Rising life expectancies, reductions in disease, and the ability of the elderly to care for themselves and cope with life stresses all attest to the fact that Americans are learning how to maintain and improve their health. However, experts have noted that greater knowledge about the health problems of the elderly is needed. The elderly are prone…

This booklet examines aging, exposing various stereotypes and biases and describing the truth about aging. These topics are discussed: (1) the absence of older adults from printed and aduiovisual materials and the need to ensure that elderly persons be visible in all communications; (2) societal myths that deny older persons their individuality;…

This manual was developed as part of a program to create an awareness of library services for older adults, dispel myths of aging, and generate innovative programming. The first section offers a profile of aging and presents facts on older Oklahomans, reading habits of older adults, developmental tasks of aging and middle age, information needs…

Aging is a state of mind as well as body. The stereotypic image of old age is changing with the increasing variety of living patterns and lifestyles of the elderly. The physical and mental indicators of aging are also varied and do not necessarily keep pace with chronological age. The elderly face changes which challenge their physical and mental…

This guide is designed to help readers understand loss and grief, and to sensitively respond to the grief of others. Although emphasis is on losses experienced in later life, most information is equally applicable to grief throughout adulthood. A section on understanding loss in later life lists a number of losses that are associated with aging.…

This workbook was written for older Americans considering various living arrangements as they get older. It is designed to encourage older adults to take an active role in making decisions about their housing arrangements. An introductory checklist helps readers assess what aspects of housing are most important to them. Other sections explore ways…

Since the population of older persons is predominantly female, counselor educators need to incorporate into their curriculum topics related to the unique issues faced by older women. Most counselors in their practice will be encountering at some point the problems of older women. Therefore, the preparation of counselors needs to incorporate…

Dancing is not only a means to insure the activity and involvement of growing numbers of seniors, it is also a viable choice for the stimulation of health, self-worth, belonging, and joy in aging. Two successful programs in southeastern Connecticut and one in Washington, D.C. illustrate the effectiveness of dancing for the aging. Each program is…

This cooperative extension bulletin is designed to help family and professional caregivers understand dementia in later life and learn to cope more effectively with the changes resulting from a progressive dementing illness. The first three sections describe the differences between senility and dementia, causes of dementia, and adjustments that…

The first four of the 11 chapters in this manual focus on the background of the intergenerational program, various workshops, and additional training aids that were used, while chapters 5 to 9 and 11 provide information for other communities that wish to implement intergenerational programs. Topics covered include senior citizen volunteers in the…

This guide, designed to assist groups interested in participating in the 1981 White House Conference on Aging, describes the community forum as an opportunity for local citizens to hold public discussions on issues of importance to older persons and to the general community. The handbook introduces readers to the Conference, outlines the design of…

This staff development module is part of one of three groups of career guidance modules developed, field-tested, and revised by a six-state consortium coordinated by the American Institutes for Research. This module, designed for helping professionals who work with older adults, attempts to help participants: (1) examine personal biases about…

With increasing emphasis on treating the whole person, on the maintenance of an individual's former life style, and on patients' rights, long-term care personnel need to become aware that many nursing home residents experience needs related to their sexuality. A model two-day workshop is presented wlth a focus on the following topics: (1) a broad…

Argues that adults can provide and demonstrate to children a model for better understanding of the elderly and the aging process. Describes factors that interfere with intergenerational relationships, children's views of aging, and why biases exist. Contains tips for adults to bridge the gap by providing balanced views via children's literature.…

This paper presents a curriculum for kindergarten children designed to increase children's understanding of the aging adult, make them aware of the likenesses and differences between the young and old adult, and encourage them to develop a friendship with an older adult. An introduction discusses the attention recently being given to aging and…