Assessed and compared the interpretive accuracy of the standard Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and two MMPI short forms with a sample of geriatric psychiatric inpatients. Psychiatric teams evaluated the accuracy of the interpretation. Standard form interpretations were rated significantly greater than the interpretations…

A survey of 72 pharmacy schools shows 22 percent of the schools had no geriatric coursework, 35 percent offered only courses in which the geriatric content averaged under 12 percent of course content, and 43 percent offered courses that focused primarily on geriatrics, most including a major clinical component. (Author/MSE)

Studied the relationship between progressive hearing loss (presbycusic) hearing patterns and social involvement of the aged. Individuals (N=50) with presbycusic hearing patterns were asked specific questions about their social activities. Results indicated that social involvement was not related significantly to the amount of hearing loss in this…

In these choice response keyboard tasks, older subjects detected and corrected their errors as efficiently as the young. Reaction time (RT) for error and error correction responses remained relatively constant with increasing age while RTs for correct responses and other, arbitrary, error-signaling responses markedly increased. (Author/SJL)

Current governmental policy regarding long-term care of the elderly relies heavily on a medical-model approach that stresses institutionalization. This policy must be redirected to encourage development of viable alternative programs and to support the traditional role of families in caring for their dependent aged members. (Author)

To develop alternatives to institutionalization, more emphasis needs to be placed on supports permitting care within the family unit. Presents an example of one family that deinstitutionalized an older confused family member. (Author)

Describes a needs assessment model that offers practical suggestions to program planners in a multidisciplinary area of inquiry that is relatively new to continuing education in health sciences. (Available from University of California Press, Berkeley, CA 94720.) (Author/CT)

Suggests that the view of older persons as a status group with unique specialized needs tends to set up a dysfunctional tension between older Americans and the rest of society. (Author/AM)

Suggests that the ultimate economic status of those beyond middle age, precarious at best, may come to depend more during the years ahead on federal employment policy rather than on the local labor markets. (Author/AM)

Suggests that community service second careers could play an important role in deferring social security retirement benefits, but that the motivation has to be for more than a wish to relieve pressures on social security. (Author/AM)

Despite the world wide absolute and relative increase in the size and longevity of the aging population, there is a virtually universal trend toward earlier retirement from industry and even from agriculture. (Author)

Three case studies illustrate that there are resources available to help the older adult cope with his or her life situation, and suggestions are given as to how and where to seek competent professional help. (RW)

In a mandatory 4-week program, medical students assessed and managed the care of frail elderly with acute medical problems and disabilities. Web-based lectures with pre/posttests and electronic portfolio assessment were included. The experience was intended to promote reflection, interactive learning, and feedback. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

This paper describes the rationale for and the development of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The GOHAI has demonstrated a high level of internal consistency and reliability. Poor GOHAI scores were significantly correlated to having fewer teeth, wearing a removable denture, and perceiving the need for dental treatment.…

The predoctoral dental curriculum cannot provide the depth of experience and knowledge needed for the increasing representation of geriatric patients in family dental practices. A curriculum model designed to enhance knowledge and refine clinical skills in caring for the elderly is proposed. (MSE)