Past research and educational efforts in gerontological nursing have revealed that nursing care of the older person has received a low priority by practicing nurses and nursing students. To measure registered nurses' changes in knowledge about aging, nine registered nurses (mean age, 30.7 years, mean number of years nursing experience, 6.9)…

The assessment of the changes in knowledge about aging is essential to the development of aging courses and curricula. The present instrument was designed to reliably and validly measure various areas of information about aging. An item pool was gathered by examining texts and printed materials and consulting with persons specializing in…

This kit contains two components which will help teachers and librarians become aware of the problems of ageism in literature and examine materials currently in use. The first component, entitled "Problems of Ageism in Literature," is a brief, but comprehensive, position paper on the particular ways in which literature may adversely…

A brief overview on aging education precedes the identification of resources to help implement aging education in elementary and secondary school programs. (Author/CB)

Objectives, activities, instructional methods, and resources are listed for a 10-lesson unit plan for teaching about women's health issues at the secondary school level. Body image, menstrual health, substance abuse, breast and genital cancer, occupational health, pregnancy, and aging are discussed. (CB)

Investigates the manner in which five basal reading series portray older characters between 1975-1983. Examines the problem of negative and prejudicial portrayals of the elderly. Concludes with evidence to suggest that stereotyping of the elderly is reduced in current readers. (DR)

Survey results indicate that (1) older adults have limited knowledge about the impact of aging on interpersonal communication and communication disorders and (2) they show little interest in the topics. Implications for communications educators are discussed. (PD)

Describes four units in an undergraduate course that examine aging from interpersonal, intrapersonal, and mass communication perspectives. Includes readings. (PD)

Studied whether middle-aged adults' attitudes toward the aged could be changed through specially designed educational experiences. The adults' attitudes toward older persons changed significantly in a positive direction following the workshop experience, while those in the control group decreased. It was concluded the workshop had a significant…

Summarizes recommendations of a subcommittee of the American Geriatrics Society's Education Committee concerning core competencies for physicians caring for older patients. Competencies are organized into those concerned with attitudes, knowledge (basic science and clinical), and skills. (DB)

Describes Gays and Lesbians Older and Wiser (GLOW), a support group sponsored by a geriatric medical clinic in the midwestern United States. Scheduling, professional involvement, and special attention to social support seem critical for the group's success. Concludes that carefully designed support groups can meet some support needs for this older…

Frail elders living alone or in long-term care settings are particularly vulnerable to bioterrorism and other emergencies due to their complex physical, social and psychological needs. This paper provides an overview of the recent literature on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness in aging (BTEPA); discusses federal initiatives by the health…

This final project report examines how to successfully develop a national approach for the infusion of aging content into the K-12 grade curricula. As the U.S. society is "graying," the students in schools should be exposed to aging information on the increasing responsibilities for the care of aging family members with a realistic view of their…

Schools can help young people be aware of the social, political, and economic consequences of an aging society. This report is part of a six-part series, "Schools in an Aging Society," designed to promote education for, with, and about older adults. The Advanced Generations' Education through the Schools (AGES) is a planning model in…

Negative attitudes and stereotypic behaviors directed at the elderly were decreased among 49 seventh- and eighth-grade gifted students who participated in an intergenerational practicum in which student conducted reminscence interviews with elderly persons about significant events in their lives and learned about issues facing the aged. (CB)