This conceptual paper is based on interdisciplinary work the authors have participated in as part of the renewed push for civic engagement, the various forms it takes, and the multiple constituencies involved in its promotion. We focus on what theoretical and empirical content could be incorporated into courses on aging so that students can be…

Matters of development and generation may create barriers in teaching millennial undergraduates psychological and social gerontology. We introduce strategy to mitigate these barriers by teaching psychological and social gerontology as undergraduate honors courses, augmented with the use of social networking tools. We detail honors programming,…

Recent trends in counselor education are moving away from a standardized academic track in gerocounseling. We propose three types of academic models (integrated in-house, out-of-house, and combined) that provide greater academic freedom to counselor education faculty who wish to construct a gero-specialization specific in their program.

This book, celebrating the Geriatric Social Work Initiative's 10th Anniversary, documents the effect that its educational programs have had on shaping gerontological social work education as a whole. Each chapter highlights various aspects of this John A. Hartford Foundation-funded initiative--its competency-based education, model for curricular…

This article discusses self-assessment of gerontology teaching practice. Through a process of self-reflection one may find insight into their teaching and, concomitantly, develop best-practices for enhancing student learning in gerontology. A self-assessment framework is presented, illuminating best-practices in the areas of the lecture-discussion…

Rehabilitation counselors are assisting consumers with end-of-life issues. Counselors who have the capacity to assist with end-of-life issues in a culturally sensitive manner possess pre-established self-care networks, an understanding of death from multiple perspectives, knowledge of communication interventions, and appropriate outcome…

Mature adult sexuality is an area currently gaining recognition in the fields of gerontology and mental health. This paper considers reasons for developing sex education courses for older persons, explores areas of curriculum development, and examines strategies of implementation. (Author)

Practical reasons to consider standards for gerontology are presented in this perspective on developing gerontological curriculum. The creation of a statewide task force in Virginia to provide guidelines for the organization and evaluation of gerontology programs in higher education is described. Assumptions which underscored task force activities…

Several factors have focused new attention on aging and the aged. A major concern emanating from these has been the role of physical fitness upon the health status of the aging. Benefits of exercise and educational and curricular modifications are identified to promote health and well-being among the elderly. (Author/BEF)

Mental health needs of older persons are projected to grow significantly over the course of the next years. Consequently, the need for training counselors to work with the aging population is presented. Addressed are 4 curriculum models, as well as areas of training related to geriatric counseling, that can be incorporated into counselor training…

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

Describes a two-year, multisite, curriculum-development project aimed to increase the pool of professionals trained in geriatric and/or gerontological social work. Methods included providing advanced training in aging, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary practice; developing, implementing, and testing an innovative student curriculum based…

Describes and analyzes a pilot social work education program in the mental health of older women. It discusses developmental activities related to planning, implementation, and evaluation of the model. The preliminary outcomes of this five-year project may offer some guidelines and alternatives for training professionals. (Author)

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…

Three Israeli universities have developed highly successful programs for retirees. Unanticipated results include retired student interest in opening another such program, student organization for extracurricular activities, and the emergence of new forms of retired person volunteerism. (MSE)