Examined the family supports of 167 post-hospitalized older adults as they varied by the relationship of the primary caregiver. The findings indicated that the most comprehensive and unstressful support was provided by a spouse. Family members were available in serial order rather than acting as a shared-functioning unit. (JAC)

The relationship between vision and mental functioning was investigated in a study of 295 elderly residents from three levels of care. Visual acuity and mental status were assessed. Findings indicate that there was indeed a relationship between vision and mental status. (Author)

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)

Widespread claims of extraordinary longevity continue to receive widespread publicity even in first-rate publications. The story of Charlie Smith is reasonably typical of such cultural apocrypha. Development of chemical methods of determining biologic longevity promises to end what often has been heralded as evidence of national distinction.…

To develop alternatives to institutionalization, more emphasis needs to be placed on supports permitting care within the family unit. Presents an example of one family that deinstitutionalized an older confused family member. (Author)

Describes a needs assessment model that offers practical suggestions to program planners in a multidisciplinary area of inquiry that is relatively new to continuing education in health sciences. (Available from University of California Press, Berkeley, CA 94720.) (Author/CT)

Suggests that the view of older persons as a status group with unique specialized needs tends to set up a dysfunctional tension between older Americans and the rest of society. (Author/AM)

Suggests that the ultimate economic status of those beyond middle age, precarious at best, may come to depend more during the years ahead on federal employment policy rather than on the local labor markets. (Author/AM)

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)

Despite the world wide absolute and relative increase in the size and longevity of the aging population, there is a virtually universal trend toward earlier retirement from industry and even from agriculture. (Author)

Examined effect of experimental program in gerontology and geriatrics on third-year medical students. Experimental students (n=45) participated in four group sessions emphasizing psychological, sociodemographic, and physiological aspects of aging and interpersonal communication skills. Participants developed more positive attitudes and…

This descriptive study examined the conceptions and misconceptions students in health professions have regarding older people. The research was conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The findings revealed that students in health professions, as a whole, demonstrated a high degree of stereotypic misconceptions and poor knowledge about aging and older…

This manual was designed to aid undergraduate social work students working in a model field-site program for gerontological social work education. It is based on work completed on an Administration on Aging project in Texas entitled, "A Statewide Faculty Development Program for Undergraduate Social Work Educators in Elder Care." The…

This paper on ethical issues in the gerontological nursing curriculum explores meanings of the concept of ethics and differences between ethical decision making and other decision-making processes. Four mind-sets about health care that influence the analysis of ethical dilemmas, identified by M. Aroskar, are described. The contributions of…

The desirability and format of a network among libraries and resource centers serving the gerontological/geriatric field were addressed in a research project funded by the Special Libraries Association. Heads of 50 gerontological and 50 geriatric libraries were surveyed by mail to determine if there was interest in a joint network, i.e., a formal…