This paper reflects selected findings from a study of successful coping mechanisms used by elderly individuals who, approximately two years before the time of being interviewed, had experienced a major crisis identified as either: (1) the death of a significant individual with whom the elderly person has in most cases been living until the time of…

This brief speech discusses the correlation between nutrition and health among older adults. Food habits of older people do not always fall in line with their food needs and health condition. Therefore, there is a need to establish nutrition programs to help older adults, as well as others, learn how to regulate their diet. The speaker challenges…

The Institutional Review Committee is an important social innovation promising the effective protection of the rights of elderly potential research subjects. However, unnecessary elaboration of informed consent procedures may risk excluding older persons from both primary and secondary benefits of the research process. (Author)

Excerpts from a speech by the director of the National Institute on Aging present his reviews on the impact that increased longevity will have on the future society, and his report of research being carried out on extension of the human life span. (MF)

To sensitize medical students to the complexities of geriatric patient care, the geriatrics faculty of Upstate Medical Center's Clinical Campus developed Geriatrix, a role-playing game. Students attempt to win points in a board game containing Fact, Concept, and Crisis Squares. Crises promote exposure to ethical dilemmas and invite intense debate…

Analyzed informal support system resiliency in a survey of 700 elderly. Data indicated the role of the informal network is more important than formal social supports. Children were the most likely network members, and most networks were characterized by active communication. (JAC)

Ambulatory geriatric patients (N=370) were rated on the Geriatric Rating Scale and results factor analyzed. The scale was found to be composed of three factors: Withdrawal/Apathy, Antisocial Disruptive Behavior, and Deficits in Activities of Daily Living. The results help explain some of the findings regarding sex differences in previous research.…

This reply to Horn and Donaldson is previous critique of Schaie and Baltes' Research and writings on intelligence in adulthood and old age has two parts: the first discusses theoretical perspectives and the second makes observations on the empirical data base. (Author/AM)

This publication contains abstracts from the 53rd annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. The abstracts are arranged numerically by the session number in which they appear. Several abstracts are listed under each of the 388 sessions. Although the sessions are not limited to one topic, the dominant theme is education concerning all…

Addressed a need for enlargement of music when retirement home residents were deprived of a self-fulfillment opportunity from choir activities due to failing eyesight. A photographic process yielded the needed feasible large reproductions. Innovative application of this technique affords wide-ranging potential for positive benefit beyond music…

Describes the "Peer Support System," which involved older people in the provision of improved mental health services, including education and service identification. The program consisted of recruiting and training 48 peer counselors, and conducting monthly health education workshops. Funded by the Administration on Aging, the project…

Discusses a summer work-study program for medical students which provided a training experience regarding the community elderly and their health and well-being. It represents in microcosm several of the elements of a gerontological component which need to be incorporated into the medical school curriculum. (Author)

Considers what benefits volunteerism offers to the aging and to their communities, how this role for the aging is valued, what has been learned from the greater utilization of senior citizen volunteers, and how this opportunity can be provided to those who want it. (Author/AM)

Presents an overview of the most distinctive psychological theories of aging promulgated after World War II. Groups theoretical developments into three periods: (1) Classical Period, which includes developmental tasks/activity theory; (2) Modern Period, which includes theories on life-span development and aging; and (3) New Period, represented by…

Addresses diversions that prevent professionals in geriatrics from achieving an interdisciplinary focus. Describes a heuristic paradigm that communicates to the client and caregiver the importance of what they are doing. Discusses the importance of extending the teachings of traditional educational gerontology and of empowering clients to fuller…