaming and related mental activity. An earlier derived factor of "Neurotic-Anxious Absorption in Daydreaming" was found in this sample and had a negative correlation with chronological age, suggesting a decrease with increasing age. (Author)

This paper describes a two-stage sampling design for obtaining probability samples of the elderly and other specialized populations. Results indicate elderly individuals will respond, use of the design does not appear to increase sample bias, and the method is extremely inexpensive. (Author)

Examines the relationship between older people's participation in voluntary associations and their sense of well-being. Findings reveal type of activity and reasons for participation had little relationship to life satisfaction, since they reflected health and socioeconomic status differences. (Author/BEF)

The relationships between mild hearing losses and cognitive functioning were studied for two samples of aged subjects whose hearing was within normal limits. Hearing losses at various frequency levels were correlated with performance on cognitive tests. Results reveal substantial associations between hearing losses and scores on the intellectual…

A limited literature on the retirement of academics suggests that they do not follow the expected pattern of retirement but may be similar to scientists in retirement. Data collected show that to varying degrees they continue to engage in professional activities after retirement. (Author)

This longitudinal analysis examines changes in voluntary association participation levels over a four-year period using data from the Duke Adaptation Study (N=374) and over a two and one-half year period using data from Oberlin, Ohio (N=104). The findings showed the extent of participation was high in both samples. (Author)

To examine the number of subjective age categories in the post-high school portion of the American lifecycle, adult respondents sorted cards describing people in terms of major life events and classified them according to age. A nonlinear decrease in the number of age distinctions occurred in the late portion of middle age (46-65 years). (Author)

Older men and women (N=3630) were examined for sex differences in selected social and psychological characteristics. Compared to older men, older women were found to be as work-oriented and more likely to take a long time adjusting to retirement. Older women were more likely to report "negative" psychological symptoms. (Author)

This study constitutes an effort to apply to females the role-theoretical orientation to work and retirement in old age which has often been applied to men. Cross-sectional data are used to test the hypothesis that older working women have better morale than those not working. Results are discussed. (Author)

Two models of the senior center are examined: (1) the social agency model, which views senior centers as programs especially for the poor and the disengaged and (2) the voluntary organization model, which sees centers as for active elderly who have strong attachments to the community. Findings support the voluntary organization model. Paper…

Recent research in the quality of life has identified a sense of security as a significant component. Taking its negative, fear, the personal and structural factors associated with fear of walking around one's neighborhood were assessed in a secondary analysis using data from a 1973 representative national sample. (Author)

Numerous investigators have commented upon the sanguine evaluations of their living environments which are given by elderly people. Insofar as this is true, old people's evaluations should become more negative when their efforts to move to a more desirable setting meet with success. This hypothesis was tested and was supported. (Author)