Arguing that the stereotypes of aging and the aged in books and other media are generally negative, this article provides an overview of media study findings and comments extensively on the image of the elderly in several contemporary realistic young adult novels. Eleven references and additional novel titles are provided. (EJS)

Examined images of aging women depicted in periodical advertising over a 10-year period. Analyzed content for frequency, products involved, setting, value orientation, and change over time. Found older women in less than 1% of the advertisements, and no significant changes from 1967-1977. (Author/JAC)

Outlines approaches principals may take in dealing with older teachers who will not have to retire at age 65 but who may not be up to handling a full teaching load. Principals must retain only competent teachers while not discriminating on the basis of age. (IRT)

Responses of 60 physicians to a questionnaire describing patients with obvious psychiatric symptoms were analyzed. Findings indicated that a physician's decision to refer patients for psychological assistance may be influenced unduly by patient's age. Old patients were referred significantly less often than younger patients with identical…

Although the use of date of birth is a method of classifying people has certain legal advantages because it provides a convenient dividing line, it results in misclassification of people into inappropriate categories. (Author/AM)

Notes that attempts to apply research findings based on undifferentiated comparisons between black and white elderly toward the solution of problems faced by black elderly are doomed to ineffectiveness. (Author/AM)

Reports on a study which analyzed 100 books for children (preschool through grade three) and judged them by three criteria: frequency of occurrence of old people (65 and older) in text and illustrations, nature of their social participation, and their behavioral traits. (BF/JH)

The Social Attitude Scale of Ageist Prejudice was administered to 42 4- and 5-year-olds. Those exposed to an aging education curriculum (n=21) decreased prejudices, whereas controls' prejudices increased. Children were more negative toward older adults' abilities than their social traits. Grandparent visits did not affect prejudices. (SK)

The language of geriatrics and gerontology reflects the generally held belief that potential for growth and development disappears when the elderly are severely disabled. To counter this mystique, the right to flourish must be advocated through policy, behavior, and attitude change. (SK)

Reviews the legal framework of age discrimination cases, examines current attitudes and practices regarding retirement, and outlines the major arguments in the mandatory retirement debate. The contrasting principles of individual versus comparative justice are emphasized. (SK)

Despite the proven track record of older workers and accumulating evidence that age is not a handicap to continued learning, employers remain reluctant to invest resources in their training and retraining. Often, where training opportunities are provided with no age restrictions, only a small proportion of older persons eligible will participate.…

Examined court records from Dade County, Florida, to investigate whether age shielded elderly misdemeanant theft defendants from more retributive reactions of the courts. Results revealed that, compared to younger defendants, elderly defendants were more likely to be fined. Majority of elderly defendants received some form of economic penalty if…

Overaccommodation in communication with elders is frequently based on stereotyped expectations of frailty and dependence. In this study, volunteers read either a patronizing or neutral version of a conversation between a nursing home resident and a nurse. The main analyses indicated that negative nonverbal behaviors were rated more likely to occur…

An unnecessary bias toward separate programing for younger and older adults precludes intergenerational learning and reinforces age stereotypes. Recent gerontological research supports common learning themes for young and old: self-sufficiency, adaptation, and class and gender concerns. (SK)

Two Commission of European Communities surveys of people over age 15 and of those over 60 demonstrated a widespread belief that older people deserve public support and services and face employment discrimination. Socioeconomic factors influenced older people's sense of security and life satisfaction. Positive intergenerational attitudes appeared.…