Based on a needs assessment survey (66 responses from 101 nursing home activity coordinators), a recreation manual and training program was developed and tested with 25 coordinators/recreation staff. The 14 who completed evaluations increased their understanding of such topics as depression; goals of nursing home recreation programs; motivation of…

Predicts declining confidence in Social Security, questioning of public's responsibility for elderly, organization proliferation, anticipated labor shortages, and trend to reengage in mainstream society. Sees result as greater emphasis on elderly's productive potential and a "common human need" policy in aging field. (Author/CM)

Discusses increases in numbers of elderly with disabilities. Contends the intersecting of aging and disabilities and the habilitative benefits derived by elders at this intersection will be facilitated by education and that gerontological educators should lead in this process. (ABL)

Of 378 gerontological nurses surveyed in New Zealand, 42 percent felt involved in psychotropic drug-related decisions; 86 percent felt they should be involved. Nurses favored subjective drug assessment techniques. They were aware of potential of psychotropic drugs to interfere with cognition, but many failed to identify series of bogus side…

Interpretations of aging in film parallel concepts and theories in gerontology. This article examines gerontological themes, such as wisdom and guidance roles, in this popular film. The ubiquity of aging motifs in popular film offers gerontology a significant opportunity for public education. (JPS)

The gerontology certificate program at the University of Massachusetts-Boston uses an action research model in two formats: (1) older adult students learn social research methods and conduct studies among their peers; and (2) certified graduates serve as interns, conducting research on older adult issues and needs. (SK)

Responses from 59 of 80 undergraduate gerontology students participating in the Elder Mentor Relationship program revealed that, despite initial apprehension, most students found it rewarding. It increased their understanding about aging, fostered respect and admiration, and contributed to personal growth. (SK)

The LinkAges project engages elderly residents of the Dominican Republic in teaching three to six year olds, enhancing children's learning ability, fostering positive attitudes toward aging, and giving the elders opportunities to use their skills and transmit their cultural heritage. (SK)

Six seminars attended by 45 college students aged 19-23 and 25 Senior Guest students over 60 positively influenced younger students' interest in gerontology and acceptance of older persons socially and academically. Seniors also developed more positive attitudes toward younger students as well as younger family members. (SK)

The University of Georgia model curriculum to prepare students to work with mentally retarded older adults has six units: population overview, physiological issues, mental health issues, social support systems, service delivery networks, and legal/ethical issues. (SK)

Used elderly educator method for increasing rate of return of fecal occult blood sampling in colorectal screening among 171 socioeconomically disadvantaged older persons. Two methods using elderly educators had overall response rate of more than 60%. Found statistically significant difference between two methods that used elderly educators and two…

Proposes a conceptual model to describe and understand differences between functional capability and actual functional performance in the home. Results indicate that many older people appear to be both overachieving and underachieving in their functional performance relative to self-reports of functional capacity.(MKA)

In older persons the disabling process follows a general pattern of progression based on a typical sequence of impairments. Critical steps are identified and a model is presented. The model, based on a hierarchy of activities of daily living, was tested in several ways, including cross-cultural verification. (Author/EMK)

Describes the development and content of a course on sexuality in aging for a gerontology master's program. Topics include physical health, AIDS, gay/lesbian issues, widows/widowers, marriage, ethnic issues, menopause, and impotence. Provides a 33-item bibliography. (SK)

This article derives from the experience of teaching an asynchronous web-based course, Communicating with Older Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, taught by a multidisciplinary team of three faculty. The students also were multidisciplinary with diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and varied professional experience with older adults. Our…