Describing an in-service training program designed for a predominantly rural area of Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, this article emphasizes the importance of strengthening linkages between social service practitioners in direct contact with older persons and the mental health agencies in the area. (JC)

Describes a number of college programs for the elderly whose enrollment has grown significantly in the 1970s. Also discusses some noncollege organizations that offer educational programs for retirement-aged individuals. (RK)

Retired chemists in Delaware have become involved in volunteer program to teach science to elementary and secondary students. A description of the program is provided. Also provided are descriptions of five lessons developed for the program. One of the lessons deals with birthday candles. (JN)

Describes a hypothetical program called the Helper Bank, which uses time instead of money as the medium of exchange for services. The reciprocal relationship allows older persons to volunteer to help others as well as provide for future needs such as shopping, transportation or housekeeping. (JAC)

Describes the Potteries Elderly Support Group, a small-scale, locally based initiative in England, which relieves relatives, one day a week, of some of the pressures associated with caring for an elderly mentally infirm person. Details the rationale for the group and describes how it has been funded, staffed, and operated. (JAC)

Presents an activity program in which nursing home residents utilized their life experiences to teach an oral history class to third-grade students. The program resulted in improved self-esteem among the nursing home residents and heightened community understanding and involvement. (Author/JAC)

Describes a day-long Aging Awareness workshop in which a group of 12 elderly were involved in a poetry-writing exercise focusing on meaningful life change. Ramifications of this positive experience are discussed in view of the cultural/language barrier and traditional aging awareness issues such as reminiscence. (JAC)

Studied the use of computer games with a group of 50 frail elderly nursing home residents. Four computer games were especially modified for this population. Moderate mental and physical impairments did not hamper the residents, who indicated the games were fun, challenging, and improved self-esteem. (JAC)

This paper develops the idea that the family of the aged participant is also a day-care client and should be considered as such in planning and delivering services. Ways of involving the family at the point of intake and in on-going treatment are suggested. (Author)

The author presents a pre-retirement counseling model which combines both planning and counseling aspects by emphasizing individual responsibilities for planning. As part of the process, peer counseling is utilized in identifying problems and possible solutions. (Author)

Two concepts--"Smother Love" and "Tough Love"--were used successfully in a training program for senior citizens preparing to become companions to hospital patients. This dependent versus interdependent framework enables the helpers to establish constructive relationships with patients. (SJL)

This booklet contains information on how to set up a Pen Friends project, a nationwide, intergenerational writing project that pairs a class of junior of senior high school students with a group of older adults in the same community. The booklet notes that participants establish a relationship through letter writing based on visits to a local…

Suggests guardianships of the elderly are determined in an informal manner that may not afford the aged the full benefit of due process. Describes a manual to help educate the guardian ad litem about the elderly and about how they can make proceedings more formal and adversarial in nature. (Author/RC)

Although most educational programs for senior citizens emphasize arts and crafts, model science programs designed specifically for seniors, emphasizing geological science, have been developed at the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs). The programs have been well received and can be useful in integrating or mainstreaming seniors into the…

Discusses work with small groups of care-taking relatives of frail, dependent older adults. Considers repetitive themes of concern expressed by the caregivers and their dependent relatives and some of the changes in attitudes and approaches of participants during and after the groups' experiences. (Author)