Despite the proven track record of older workers and accumulating evidence that age is not a handicap to continued learning, employers remain reluctant to invest resources in their training and retraining. Often, where training opportunities are provided with no age restrictions, only a small proportion of older persons eligible will participate.…

Examined court records from Dade County, Florida, to investigate whether age shielded elderly misdemeanant theft defendants from more retributive reactions of the courts. Results revealed that, compared to younger defendants, elderly defendants were more likely to be fined. Majority of elderly defendants received some form of economic penalty if…

Overaccommodation in communication with elders is frequently based on stereotyped expectations of frailty and dependence. In this study, volunteers read either a patronizing or neutral version of a conversation between a nursing home resident and a nurse. The main analyses indicated that negative nonverbal behaviors were rated more likely to occur…

An unnecessary bias toward separate programing for younger and older adults precludes intergenerational learning and reinforces age stereotypes. Recent gerontological research supports common learning themes for young and old: self-sufficiency, adaptation, and class and gender concerns. (SK)

Two Commission of European Communities surveys of people over age 15 and of those over 60 demonstrated a widespread belief that older people deserve public support and services and face employment discrimination. Socioeconomic factors influenced older people's sense of security and life satisfaction. Positive intergenerational attitudes appeared.…

Includes "Older Workers in the European Community: Pervasive Discrimination, Little Awareness" (Drury); "Aging Workers in Japan: From Reverence to Redundance" (Takada); and "Canada's Labor Market: Older Workers Need Not Apply" (David). (JOW)

This paper argues that a key factor in the dependency of older people with intellectual disabilities is the age discriminatory attitudes held by many service providers. Two research projects of deinstitutionalization in Britain found greater improvement in competencies or less deterioration in older than younger individuals at follow-up despite…

Demographic trends indicate that more older adults will be involved in retraining and in the labor market. Special-needs students being prepared for work need to develop a balanced view of the aging process so they can work successfully with older adults. (SK)

A union perspective of major issues in higher education labor law in the 1990s includes the 11th Circuit Court cases on whether Congress abrogated states' 11th Amendment immunity for suits under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Analyzes contract issues of protection around age…

As increasing numbers of adults return to school for advanced degrees, more non-traditional-aged new faculty are appearing in our institutions. These older adults, most of whom have had a distinct career before moving into teaching, face additional challenges above those of a new faculty member related to their age and prior professional…

This book examines the important role of learning in maintaining the health, quality of life, and longevity of older adults. It includes results of the first comprehensive survey of adult learning in men and women over age 55. Chapter 1 focuses on aging, ageism, and issues raised by the graying of the population in what it calls the "Age" Age.…

Children today do not have sufficient association with the elderly to form accurate impressions of them. Much children's information is provided through television and books which present stereotyped images of the elderly as inactive, lonely, nonproductive, crabby, and physically decrepit. To determine whether intermediate grade students respond…

In the last two decades, problems associated with aging have caused increased public concern. As a result of recent research in the Federal Republic of Germany, the science of gerontology has revealed new information about the living conditions and living standards of the elderly. The image of older people is still a negative one and passing…

Issues of mandatory retirement for faculty are discussed. In 1978, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act was amended to raise the age of forced retirement to 70, but tenured college professors were exempted from the protections of the amendment. Arguments raised by advocates of forced retirement for tenured college professors include: the…

A study reviewed Fortune 100 companies' use of waivers that release employers from certain legal claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 in special short-term exit incentive programs offered to employees. These programs were designed to encourage employees' early departure through some form of financial incentive. Telephone…