Students (n=46) in a graduate gerontology course, ranged in age from 23-77; 32 were aged 36-55. They were positive about age diversity and its contributions to learning. None of those under 36 would apply age restrictions to admission; 13 of 38 older students would. A sizeable minority would discriminate against older students in awarding…

Notes that, as the composition of the American family has changed, children often have limited experiences with their grandparents or other older adults. Discusses ways to help young children eliminate stereotypical views associated with aging by learning to appreciate the diversity and vitality of older persons and becoming comfortable with the…

A study investigated the depiction of older characters in basal reader series from 1975 to 1983. A checklist was used to collect data concerning the treatment of older people in the stories and pictures of the following series: (1) Macmillan and Company (1975), (2) Allyn and Bacon (1978), (3) Scott Foresman (1978), Ginn and Company (1982), and (5)…

A study investigated whether the incidence of ageism has diminished in recent editions of basal readers. Materials examined in the study were the 1971 and 1980 editions of the American Book Company Reading Series, the 1973 and 1980 editions of the Holt Basic Reading System, the 1971 and 1981 editions of the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series, and the…

This collection consists of papers presented at a 1982 conference on policy issues in work and retirement. Presented first is an introductory overview of the problems of retirement and aging by Herbert S. Parnes. The following conference reports are included in the volume: "Life without Work: Does It Make Sense?" by Eli Ginzberg;…

This document begins with an overview of trends and issues in the area of older workers. The overview briefly addresses: the reversal of the trend toward early retirement, growth in the population of individuals over age 55, increased longevity, economic pressures for older persons that lead to work in order to supplement retirement income, low…

A study evaluated the effects of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in: (1) the operation of the ADEA in federal courts; (2) the role of performance appraisal in age discrimination suits; (3) the enforcement of the ADEA by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (4) factors associated with complaints brought under the law…

Group settings offer the elderly a unique outlet for interpersonal communication and can alleviate social isolation and aloneness. Group cohesiveness and instillation of hope are two curative factors in the group setting. Persons working with the elderly must be aware of their special problems and also be sensitive to their own age bias. Group…

A study was conducted to determine the meanings people give to certain words that describe different groups of people. Participants indicated the chronological age they have in mind when using 15 age terms, including baby, senior citizen, adolescent, infant, mature, elderly, youth, and old. The 150 replies to the questionnaire came from college…

Faculty attitudes toward older learners were studied using an adaptation of Kogan's (1951) attitude scale and methodology. Forty-nine faculty members from various colleges and universities in Ohio and Indiana were subdivided into two groups: those who had taught in a structured higher education experience aimed at people over 60 years of age and…

This working paper was prepared for use by the Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate, 95th Congress, 1st Session. It addresses the next steps in combating age discrimination in employment, with special reference to mandatory retirement policy. This paper is divided into the following major sections: (1) history, achievements, and…

A study indicated that the widowed and those who have never married are portrayed negatively in young people's literature. Provides a list of books that represent a variety of older life styles. (MKM)

An understanding of adulthood educational participation should be developed according to a criterion of environmental and situationally dependent factors rather than solely to one of inexorable and cross-situational biophysical decline. Environmental and organismic factors that may relate to chronically low rates of educational participation by…

To help dispel myths and stereotypes about the elderly, young children should learn about the elderly and the aging process. Children need to see old age as a part of the total life cycle and can benefit from having contact with senior citizens volunteers in the classroom. (MDM)

A survey of a random sample of 400 companies (100 in each of 4 size groupings) was taken in December 1994 to determine business attitudes toward older workers (defined as 50 or older) and to provide insight into how older workers can best position themselves in order to get and keep the jobs they need. In each company the person interviewed was…