Investigates the existence of age-related life stages and the presumed evolution of attitudes and perceptions in accordance with passages through these successive developmental plateaus. Age is minimally related to attitudes in these areas while social class, race and sex emerge as predictors. (Author)

Notes that age-related changes in physiology and pharmacokinetics (how drugs are used in the body) lead to increased drug sensitivity and potentially harmful drug effects. Addresses heightened sensitivity to drug effects seen in older adults. Presents three examples of physiologic decline and discusses some broad considerations for geriatric…

Claims increased survival by Blacks and Hispanics is causing a widening of sex imbalance of elderly population with trends pointing to greater widowhood among minority women and continuing high rates of poverty. Claims increased rates of disability in minority elderly women, increased dependency, worsening intergenerational relationships, and…

Examines a variety of personal qualities usually found in creative people. Discusses many theories of creativity representing a variety of intellectual traditions, most of which predict aging decrements of some sort. Suggests that the creativity decline may vary, or that creativity may change rather than decline with age, with differing stylistic…

Focuses on the relationship between social environment and the older individual. By utilizing the Social Breakdown Syndrome a cycle of events is defined by the Geriatric Sexuality Breakdown Syndrome, in which an older individual is initially predisposed to diminished sexual activity to the end point of self-identification as nonsexual. (Author)

Discusses the theoretical proposition that adolescent-young adults and the retired-aging bear a symmetrical relationship in terms of psycho-social propensities and "social location." Respondents from two age groups reflected personal views of goals, values, and satisfaction and stresses of life as they experienced it. (Author)

Discusses five issues related to the Georgia Centenarian Study: recruitment of centenarians, birth cohort effects, the changing age structure of the population, religion, and cognition and survival. Concludes that Georgia Centenarian Study provides critically needed baseline data so characteristics of centenarians of the twenty-first century can…

Presents and compares underlying assumptions of these theories as they might expand understanding of intergenerational transfers: social exchange theory, kin selection theory of altruism, human capital theory, social constructivist theory, and rational transfers theory. Recommends comparative studies to gain insight into strengths and weaknesses…