Examines the current status of self-care and self-help as they relate to health, and explores their potential in enhancing the health of the elderly. It is based on a review of the literature, and reports from self-care conferences and interviews with individuals interested and active in the field. (Author)

A program undertaken to assess the feasibility of incorporating gerontology and geriatrics into the first- and second-year curriculum at a family medicine-oriented medical school is described, and student reactions are discussed. It is recommended that the teaching of gerontology and geriatrics begin the first year. (Author/MLW)

Cost effectiveness of the program cannot be accurately determined. Assessment is based on actual self-care rather than proving poverty. A flexible approach is taken toward disability level and family support. States should keep community care flexible and available at acceptable cost. (JAC)

An educational and support program for families of the mentally impaired aged in both the community and institutions was offered over a three-year period under the auspices of a geriatric center. Benefits for participants and institutional management were demonstrated. (Author)

A general discussion of the types of academic programs presently available in the field of aging: Gerontology, social gerontology, and geriatrics at the bachelor's, master's, and associate degree levels as well as continuing education opportunities. Brief summary of career opportunity outlook. (JT)

Discussion of behavioral interventions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) notes new understanding, including that memory is not a unitary phenomenon, that certain types of memory are relatively spared in AD, and that conceptual knowledge is largely intact. Intervention techniques that capitalize on spared memory systems and take advantage of principles…

Analyzes the development of thinking in the field of aging as a sequence of two transformations in social gerontological theorizing: (1) when social scientists laid out a formal theory of aging for the first time; and (2) a recognition of theory as a reflection of the recognition itself. Examines specific theoretical approaches. (RJM)

In response to concerns about continuity of care, nurse practitioners and faculty members from medicine, pharmacy, and nursing developed an interdisciplinary curriculum for clinical experience in a nursing home, an educational and medical experience significantly different from those in hospital or ambulatory settings. (MSE)

Interprets two literary works--both about old women who have suffered strokes and are near death--and argues that literature can make contributions to gerontology by developing sensitivity to theory, empathy, and self-awareness. Examines these fictional accounts against two perspectives--political economy of aging and theories of personal…

Describes the development and implementation of a new standardized patient program in a required geriatrics clinical clerkship for fourth-year medical students. A student survey was also conducted. The standardized patient program provided students with direct feedback on their clinical skills--76% of the students favored the program. (RJM)

Outlines a framework for organizing discussions of quality of life for elderly persons with disabilities, reviews relevant empirical research, and develops a framework for understanding the different interpretations of quality of life as it is used in communication among health care providers, elderly patients, and their families. New models of…

An active learning simulation game designed to increase pharmacy students' awareness of the physical, psychological, and financial difficulties of the ambulatory elderly in handling their medication is described. Questionnaires before and after the game, including a semantic differential tool, indicate that the program is successful in increasing…

Describes how a multidisciplinary team developed problem-based cases related to older adults for allied health students to explore gerontology/geriatrics issues in the Mid-Atlantic Allied Health Geriatric Education Center. (SK)

Reviews literature to support the contention that misconceptions about the aging process have a detrimental effect on healthy aging. Seeks to demonstrate how stereotyping can affect the shape and nature of programs for elderly people. Argues that for long-lasting change to occur, service providers need to target these negative attitudes in…

This study compared the changes in some bio-psychosocial variables (functional independence, nutritional risk, pain, balance and walking, grip strength, general well-being, psychiatric profile, perception of social support, leisure satisfaction, and caregivers' feeling of burden) in four categories of clients during their program at a geriatric…