A country, case-descriptive methodology was employed in a cross-national study of social service systems. The major findings with regard to the aged are: (1) countries must establish a firm infrastructure of basic social provision for community services to function adequately and: (2) a common core of "personal social services" is emerging…

The report is a general multidisciplinary survey of current areas of interest in the field of gerontology, especially those having to do with retirement and the provision of social security. Chapter 1 discusses social security as an issue in gerontology and the concern of social security with retirement and aging. Chapter 2 discusses the…

Examines survey data from a metropolitan community to investigate comparative rankings of needs of older persons by service providers and their elderly target population. Training in gerontology, serving elderly clients exclusively, and having direct contact with elderly clients as line staff were not predictors of knowledge of elderly needs.…

Reviews and describes three programs in which older adults provide their services: foster grandparents, senior companions, and retired senior volunteers. (AM)

The United States Commissioner on Aging describes challenges posed by the increasing size of the older adult population, outlines gaps in knowledge regarding aging and the elderly, and calls for greater collaboration between the elderly and existing mental health networks. (AOS)

Suggests that community service second careers could play an important role in deferring social security retirement benefits, but that the motivation has to be for more than a wish to relieve pressures on social security. (Author/AM)

Suggests that since the population of older persons is growing, psychologists must be trained to serve as consultants for the development of health and social services, social security plans, housing, and other programs. (Author/AOS)

The experience of the British and Irish coordination of social and health care suggests a categorical rather than comprehensive approach. Personnel training, resource development and planning should be undertaken on a slow, step-by-step schedule. (JAC)

"Sozialstationen" can fulfill an important function in social and health care by allowing older adults to live at home longer. About two-thirds of the clients would have to have more to residential care if the program was stopped. No conclusions on cost effectiveness can be drawn at this time. (JAC)

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…

After arguing that treatment programs for the elderly need to be evaluated with better research designs, the authors illustrate how interrupted time series analysis can be used to evaluate programs for the elderly when random assignment to experimental and control groups is not possible. (Author)

This selected bibliography of resources on gerontology, reflecting the holdings of the Western Kentucky University Libraries, is divided into five sections: (1) books and monographs; (2) educational resources center; (3) government documents; (4) microfilms; and (5) periodicals. The table of contents contains an alphabetical listing of all Library…

The stages of life are now many, each having its own boundaries, logic, and a prescribed perspective of appropriate relations amongst and between members of the many stages. Just as there is a developing curriculum for the young, there is a developing curriculum in the area of elder care. Within the paradigm of staged human development, the end…

This document consists of the following three papers: (1) "Aging in the People's Republic of China" (Liang), including a 22-item bibliography; (2) "The Reform of China's Social Security System for the Elderly" (Chuanyi); and (3) "Developing Research on Aging in China" (Jihui). The first paper briefly outlines the…

This document contains papers delivered at a conference designed to highlight similarities and differences in the situation of the elderly in Sweden and in the United States. The papers are: (1) "Aging and Work" (Sheppard, Berglind); (2) "Services to the Elderly: An Emphasis on the United States" (Hokenstad); (3) "Notes on…