Compared effects of different visiting programs (people, people and pets, pets, no visit) on behaviors of nursing home residents. Found all three visiting programs increased behaviors of smiling and alertness in comparison to control conditions. Close proximity to person-alone visitor was associated with greatest number of positive resident…

Serving refreshments was shown to increase attendance and frequency of interaction in the activity area of a nursing home. Quantitative and qualitative changes in vocal behavior were evaluated. Rates of interaction more than doubled during treatment phases, but ineffective vocal behavior accounted for most of the increase. (Author/JW)

Explored relationship between two dimensions of social interaction and well-being (quantity and adequacy of social contact) in 1050 older Australians. Results indicated that respondents' assessments of the adequacy of their social contacts, rather than the amount of social contact per se, was a critical determinant of well-being in old age.…

Describes an intergenerational service program designed to use the skills of each generation to meet the needs of the other. Reviews screening, training, and a variety of placements for the teenage and older adult participants and discusses ongoing program benefits. (Author/NRB)

Aging literature contains many references to the importance of both real and perceived personality factors to the aging process. The individuals over age 60 in this study were asked to indicate their past and present levels of role participation and present role involvement, and to respond to parts of a personality inventory. (MS)

A program by two 6th-grade classes at Horace May Elementary School and a group of senior citizens in Bemidji, Minnesota, brought the children in teams of four to spend a full day with the senior citizens. (Author/MLF)

Outlines problems encountered and strategies evolved to deal with them in four studies of the elderly in Manitoba, Canada. Ethical concerns include consent, obligations of the researcher to the respondent, and demands of the respondent. Emphasizes the heterogeneity of the elderly population and its effect on research process. (Author)

Social network analysis involves the assessment of the individual's interpersonal relationships, of the degree of integration into various organizational settings, and of the availability of supportive services. This analysis reveals strengths within the network to be reinforced, or negative influences. (Author)

Subjects with greater depressive symptomatology were involved in more arguments, experienced more deaths of relatives and friends, and among white elderly, reported more accidents among relatives and friends. This group also experienced a higher magnitude of stress. (Author)

Gathered data from institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly concerning their satisfaction with various aspects of family relations. While 80 percent of the sample were satisfied, differences were found between the young-old and the old-old, the married and the widowed, as well as between the institutionalized and community-dwelling…

Conducted interviews with 332 intellectually intact residents in 54 nursing homes to study their patterns of interpersonal relationships with staff, other residents, and family and friends outside the home. Results indicated importance of having a close friend for residents' participation in activities, life satisfaction, and nursing home…

Examined the perceptions and social interactions of patients (n=20) and staff after introducing a resident dog to a nursing home. Results showed a significant increase of interactive behaviors for both staff and residents after 6 weeks. After 22 weeks, behavior for residents had reverted to base-line levels. (Author/BHK)

This article explores the impact of peer support groups on individuals who are elderly and blind. Peer groups are believed to provide members with an important link to others having a similar disability, a link that offers validation, affiliation, and insight. (JDD)

Interviews and a life-history questionnaire collected data from 21 retired and 30 employed professionals over 60. Both groups were involved in meaningful relationships and were satisfied with their lives. Those employed valued career prestige and challenge; the retired valued supportive relationships and task completion. (SK)

Suggests many ways in which to connect with the elderly community. Notes that such connections are based on mutual needs. Describes several instances where elderly people were able to connect and contribute to the education of the younger community. (SG)