The concepts of career and status passage reflect an imagery of humans capable of exercising choice and negotiating their way through life. Later life is seen as a unique status passage in that it is inevitable, irreversible, and does not lead to any subsequent status. Controlling the passage therefore assumes great importance. (Author)

The four papers of this symposium on social psychology and gerontology are critically discussed: Babchuk on primary relations; Shaver on attribution theory; Marris on conservation and innovation; and Lieberman on adaptation. (Author)

Palmore's "Facts on Aging Quiz" is reconsidered in light of the results of over 500 administrations to health workers and health occupation students. An analysis of the data gathered suggests that the quiz has utility for three of the four purposes suggested by its creator. (Author)

A radical scholarship in gerontology would avoid the individualistic and adjustment biases, and would recognize that life in society is characterized by conflict, negotiation, and compromise over politico-economic and other interests. (Author)

Suggests that the social position and value of old age are normally of little importance in the personal lives of older people, partly because of the limited salience of age within their informal networks. Factors that heighten the salience of being old may reduce well being. (JAC)

This article discusses the need for mass communication media to present information, role models, and positive images of aging. (JS)

This article discusses the responsibilities of health educators to the elderly and to community understanding of the aging process. (JS)

Documents age differences in the relative importance of intristic work satisfactions as determinants of the individual's sense of global well-being. It appears that, toward the end of the period of labor force participation, the satisfaction men derive from work is transferred from the actual experience of work to its consequences. (Author)

Variation in temporal experience among the aged has been found to be a function of a number of variables. The sociological and phenomenological literature suggest two as being of crucial importance: work and retirement, and health and illness. These were investigated in this study. (Author)

The factor analytic model of the practitioner-oriented "Opinions about People" was tested with a population of gerontological practitioners. An analysis eliminated nine items not warranting inclusion in the instrument, redistributed the factors, and brought out a completely new factor. (Author)

Describes an experience in developing teaching and learning content on aging and sexuality. Suggestions for a course outline and experiential learning for students and a summary of findings, which has implications for educators in gerontology, are included. (Author)

When applied to older persons, basic concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory, the most well developed theory emerging from the family movement in psychiatry, focus on the family systems of older people rather than on the problems of the aged. This Bowen focus on the value of intergenerational contact and continuity leads naturally to seeing the…

This manual had its origins in a training project at the University of Michigan directed at the staff and directors of area planning agencies on aging. The manual is a revised version of a manuscript used in the regional workshops to facilitate the planning and coordination of services and programs for older people. Its purpose is to provide an…