As the number of older adults increases, it is important to understand how attitudes toward aging influence society, the aging process, and the counseling profession. Ageism--defined as social stigma associated with old age or older people--has deleterious effects on older adults' physical health, psychological well-being, and self-perception. In…

Analysis of student journals examined the effect intergenerational service-learning had upon undergraduate students' attitudes and perceptions of older adults. Students (N = 102) engaged in 12 hours of service-learning with older adults that included writing structured reflection journals. Coding involved open, axial, and selective coding with…

The number of U.S. citizens ages 65 years and older is steadily increasing, and members of this cohort are redefining what it means to be an older adult. As members of the Baby Boom generation reach older adulthood, many of them are seeking educational opportunities to help them to meet their needs and desires as lifelong learners. Several factors…

We present findings from interviews with 17 first-year MSWs assigned to gerontological placements undertaken before beginning--and again as they neared completion--of practicum. All respondents, even those most positive and negative at beginning of placement, report a reduction in stereotypes, improved appreciation of older adults' capacities and…

Purpose: Relative to the overall population, older adults consume a disproportionally large percentage of health care resources. Despite advocacy and efforts initiated more than 30 years ago, the number of providers with specialized training in geriatrics is still not commensurate with the growing population of older adults. This contribution…

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)

Presents a historical perspective on the meaning of senility, representing a significant change in beliefs about the nature of old age. Before the nineteenth century, to be senile meant simply to be old. By the late nineteenth century, old age was assumed to be synonymous with debilitating illness. (JAC)

Seniors are routinely subjected to negative stereotypes regarding their physical and cognitive abilities. The power and prevalence of cultural stereotypes of aging essentially results in a "double-whammy" to seniors. First, they influence the way that seniors are treated by society. Second, cultural stereotypes affect how seniors see…

The Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ) measures laypersons' knowledge of memory changes in adulthood for research or educational purposes. Half of the questions pertain to normal memory aging and the other half cover pathological memory deficits due to non-normative factors, such as adult dementia. In this study, we compared memory…

A content analysis of the best adolescent literature of the Twentieth Century was undertaken to determine the types, extent, and importance of older characters. The findings indicated that older persons were not underrepresented but were under underdeveloped and peripheral to the major action of the books. (Author)

It is difficult in a youth-oriented society for older adults to find meaningful activities that will fullfill their need to be respected as contributing members of that society. (JD)

American society has been transforming itself from one in which older people were held in increasingly low esteem and characterized by a multiplicity of derogative stereotypes to one in which the roles and styles of life of older adults will be viewed as positive and contributive. (Author)

Investigated whether children (N=144) demonstrate the same stereotypes of the elderly that are depicted in the media. The findings indicated that children generally stereotype the elderly. The children selected favorable adjectives to describe photographs of the elderly but preferred to associate with young rather than old adults. (JAC)

Explored intimate interaction in a home for the aged. Interviews with residents (N=40) and staff (N=26) revealed that the residents' intimate relationships were primarily with others outside the home. Factors impeding intimate interactions were related to negative stereotype of the aged and staff perceptions of their role. (JAC)

Examined role expectations and realities among Italian-American, single, older women and their daughters. Found the quality of the relationships quite high. Results showed high consensus for the expectations and realities. A greater number of specific resources were expected and received of daughters. (Author)