Introduction: The authors of this paper base their research on the following assumption: the development of both geragogic education (older adult education) and profession is conditioned by the existence of a study program of geragogy provided by departments of geragogy created at universities (as public institutions of higher education). The fact…

This article discusses the results of a school of social work survey assessing the geriatric training needs of social workers and other professionals in aging and the need for a gerontology practitioner's continuing education (CE) certificate program. A total of 391 professionals, the majority of whom were social workers, participated in an online…

Economic and political trends underscore the importance of engaged scholarship as evidence that colleges and universities are serving their constituencies. Set in a background of debate about pure versus applied social science this article describes a planned approach to continuing gerontological education grounded firmly in the principles of the…

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an assessment tool for research consent competence in older participants. A four-item instrument was developed to assess the capacity of the older adults to consent to research. Data were obtained from 203 nursing home residents from two facilities and 201 community-dwelling older adults in a…

Describes the development and evaluation of an eight-hour educational program designed to prepare staff nurses to perform in a new role, the unit-based acute confusion Resource Nurse (ACRN). Tests showed that knowledge and confidence significantly increased for participants as a result of their participation in the educational program. (Author/GCP)

Describes a music program designed for the older, healthy, and active adult. A classroom or group setting, has been highly successful, social contact and therapeutic satisfaction often being derived from group activity. Program planners are encouraged to have some knowledge and background in social gerontology to be aware of issues in dealing with…

Presents a continuum of service learning projects in higher education that has four dimensions: amount, duration, and type of experiences; degree of student choice; type and amount of supervision; and amount of internal/external oversight. Offers considerations for faculty involved in organizing, managing, and evaluating service learning projects.…

Service-learning opportunities are prominent on many college campuses. The process of designing and implementing service-learning experiences, especially for students of gerontology, however, has rarely been addressed. The current article briefly reviews the background and utility of service-learning in gerontology courses, describes our…

As intergenerational service-learning becomes an increasingly popular means for providing gerontology and health professional students with "real-life" experience, it is essential to consider the importance of strong community partnerships. Drawing upon a range of intergenerational service-learning experiences from two programs at…

A survey of music programs at residential and nursing homes for the aged in Maryland was conducted. The findings are described and implications for developing successful music programs for older adults are discussed. Resources are listed. (KC)

A wide variety of music-learning pursuits should be available to older adults based on their need, capabilities, and desires. Guidelines for developing and evaluating music programs for senior citizens are presented. (RM)

Attributes of life-span development, humanistic aspects of aging with a positive self-concept, and psycho-social expectations for older adults are all relevant to developing a philosophical foundation for a music education program for older adults. (RM)

Monitoring the progress of teams over 18 months and analyzing the activities of 2 teams revealed financially stable and supportive sponsoring agencies and the community were critical factors in implementing services. Future programs trying to promote development of geriatric services should try to address these issues through community…

The rural elderly have been socialized to different values from their urban counterparts. A better understanding of the rural aging is needed by gerontological educators, researchers, and practitioners. Urban methods may not work. Rural programs must build on existing values and social structure. (Author/JAC)

It is proposed that all levels and functions of higher education should address the needs and characteristics of a rapidly increasing population of elderly in the United States. Some existing programs that have developed organizational structures to meet this need are presented as illustrations. (MSE)