Examines the problem of ageism and questions some sociocultural barriers and prevalent attitudes that promote such behavior. Benefits of intergenerational contact are emphasized. Discusses some means of bringing together age groups and describes some of the current projects in this area which have been successful. (JAC)

Discusses a workshop designed to provide middle-aged adults with information and opportunities to process their attitudes, emotions, and the realities of exchanging roles with aging parents. (Author)

Describes a program designed for a board and lodging home which maximizes the use of natural helpers and takes into consideration the unique needs of the chronically mentally ill elderly. Existing support networks were strengthened and roles and functions of natural helpers were formalized. (Author/JAC)

Describes the volunteer advocacy program developed by the East Tennessee Advocacy Assistance Program to assist the ombudsman/director in resolving problems of residents in long-term care facilities. Effective volunteer participation requires intensive training, well-defined policies and procedures, coordination with aging network and long-term…

Illustrates how group counseling can facilitate personal development in older adults, using an open-ended support group at a geriatric day care program. Recurring themes included relationship with adult children, housing needs, religion, health issues, and age stereotypes. (JAC)

Describes a counseling group comprised of people concerned with elderly family members. Group members found both information and emotional support, and all suggested that the group be continued. Challenges counselors to meet the need for similar groups. (JAC)

Benefit Alert was designed to help the low-income aged of Philadelphia take advantage of material benefits they were entitled to under existing state and federal legislation. An implicit goal of the project was to test a governmental agency's ability to be an advocate for the poor. (Author)

Examined the effect of police patrol and crime education on the fear of crime and security-conscious behavior of 152 senior citizens. Results indicated that, although those who were highly affected by the crime education component exhibited increased security-conscious behavior, they also showed increased fear. (Author)

The article describes the Project on Aging, which was undertaken by the Virginia Commission for the Visually Handicapped to avoid the institutionalization of elderly blind persons. (Author/DLS)

Spurred by declining enrollments, various programs are now available or being developed for the older student. Discusses the Institute for Retired Professionals, the Institute of Study for Older Adults, and a program at Fairhaven College for older adults. (Author/PG)

Aspects of a project designed to train senior citizens in child care (especially infant care) are described in this brief report. Eligibility and screening criteria, participant characteristics, instruction provided, program effectiveness, and placement of graduates are among the topics discussed. (Author/RH)

The author discusses the valuable contributions the elderly can make to our society and suggests means by which educators can assist in this endeavor. (Editor)

The experiences of a Milwaukee area avocational counseling program for the elderly may be helpful to others wishing to start such programs. (MB)

Administrative staff (N=49) of not-for-profit nursing homes identified 103 autonomy-enhancing programs for mentally impaired. Programs were encompassed within six categories: special resident programming, structural and environmental adaptations, staff training, family programming, staff deployment, and ethics initiatives. (Author/NB)

Describes a support program for community-based Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. In addition to joint activities, the family group focuses on the family organization, support networks, feelings, new activities, and making decisions. The patient group provides social and awareness activities. (JAC)