Uses social identity theory in order to evaluate whether alcohol use buffers the effects of stress on depressive symptoms in older adults. Results supported the hypothesis that alcohol effects reduce the negative impact of events arising in social roles that are not highly valued by study participants, and that alcohol consumption exacerbates the…

A survey of associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs in 15 southern states (n=211) determined the current status of gerontological nursing programs. Findings indicate that, although there are areas of improvement, the status of gerontological nursing education and practice in the undergraduate curriculum is not equal to that of other…

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)

A profile of 452 older adults enrolled in Learning-in-Retirement institutes showed they had relatively high economic status and extensive educational background. They were motivated by self-actualization, perceived cognitive gaps, intellectual curiosity, and social contact. An intellectually stimulating curriculum is a pivotal factor in predicting…

A study of 101 alumni of the Leadership Ashville Seniors program shows that middle class, well-educated retirees who had been professionals/managers want volunteer, leadership, and learning opportunities. Higher education can help develop roles that counter commonly believed age stereotypes. (SK)

Based on applied learning theory, this comprehensive training model for integrating gerontology into the education of mental health professionals incorporates cognitive learning, experiential learning, and behavioral practice/skills acquisition. It recognizes the interdisciplinary nature of mental health work and includes a practicum/internship…

Third-year medical students (n=67) conducted structured functional assessments of elderly patients and completed diagnostic/therapeutic plans. Students averaged seven problems and four recommendations per patient. Significant increases in their knowledge of and comfort with comprehensive geriatric assessment were found. (Contains 25 references.)…

Explores the effects of the absence of different information types in instructions on action performance for different age groups. Finds that the absence of goal information, consequence information and identification information in the instructions proved to have a negative effect on task performance, especially for the elderly participants. (SG)

Spurred by declining enrollments, various programs are now available or being developed for the older student. Discusses the Institute for Retired Professionals, the Institute of Study for Older Adults, and a program at Fairhaven College for older adults. (Author/PG)

Communication specialists, or communicologists, have several problems to overcome before their contributions to the study of gerontology can receive the recognition they deserve. Communicologists, for example, need to define their discipline and expertise more clearly and succinctly. In order to be credible to gerontologists and other…

The goals of the work study project: Services to the Aging conducted at the University of Denver, were: (1) to sensitize the undergraduate students participating in it in their understanding of the role and functioning of older people in a changing social structure; and (2) through a field work and academic program, to acquaint students with the…

Provides a short filmography of films that examine a number of facets of the social and economic aspects of being old. (KS)

Few colleges and universities actively recruit senior citizens or take action to remove real or perceived barriers to their enrollment in regularly scheduled classes. Describes a recruitment program to encourage older adults to enroll in regularly scheduled university classes. Used senior recruiters, themselves university students over the age of…

Investigated the relationship between attitudinal, behavioral, and demographic variables and the self-reported interactions of university students with elderly individuals. Concluded variables of sex, quality of interaction with grandparents, personal normative beliefs, social normative beliefs, and knowledge contributed a significant proportion…

Tested both superior and average-ability subjects (N=112) from contrasting educational settings to examine the apparent decline in vocabulary skills of older adults. Results showed older adults performed better than the young, judged by either standard or qualitative criteria. (BH)