In educational gerontology, non-formal education emerges as a possibility for lifelong learning because it is more flexible and less bureaucratic than formal education. In this context, agile culture offers a potential strategy to enhance non-formal education. While there are four manifestos for agile culture in education, their application in…

Quality assurance (QA) in gerontological and geriatric education programs is regarded as essential to maintain standards, strengthen accountability, improve readability of qualifications, and facilitate professional mobility. In this article the authors present a summary of international developments in QA and elaborate four international trends,…

The concept of "successful aging" is a contested discourse in gerontology. Two conflicting paradigms dominate the discussion: a health promotion activity model, and a model critical of the concept of successful aging. However, this study takes a different perspective and proposes that perhaps we have been striving for the wrong goal. The true…

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…

The paper's goal is to propose a conceptual framework, a "knowledge infrastructure," demonstrating that social gerontology is at the point of becoming a distinct academic discipline. The various phases of gerontological development that have led to the current stage are outlined. The components of the framework are arranged vertically by three…

This article describes the design, development, and successful implementation of a hybrid distance education course on adulthood and aging. The focus is on the pedagogical and technological transitions made in converting a traditional course into an interactive television course (iTV). The course was taught a total of three times, first as a…

This description of the volunteer program at the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, suggests that older adults can improve the quality of life for themselves and others by building bridges of understanding between: generations within an organization, paid and unpaid workers, parts of an organization,…

Describes a peer counselor training program for five older adult volunteers. Presents suggestions for advertising, screening, program format, and development of practica, and examines the role and helpfulness of the peer counselors who provided in-home counseling services. (JAC)

Offers practical suggestions for the design and implementation of peer counseling programs for older adults. General suggestions include trainee selection, setting goals, and providing followup. Also presents specific recommendations on group size, format, leadership qualities, and conducting training. (Author/JAC)

The author describes gerotranscendence as a process that occurs when older adults shift from a rational focus on the present-day, material world to a more universal and transcendent perspective. Accompanying this shift is a desire to move toward the end of life with a sense of integrity and acceptance of one's choices. By gaining an understanding…

Suggestions for organizing a course in the psychology of aging are offered in this paper, based on such a course at the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Focus is on the lower-level undergraduate course that has Introductory Psychology as the sole prerequisite. Goals include: (1) to familiarize students with current research and…

Guidelines are presented for implementing field placements in social gerontology courses. After an introduction comparing the focus, objectives, and content of two types of experience--the liberal arts field placement and the human services internship--the paper is divided into three sections. These outline recommendations for the organization,…

This paper describes the development campaign of the School of Social Work at the University of Washington, which has focused on funding proposals related to the older worker. The underlying approach of a development campaign, steps in researching the private sector, and basic points in writing proposals for foundations and corporations are…

Suggests several ways that school counselors can introduce aging education to students. In 11 articles, the author deals with developmental aspects of aging, student attitudes, counseling techniques, death education, and the value of leisure. Suggests teaching techniques and information sources. (JAC)

A project was undertaken to develop a competency-based educational curriculum to meet the job requirements of nursing home training coordinators. During the project, researchers assessed the current state of the role of nursing home training coordinators and the performance competencies needed by them. In addition, curriculum guidelines were…