Graduating dental hygiene students' general attitudes toward the elderly and their perceptions of older adults as patients were found not to be equivalent. Mixed perceptions were found among the students, and no predictors of attitudes predominated. Educational interventions to change unfavorable attitudes appear feasible. (Author/MSE)

A university needs to put to best use the experience, wisdom, and capacities for reflective and integrative thinking that can be found among those older faculty that have been previously forced to retire. Many older academics can do a lot to fill gaps in interdisciplinary and problem-oriented research. (MLW)

Investigates use of age stereotypes in evaluating individuals' behavior in context-specific situations. Data reveals limited but conflicting evidence of the use of stereotypes when stimuli portrayed target characters in lifelike situations rather than in an experimental vacuum. Argues that stereotyping is greatly influenced by other aspects of the…

A survey of Washington State dentists in private practice shows generally inaccurate perceptions of the aging process. More experienced dentists held fewer stereotypes, those rating elderly patients as having good oral hygiene held positive stereotypes, and geriatrics coursework did not affect stereotypes. Implications for training and geriatric…

Briefly reviews the gerontological literature on attitudes toward the elderly. Criticizing word association measurement techniques, this article identifies alternative methods for assessing attitudes toward the elderly and considers the pedagogical effects of these methods. (JDH)

Examines some reasons for underutilization of elders as educators and suggests an educational brokerage system as a means of maximizing their educational contributions and rewards. Presents a case study of an emerging brokerage system. (BH)

Aging and ageism are diversity issues and should be addressed in diversity training. A balanced understanding of aging can be developed using appropriate techniques at all levels of education. Instructors should vary teaching approaches to accommodate older adult students. (SK)

Recently, a number of investigators have reported negative views or attitudes by professionals from various mental health fields toward aged clients. However, the graduate students who participated in this study were not significantly affected by their client's age. Perhaps professionals develop biases toward various client groups on the job. (RM)

Overaccommodation in communication with elders is frequently based on stereotyped expectations of frailty and dependence. In this study, volunteers read either a patronizing or neutral version of a conversation between a nursing home resident and a nurse. The main analyses indicated that negative nonverbal behaviors were rated more likely to occur…

Issues of mandatory retirement for faculty are discussed. In 1978, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act was amended to raise the age of forced retirement to 70, but tenured college professors were exempted from the protections of the amendment. Arguments raised by advocates of forced retirement for tenured college professors include: the…

Provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act are reviewed along with AAUP retirement policy. Attention is focused on the impact on new faculty hiring and compensation costs and institutional strategies. The total effect on academic tenure is assessed. (LBH)

Previous research suggests that one basis for age discrimination involves stereotypes about older people. Situational variables, however, may influence the extent to which these stereotypes affect decisions in employment. One situational variable, the age composition of the applicant pool, was varied to determine the degree to which age bias in…

Comments on the practice of mandatory retirement of college faculty members. Calls for an end to the needless wasting of human talent, experience, and know-how. (FL)

The 1978 amendments of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act tenure exemptions are discussed. The question of whether faculty members now serving in nontenured capacities can be dismissed on the basis of age is examined. A rebuttal to an article by Stuart H. Bompey is included. (MLW)

An analysis of decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada that mandatory retirement for firefighters at age 60 violated human rights but forced retirement of university faculty at age 65 was constitutional indicated that the court relied on stereotypes of older workers as being less competent. (JOW)