Older adult inmates have grown both in proportion and in number due to the confluence of a number of factors. This aging of the prison population has created a host of policy and practice issues that encompass justice considerations, cost containment issues, and biopsychosocial care needs. The older prisoner's physical, social, and psychological…

Although the elderly in this country are often thought of as isolated and forgotten by family and friends, the study reported here found that this image differs significantly from reality in most cases. The authors discuss the various aspects of the support systems on which most elderly people rely. (Author)

Conducted national survey of burnout among 1,196 social workers who work with elderly people. Examined extent to which workers experienced emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Found that levels of gerontological social workers' burnout appeared lower than levels found among social workers in child welfare, mental…

Income maintenance policies are geared to reducing the risks of parental dependence on children. Although such help is extensive, families do not possess unending resources for attending to the complex health and social needs of aging relatives. Discusses present income maintenance strategy as well as alternatives to traditional care. (Author)

Notes that many older adults wish to continue their productive involvement in society. Suggests several areas for social work intervention to promote continued employment and rehiring of older workers, including advocacy, linking older job seekers with interested employers, advising companies on work arrangements and training programs, and…

Presents case studies of older clients seen by social workers. Some were erroneously labeled senile under circumstances that had serious effects on their life and health. (LAB)

Examines some of the difficulties encountered when elderly married couples apply for admission to an institution. (HMV)

Argues contemporary social work practice will, of necessity, involve political activism. This activism will strengthen and redefine the relationship between legislative policy and social work practice in the field of aging. Asserts social work practitioners in all roles will be challenged to refine or redefine their goals while remaining true to…

Reevaluates the role of dependence in late-life development using concepts drawn from psychology, sociology, social work, gerontology, and scholarship on women's development. Presents old age as a time of continued positive growth and change. Argues against prevailing notions that successful aging features independence and health until death. (RJM)