Notes that, as the composition of the American family has changed, children often have limited experiences with their grandparents or other older adults. Discusses ways to help young children eliminate stereotypical views associated with aging by learning to appreciate the diversity and vitality of older persons and becoming comfortable with the…

A study investigated the depiction of older characters in basal reader series from 1975 to 1983. A checklist was used to collect data concerning the treatment of older people in the stories and pictures of the following series: (1) Macmillan and Company (1975), (2) Allyn and Bacon (1978), (3) Scott Foresman (1978), Ginn and Company (1982), and (5)…

A study investigated whether the incidence of ageism has diminished in recent editions of basal readers. Materials examined in the study were the 1971 and 1980 editions of the American Book Company Reading Series, the 1973 and 1980 editions of the Holt Basic Reading System, the 1971 and 1981 editions of the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series, and the…

Designed for the general public and possibly suitable also for high school economics students, this pamphlet describes the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The act prevents age from being used as the basis to deny or decrease credit to those who otherwise qualify. The pamphlet presents general rules for rating an applicant: (1) a…

Meant to help both employees and employers avoid problems by generally explaining the law of the workplace and suggesting places to turn for further information concerning particular situations, this booklet is presented in a question/answer format. The areas covered and their subtopics are as follows: (1) recruiting and hiring; (2) employees'…

This collection consists of papers presented at a 1982 conference on policy issues in work and retirement. Presented first is an introductory overview of the problems of retirement and aging by Herbert S. Parnes. The following conference reports are included in the volume: "Life without Work: Does It Make Sense?" by Eli Ginzberg;…

This document begins with an overview of trends and issues in the area of older workers. The overview briefly addresses: the reversal of the trend toward early retirement, growth in the population of individuals over age 55, increased longevity, economic pressures for older persons that lead to work in order to supplement retirement income, low…

A study evaluated the effects of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in: (1) the operation of the ADEA in federal courts; (2) the role of performance appraisal in age discrimination suits; (3) the enforcement of the ADEA by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (4) factors associated with complaints brought under the law…

Group settings offer the elderly a unique outlet for interpersonal communication and can alleviate social isolation and aloneness. Group cohesiveness and instillation of hope are two curative factors in the group setting. Persons working with the elderly must be aware of their special problems and also be sensitive to their own age bias. Group…

A study was conducted to determine the meanings people give to certain words that describe different groups of people. Participants indicated the chronological age they have in mind when using 15 age terms, including baby, senior citizen, adolescent, infant, mature, elderly, youth, and old. The 150 replies to the questionnaire came from college…

Faculty attitudes toward older learners were studied using an adaptation of Kogan's (1951) attitude scale and methodology. Forty-nine faculty members from various colleges and universities in Ohio and Indiana were subdivided into two groups: those who had taught in a structured higher education experience aimed at people over 60 years of age and…

This working paper was prepared for use by the Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate, 95th Congress, 1st Session. It addresses the next steps in combating age discrimination in employment, with special reference to mandatory retirement policy. This paper is divided into the following major sections: (1) history, achievements, and…

Traces the change in Federal funding policy to exclude programs, rather than institutions, which racially discriminate. Argues that this loophole, created by a Supreme Court decision in 1984, has had a devastating impact on civil rights enforcement. Explores the impact of discrimination on four types: sex, age, race, and handicap. (ETS)

Presents an overview of research on teacher selection procedures. Provides results of a survey of 118 high school principals that confirmed previous findings: teacher selection decisions are influenced by factors other than consideration of teaching performance. Reports that age discrimination was found in the selection of physical education…

Litigation that has arisen from claims of discrimination is discussed along with the notion that there is a clear lack of understanding of the laws and statutes. Legal models of proof and the major statutes under which litigation can be brought are described. (MLW)