The problem-oriented biomedical framework shaping health care should be replaced with a more optimistic, collaborative, humane, goal-oriented approach for geriatrics and gerontology. This perspective uses a functional, open-ended definition of health and views illness and death as essential features of life. (SK)

Since 1988, a special interest group in geriatrics has provided students at Mount Sinai School of Medicine a forum for pursuing research interests, networking, and interacting with faculty. Such groups foster interest in careers in geriatric medicine. (SK)

Purpose: This study describes the goals, development, and outcomes of an innovative, interdisciplinary, Master of Gerontology department, one of two programs in Israel developed to answer Israel's needs for highly educated researchers and practitioners. Design: Key program components reflecting the program's innovative nature are described: (a)…

In response to aging patient demographics and a call for increased formal geriatric training in medical schools, a community volunteer geriatric mentor program, Bridging Generations, was developed to shape attitudes of medical students caring for the elderly. The geriatric mentor experience provided students with unique insight into the challenges…

Purpose: The long-term effectiveness and efficiency of an outpatient geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) program was compared to usual primary care (UPC). Design and Method: A randomized controlled group design was used. Health care utilization, cost of care, and survival were assessed during a 48-month period among a sample of 160 male…

The aging population of the world has dramatically been increasing thereby creating the need to assess and address the emotional feelings of the elderly. The intent of this qualitative study was to capture the essence or the lebenswelt of the Filipino elderly's sense of belongingness. This was accomplished by capitalizing on the power of conscious…

To successfully practice geriatrics, one must keep up-to-date with rapidly evolving knowledge, recognize heterogeneity among older people, seek answers through longitudinal studies, and accept no symptoms nor loss of function as being simply old age. Functional loss must be the focus and thus rehabilitation is essential to good geriatric care.…

Obtaining a valid informed consent from an elderly person, especially with possible senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, first may involve solving the practical problems of effective communication. Impediments to effective communication with these individuals is discussed and suggestions for how to obviate them are given. (Author/BL)

Describes a hospital-based multidisciplinary team designed to assess and respond to cases of suspected abuse or neglect of elders from both institutional and community settings. Presence of the team has increased the hospital staff's awareness of elder abuse and neglect, as well as their willingness to refer suspected cases for further assessment.…

Examines the concept of the rectangularization of the human survival curve as it relates to changes in life expectancy, survival, and compression of ages at death during the twentieth century. These studies provide evidence that rectangularization has had little impact on the population or mortality dynamics of the elderly. (JAC)

Examined preferences of 275 health care providers for working with elderly patients exhibiting symptoms of normal aging or diseases. In comparing descriptions of two hospitalized patients, physicians, nurses and social workers expressed a preference for working with patients with disease symptoms, raising concerns about geriatric care. (JAC)

Surveyed 335 older adults to examine knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of older people about cancer. Found that the elderly hold a number of false beliefs and negative attitudes that might keep them from seeking treatment. An education program was developed on the basis of the findings. (JAC)

Explored the effects of locus of control and severity of hearing impairment on amount of denial in 39 older adults with hearing loss. Results suggested that locus of control and severity may affect the amount of denial exhibited to some extent, but other factors enter into the relationship. (JAC)

Chapters in this volume reflect a variety of issues related to education for gerontological social work. Chapters in section 1, "Geriatrics and Gerontology in Social Work Education," are: (1) "Social Work's Pursuit of a Common Professional Framework: Have We Reached a Milestone?" (Roberta Greene and Colleen Galambos); (2) "Basic Gerontological…