Education about sexuality is one method of reducing common negative stereotypes about this aspect of the life of older people. Knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality are therefore particularly important in those who educate healthcare professionals. We surveyed schools of medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and…

Discusses a short course using commercial films that explores popular views of the elderly. Explains the primary goal of the course as enhancing student ability to critically examine the images of older people presented in the mass media. Includes discussions of articles, films, and written assignments. (DK)

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)

The AGED Inventory was designed to overcome shortcomings in the Aging Semantic Differential, a frequently used measure of how age groups are perceived. Due to ease of administration, multidimensionality, and flexibility of targets specification, it can be used in a number of different ways that are compatible with current conceptualizations of…

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…

Introduces the Communication Enhancement Model, which promotes health in old age by stressing recognition of individualized cues, modification of communication to suit individual needs and situations, appropriate assessment of problems, and empowerment of both elders and providers. Discusses application of the model for two high-risk groups,…

Infantilization was investigated in a sample of elderly adults, both community residents (n=18) and residents of institutions (n=17). Community residents were more negative in their ratings of infantilizing speech content and intonation, and appeared particularly resentful of infantilizing speech intonation of the dimension of respect. (JPS)

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…

Research on older adults at the United Kingdom's Open University over 25 years showed that the proportion of undergraduates over 50 is 14%, over 60 is 5%; that their course choices, motivation, and study preferences differ from those of younger students; and that their achievement compares favorably with that of younger students. (SK)

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…

Provides a model for the evaluation of children's books in which old people are characters that can also serve as a lesson aid for students. Lists 33 books for children that involve the elderly. (SRT)

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)

This survey of academic public service librarians shows a decline in negative stereotypical perceptions of older adults from earlier studies. However, this may not necessarily indicate a desire to offer services to the elderly, and the factor of self-selection may be present with regard to librarians' involvement with such services. (Author/EM)

Research on aging has contributed toward undermining negative stereotypes. In the last 20 years, the sociology of age has developed as a field that deals not only with growing old, but also with growing older from birth onward. The new role of grandparents is described. (MLW)