In the main body of this study, detailed attention is given to patient management practices and organizational factors that encourage dependent behavior that can be characterized as senile. (Author)

Discusses a review of geriatric and gerontology service, teaching, and research. Lists major characteristics of the service programs and further aims for medical education in geriatrics. (Author/ABB)

The Geriatric Function Score Scale was developed for the elderly. It is an objective tool that examines physical, cognitive, and motivational components of functioning. Results of a preliminary study revealed that the score patients received was able to discriminate the level of placement they would need upon hospital discharge. (Author/CH)

Multidisciplinary team identified hysterical behavior, rather than depression, as one form of pseudodementia in many cases of cognitive impairment observed in geriatric patients. Seven cases required thorough medical and neuropsychological assessment and careful functional analysis of patients' behavior patterns to determine the adaptive utility…

Examined which memory dimensions deteriorate with increasing age and examines the construct validity of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) (N=1,264 males and 1,141 females at six age intervals). Visual-spatial memory tasks, remembering stories, and learning pairs of associated words proved more difficult with advanced age. (JAC)

Discusses sex differences in the relocation patterns of 37 institutionalized patients interviewed prior to and following relocation. Trends indicated that while males scored slightly higher levels of mental alertness, females appeared to be better suited to life in the institution. (JAC)

Reviews the effects of vision changes on intelligence and explains how intellectual performance may be improved by attempting to compensate for vision loss. Suggests that vision factors can't be ignored when assessing intellectual changes and may account for a large portion of mental impairment previously ascribed to other factors. (JAC)

Projects utilization history of a synthetic cohort of nursing home admissions in 1976 by normalizing length of stay (LOS) specific discharge rates derived from life tables to an estimated 1.1 million persons. Results focus on the LOS distribution, discharge status, and total days of nursing home care used. (Author/JAC)

Suggests an innovative group structure and process for integrating health care providers and elderly consumers in community health care planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Elderly Health Advocacy Group is described and its developmental processes outlined. Further demonstration for long-range impact is suggested. (Author)

Describes LINC (Living Independently through Neighborhood Cooperation), which formed intergenerational helping networks in which the elderly served as donors as well as service recipients. The project's evaluation indicated that frail older persons received services, acted as volunteers, developed friendships, and increased life satisfaction. (JAC)

Discusses emotional, social, medical, and nutritional needs of older people, and stresses the need for education of the families of the elderly and the need for a coordinated approach to service delivery to this population. In this way, maximum independence of the aged can be achieved. (NRJ)

Uses statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics to show that rural elders have greater health needs than urban elders but receive less care. Barriers to adequate health care include ignorance and denial, a tendency to use lay rather than professional treatment, and financial and transportation difficulties. (JAC)

Reality Orientation (RO) Therapy, a recently developed mode of treatment for use with geriatric patients was discussed. A controlled study was conducted comparing the effects of RO with those of traditional hospital care. The results indicated that RO is a promising technique for use with a chronic geriatric patient population. (Author)

A country, case-descriptive methodology was employed in a cross-national study of social service systems. The major findings with regard to the aged are: (1) countries must establish a firm infrastructure of basic social provision for community services to function adequately and: (2) a common core of "personal social services" is emerging…

The educator-advocate as gerontologist must simultaneously develop a core training in aging, induce other faculty members to add gerontological content, build interdisciplinary bridges with other academic units, and influence other educational institutions. (Editor)