Focuses on the relationship between social environment and the older individual. By utilizing the Social Breakdown Syndrome a cycle of events is defined by the Geriatric Sexuality Breakdown Syndrome, in which an older individual is initially predisposed to diminished sexual activity to the end point of self-identification as nonsexual. (Author)

Examined the effect of social contacts between older adults and children on children's attitudes. Children (N=28) from kindergarten through third grade in an intergenerational volunteer program, took the Children's Attitude Toward the Elderly test. Results indicated that interaction alone between elders and children may not change attitudes.…

Data from a study of female retirees and their husbands indicate that the retirement of the wife does not always lead to a redistribution of household tasks, nor do all female retirees experience a full-time household role after retirement. Effects on the marital relationship are often positive. (Author)

Explored the nature of informal support given to older persons, depending upon gender and marital status. Random samples of 488 residents of retirement communities were interviewed. Data indicated the married had more primary relations than the nonmarried; married women had the most and spouseless men the fewest. (Author)

This article describes and evaluates a friendly visiting program set up by a college in connection with a hospital for older adults. Attitudinal changes of college students toward the aged are discussed. (Author/HLM)

This article presents an historical overview of the disengagement theory of social gerontology, first presented by Queen and Gruener. Trends and implications for the future are discussed. (Author/HLM)

This study investigated the feelings and concerns of 64 elderly persons, as revealed by a projective instrument, in relation to number and sex of siblings. The number and proportion of female siblings were found to have a greater influence than male siblings on the elderly's feelings and concerns. (Author)

Examined social interaction and depression among 42 elderly persons. Found depression was negatively correlated with measure of quantity of social interaction entailing frequent conversations and positively correlated with having reciprocally intimate relationships. Findings suggest that depression in older adults is negatively related to having…

Journals kept by 12 students in a life-history project who visited older adults revealed four experiences: (1) preprogram assumptions about how to interact with the elderly; (2) personal conflict over the inappropriateness of the assumptions in action; (3) reevaluation of themselves and intergenerational relationships; and (4) transposition--10 of…

Examines the association between social support and depressive symptomatology in a sample of older Chinese people (N=1106) living in Hong Kong. Reports that social support from family is important and satisfaction with support is a more important predictor of depression levels than other measures. Material aid and instrumental support is more…

Study investigates reasons adolescents value their grandparents. Results show adolescents generally find their grandparents important and feel close to them because they provide affection, reassurance of worth, and reliable alliance. Early adolescents assigned more importance and meaning to their grandparents than middle and late adolescents.…

Describes how using writers' workshop with mixed groups of elderly and children has benefits for all parties. Describes one intergenerational program bringing together elders from a writing group at a local community center with elementary school children. Discusses initial reasons for the project, shares some activities, and presents some things…

Aged care research has found that relationships between care-providing staff and residents are often not satisfying for either staff or residents. The study evaluated the effects of a simple relationship intervention, Staff-Resident Quality Time, on staff perceptions of relationship satisfaction and control in two aged care facilities. The…

Family resources are vital to older individuals. In order to establish base-line data on the availability and proximity of kin to persons aged 45 or older in a midwestern state, information was gathered for six months from the obituary section of the local newspaper. The sample includeed 1,413 individuals. Information included availabiltiy of kin,…

Personal relationships of skid row men have been described in terms of disaffiliation and replacement of friends. Analysis of social relationships of Philadelphia skid row residents upheld the theory of replacement. The loss of relationships, however, was more closely associated with length of residence in skid row than with age. (Author)