Studied the nature of diurnal mood variations in 173 persons aged 13 to 82. Results indicated adolescents and young adults tended to report better moods toward evening while middle-aged and elderly persons reported better moods in the morning. Limited findings suggest the opposite trends for depressed psychiatric patients (Author/JA)

Attempts to replicate research on the activity theory of aging. Behaviorally based activity scales were drawn from daily activity inventories of residents of three retirement communities. Findings support the activity theory. Informal activities had the most positive affect on respondents' life satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

This study examined the validity of Geriatric Depression Scale--5 (GDS-5) scores among older sedentary adults based on its structural properties and relationship with external criteria. Participants from two samples (Ns = 185 and 93; M ages = 66 and 67 years) completed baseline assessments as part of randomized controlled exercise trials.…

Residents of an age-segregated housing project share their feelings on aging. Most accept their life- style and express a certain amount of fatalism regarding the future. They value autonomy. Services for the elderly must be provided in a way to encourage independence and allow choices. (JAC)

This paper reports the results of an evaluation of a didactic-experiential program designed to improve memory functioning in healthy older adults with memory complaints, and to allay their concerns (in this case, largely unfounded) about the decline of their memory. The 7-week workshop met weekly for 2 hours, each session consisting of a lecture…

Assessed the relationships between a life satisfaction index and social/demographic/psychological factors in older adults. Results showed marital status, occupational prestige, years of formal education, race, annual income, and a variety of specific satisfaction with life measures were related to successful aging. (Author)

Despite the importance of activity programs in geriatric long-term care settings, there has been little investigation of the recreational needs, wants, and interests of male residents. A descriptive interview survey, which assessed self-reported leisure interests, time preference, and morale was given to 102 staff members and 55 male residents of…

It is often assumed that old age is a time of numerous losses, irritants, and stress. Although researchers have examined the interrelationship of stress, health, and happiness in old age, stress is usually operationalized as a response to major life events; however, stress can also be operationalized as a response to the everyday experiences of…

The central concern of this paper is to examine the subculture of the aging theory and the relationship between aging group-consciousness and morale. Aging group-consciousness is postulated to be one of the major components of an aging subculture. A study of 81 older people was conducted in a rural, multi-story housing facility. Questionnaires…

Explores the strengths and limitations of the continuity perspective on aging. Delineates current usages of the concept. Reviews literature for evidence that continuity is, in fact, characteristic of the aging process and for indications that it is positively related to morale in old age. (Author)