Provides brief descriptions of 13 ERIC documents on youth and the elderly, educational programs for the elderly, and communication themes. (PD)

The relatively recent emergence of a large, healthy group of adults over 65 years of age has created a social demographic situation for which there are no historical precedents. The author argues that education should play a more active role in providing preretirement educational programs for older adults. (SSH)

Reviews research on the portrayal of the elderly in United States print media. Finds that children are learning subtle stereotypes of the elderly. Offers recommendations to editors, publishers, writers, illustrators, and teachers to help children develop more realistic attitudes toward both the elderly and the aging process. (RS)

A North Carolina elementary school collaborates with the local senior center in a program called "Grandpals." Group functions, an oral history class, and a pen pal program are among the mutual education activities. Resources to link senior citizens and school children are listed. (MLF)

Although "disengagement theory" is today largely discounted, it has an important place in the history of gerontology. First, the historical context of this theory must be analyzed. Second, long-term contributions and deficiencies should be examined in terms of finer criteria-standards which are suggested for use in evaluation of current…

In this presentation, Parsonian action theory is used to develop a framework for assessing the structured interaction of persons and social context, and the autonomy and persistence of lifestyles which provide a basis for predicting successful aging. (BF)

Theoretical impact of Kansas City Studies stems from issues ignored as much as from those addressed. Studies advanced search for "normal" aging, although diversity was not adequately addressed initially. Also adopted and furthered a highly individualistic understanding of aging, whereas the sociological analyses lacked adequate…

Interviews were conducted with home-bound elders who had participated in a three-month, college-based life histories project involving mentoring-reminiscence--reminiscing while occupying the role of mentor to a college student. Ten out of 12 reported that the process was enjoyable, and 4 reported significant improvements in self-image. (JPS)

Describes an interactive method for teaching a course in the psychology of aging based on a multidisciplinary approach. Argues that it allows incorporation of a wide range of age-related topics, and provides students with practical applications. Allows students to identify and challenge perceptions of age and understand aging from multiple…

Argues that quality children's books represent effective and accessible avenues for inviting children to explore issues related to older adults and the aging process. Discusses and lists such books and offers suggestions for related activities. (NH)

Reviews the important pedagogical, clinical, and ethical issues involved in the design and use of case studies in the study of aging. Reviews literature in narrative and clinical ethics on case studies as stories, including consideration of facts and values, debate on generalization versus specificity, and the need for interpreters. Considers the…

The older adult population in America will significantly increase in the future. Older adults have important needs for recreation and leisure services (Beland, 2002). The author taught a class titled "Leisure Services for Older Adults" for over 24 years at the University of Florida. He has taught gerontology and recreation by teaching about life…

This manual was designed to aid undergraduate social work students working in a model field-site program for gerontological social work education. It is based on work completed on an Administration on Aging project in Texas entitled, "A Statewide Faculty Development Program for Undergraduate Social Work Educators in Elder Care." The…

This booklet is intended to be a discussion document for teachers who are concerned with the specialized interests of the aging. The seven chapters are: (1) Aging: What's the Fuss All About?; (2) What Do the Young Know of Aging?; (3) Can Aging be Taught?; (4) Are the Schools Too Busy?; (5) Aging: What is There to Learn and Teach?; (6) What Has…

America is rapidly becoming an aging society. This phenomenon is supported by statistics and fueled by socioeconomic developments, medical advances, and the probability of continued lower fertility. Seven themes provide some solutions for the successful process of aging: (1) "Vital Involvement" stresses interactions that are important to the…