Notes that age-related changes in physiology and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are used in the body) lead to increased drug sensitivity and potentially harmful drug effects. Addresses heightened sensitivity to drug effects seen in older adults. Presents three examples of physiologic decline and discusses some broad considerations for geriatric…

Describes third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), noting that upper age limit was removed and that older black, Mexican American, and white populations were oversampled. Sees NHANES III component for older adults providing multidimensional overview of physical and functional health status (osteoporosis; arthritis;…

The study of older adults is relatively new for the social sciences. There is a growing awareness of the alcohol-related problems in this population. Between 2 and 10 percent of older social drinkers present severe alcohol-related problems of different kinds. Three terms describe the major consequences of "too much" alcohol: intoxication,…

It is generally recognized that age, by itself, is not an adequate criterion with which to judge a person's ability to drive. Individuals do not age at the same rate, and there are large intraindividual differences in the aging process. This study, the first phase of a proposed two-phase research project, investigated the relationship of physical…

Describes age-related changes in central nervous system pertinent to biology of suicide. Reviews postmortem biological studies of brains of suicides and suicide attempters. As suicide attempts in elderly are characterized by violence, discusses biological studies of impulsive violence. Describes data on effect of degenerative diseases on serotonin…

This report notes the growing awareness of alcohol problems among the elderly during the past 5 to 10 years, and reviews the final conclusions of the federal demonstration project, Senior Alcohol Services. Five basic concepts are included: (1) there are a growing number of elderly persons with alcohol problems (10-15% of all persons over age 60);…

Notes that subdividing the age group 65 and over into finer age groups unmasks race differentials in mortality and morbidity that often favor blacks in the older age groups. Describes the unusual phenomena; proposes systematic research program to explain them; and discusses existing data sets for their analysis. (Author/NB)

Examines a variety of personal qualities usually found in creative people. Discusses many theories of creativity representing a variety of intellectual traditions, most of which predict aging decrements of some sort. Suggests that the creativity decline may vary, or that creativity may change rather than decline with age, with differing stylistic…

Seminars on the topic of generational equity, a term which suggests conflict between meeting the needs of the young and the old, were sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging in the spring of 1987 at 11 universities in the state. The seminars posed three major questions to participants from academia, state government, and the voluntary…

It has been hypothesized that the use of techniques to enhance motor skill acquisition and retention in the elderly may retard the onset of retirement, result in the continuation of a productive professional career, allow continued participation in recreational activities, and possibly slow the decline in physiological functions that normally…

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)

Discusses the theoretical proposition that adolescent-young adults and the retired-aging bear a symmetrical relationship in terms of psycho-social propensities and "social location." Respondents from two age groups reflected personal views of goals, values, and satisfaction and stresses of life as they experienced it. (Author)

Elaborates on the relative deprivation model proposed by Liang and Fairchild (1979), and explores the relationship between income and financial satisfaction. Financial satisfaction is influenced by relative deprivation and distributive justice. Race and age also relate to social comparison and financial satisfaction. (Author)

Cultural factors may affect the elderly's use of and beliefs about counseling and psychotherapy. Elderly persons tend to make fewer telephone calls than do younger persons, perhaps believing the telephone should be used only with close friends. This may prevent the elderly from using telephone counseling services. Suicide has occurred in the…

Presents and compares underlying assumptions of these theories as they might expand understanding of intergenerational transfers: social exchange theory, kin selection theory of altruism, human capital theory, social constructivist theory, and rational transfers theory. Recommends comparative studies to gain insight into strengths and weaknesses…