Suggests alternatives to the medical education model for teaching geriatrics. Proposes geriatric learning that shows interdisciplinary care, stresses wellness over illness, and demonstrates examples of care, support, independence, and limited maintenance away from nursing homes and hospitals. (Author/ABB)

The complexity of information management in gerontology is affected by the multidisciplinary nature of the subject and the dispersion of relevant bibliographic materials. This paper presents a sampling of existing bibliographic resources in gerontology and reviews the problems and concerns of gerontological researchers. (Author)

Offers the insights of leaders in the fields of social work and aging regarding the profound economic, political, and moral implications of projected societal changes. Notes the trend toward economic inequality for future elders. Predicts the baby boom generation will bring about major policy changes and redefine aging in search of meaning in what…

Discusses the contours of population aging, especially the baby boom generation, and the political and economic changes in regard to the rapidly aging U.S. population. Focuses on entitlements such as social security and Medicare. Seeks to broaden national discourse on the aging of the baby boom cohorts through basic questions and clarification of…

Frail elders living alone or in long-term care settings are particularly vulnerable to bioterrorism and other emergencies due to their complex physical, social and psychological needs. This paper provides an overview of the recent literature on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness in aging (BTEPA); discusses federal initiatives by the health…

An analysis of policy implementation by the Geriatric Education Centers (GEC) program is presented, using a model developed by Sabatier and Mazmanian (1980). A policy by the Bureau of Health Professions to expand education and training efforts in geriatrics and gerontology led to the creation of four GECs in 1983. By 1989, 38 centers had been…

In spite of statistics that show that demographically there are increasingly more women than men as people age, and that epidemiologically women are more likely than men to utilize health services, most health services continue to be based on research and training that is both age and gender biased. Few mental health professionals are…

A Federal mandate to provide comprehensive care for the aged population in this country has stimulated program planning in gerontology by mental health professionals. Introduction of the geriatric nurse practitioner into the mental health care system is viewed as one means of attempting to increase both the availability and quality of primary…

This paper discusses some issues and challenges faced by the Boston University Gerontology Center in providing consultation and technical assistance to community agencies serving older adults. They are: community expectation vs. center capacity to deliver, time constraints vs. agency time demands, agency standards vs. University standards, program…

Although there is some geriatric content in optometry curriculum, such as pathology and diseases associated with aging, the emphasis would be better placed on aging as a normal process. Further education about the elderly population as a whole and further legislation for comprehensive care are needed. (MSE)

Interprets two literary works--both about old women who have suffered strokes and are near death--and argues that literature can make contributions to gerontology by developing sensitivity to theory, empathy, and self-awareness. Examines these fictional accounts against two perspectives--political economy of aging and theories of personal…

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center (WGEC) are committed to developing educational materials for primary care physicians in training. In response to the opportunity created by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competency mandate, an MCW-led interdisciplinary working…

Proceedings from a meeting about teaching gerontology and geriatric medicine in the European region of the World Health Organization are summarized. Issues and topics discussed include implications for education and training related to gerontology and geriatric medicine, courses, geriatric medicine as a specialty, the patient, teaching objectives,…

Describes the experiences of an educational program in long-term care administration that has used nursing homes as an integral part of the training of new administrators for 18 years. Discusses choosing field work facilities, supervising students in the field, and assessing expectations for student performance in the field setting. (Author/ABB)

An approach to curriculum design for geriatric dentistry that incorporates an understanding of the students' own developmental stages into instructional activities is outlined, and the University of Mississippi's experience with this strategy is evaluated. An important element is to help students crystallize their value systems with regard to the…