It is important that the clinician who treats older patients be aware that depression is the psychiatric symptom often encountered in the elderly and that it is as distressing in this age group as it is in younger persons. It often is reversible with prompt and appropriate treatment. (Author)

The subject of aging and depression leaves many unanswered questions which this author raises. Little is known regarding the differentiation of depressive illness from a melancholic response to the stressful aging process, and equally little regarding the natural history of depressions with onset in the teens, 20s, or 30s. (Author)

Age effects on increasing number of targets in a letter-canceling task were examined. Age differences increased with practice but reached significance only in Session 9. The oldest group made the most omission errors. All age groups improved with practice. (Author)

This paper discusses the rationale for initiating group psychotherapy and a group program for the elderly in a private psychiatric hospital setting. The problems encountered and solutions found for patients, group therapists, and attending psychiatrists, and the therapeutic value of group therapy for the elderly psychiatric patient are examined.…

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of aging on encoding and response selection stages of a choice reaction time task. Results suggested reducing stimulus discriminability may affect information processing prior to the encoding stage, but the encoding stage is the primary locus of the slowing which accompanied aging. (Author)

Two models of geriatric day care can be empirically discriminated using data from a field study of 10 programs. Programs in both models show some tendency to adapt their features to existing environments. Descriptions of both models are presented. (Author)

A study to assess how much geriatric medicine and gerontology was included in Part I and Part II of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examinations, how well students performed in these areas, and whether the amount of content had changed since 1978 is described. (MLW)

Debates the effect of relocation on elderly patients in a critique of an earlier study and a rebuttal by the original author. Questions whether patient mortality is related to the stress of moving or a simple function of age, health status, or choice. Additional evidence on relocation effects is needed. (JAC)

Examined the family supports of 167 post-hospitalized older adults as they varied by the relationship of the primary caregiver. The findings indicated that the most comprehensive and unstressful support was provided by a spouse. Family members were available in serial order rather than acting as a shared-functioning unit. (JAC)

The relationship between vision and mental functioning was investigated in a study of 295 elderly residents from three levels of care. Visual acuity and mental status were assessed. Findings indicate that there was indeed a relationship between vision and mental status. (Author)

Famous Hispanist and physician analyzes the cultural lag threatening our existence, and identifies the role that medicine, ethics, and moral precepts should play in this struggle. (DS)

The United States Commissioner on Aging describes challenges posed by the increasing size of the older adult population, outlines gaps in knowledge regarding aging and the elderly, and calls for greater collaboration between the elderly and existing mental health networks. (AOS)

Widespread claims of extraordinary longevity continue to receive widespread publicity even in first-rate publications. The story of Charlie Smith is reasonably typical of such cultural apocrypha. Development of chemical methods of determining biologic longevity promises to end what often has been heralded as evidence of national distinction.…