The trusted core disability textbook gets a comprehensive update in this second edition, now thoroughly revised to include all the critical topics today's professionals need to know about as they work with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brought to you by a new team of world-renowned experts and contributors, this…

Psychological effects of disengagement from a work life and the transition to retirement are discussed. These effects include partial identity disruption, decision paralysis, diminished self trust, experience of a post retirement void, the search for meaningful engagement in society, development of a retirement/life structure, the confluence of…

This article describes older adults' experiences of a late-life residential relocation from a home to a long-term health care setting. Findings from 14 participants who engaged in a focus group and/or an individual interview supported 8 major themes. Thematic experiences were related to precipitating factors prior to the move, risks and protective…

In the 2006 Job Analysis of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification asked counselors where they thought the profession would be in 5 years. A total of 529 counselors gave their opinions about the future of rehabilitation counseling within the context of the sociopolitical environment in which…

End-of-life care is continuously becoming an issue of paramount importance given an increase in medical advances, the aging of the population, and the movement toward contributing toward a quality of life among terminally ill patients. However, there is a dearth in literature related to this topic specifically in terms of preparing counselors to…

Gerontological counseling is the wave of the profession's future. With the majority of 76 million baby boomers beginning to turn 60 years old in 2006, there will be a great need for preretirement to end-of-life counselors. This article focuses on (a) the varied influences of this group on the U.S. and the nation's concerns and (b) theories,…

Residents (N = 142) of a southeastern, upscale retirement community completed measures of wellness, perceived stress, and mattering. Participants scored higher than did a group of adults under age 60 on 4 of 5 second-order wellness factors and Total Wellness, with medium to large effect sizes. Implications for counselors are discussed. (Contains 2…

Presents the American Psychological Association Guidelines for psychological practice with older adults. The present document is intended to assist psychologists in evaluating their own readiness for working clinically with older adults and in seeking and using appropriate education and training to increase their knowledge, skills, and experience…

This article presents information on macular degeneration for professionals helping persons with this disease adjust to their visual loss. It covers types of macular degeneration, the etiology of the disease, and its treatment. Also considered are psychosocial problems and other difficulties that persons with age-related macular degeneration face.…

Gerontological counseling as a counseling specialty spans only 20 years. This text incorporates into its framework the 16 Minimum Essential Competencies of gerontological counseling that have been developed over the past two decades. These competencies focus on the knowledge and skills required to be an effective counselor for older persons and…

Discusses the concept of quality of life as it relates to aging and as it is addressed in research studies. Describes counseling intervention strategies that are designed to help middle-aged older adults manage their lives. Focuses specifically on prevention, self-management and education, and life enrichment and renewal strategies. (ML)

Considers effects of physiological and psychological factors on aging and sexuality and addresses the needs of special population groups, such as single older persons and those residing in institutions. Discusses the importance of a holistic and developmental framework that stresses potential for personal growth, intimacy, and sensual enjoyment…

This handbook, written for counselor educators, first presents a brief overview of the Special Training Project on Counseling the Aging, funded by the Administration on Aging to produce training materials on counseling the elderly for use in preservice or inservice programs. The remainder of the handbook serves as a guide for conducting and…

Alcohol abuse in older adulthood is a rapidly growing but often hidden problem. The authors provide an overview of the issues related to older adult alcohol abuse through a discussion of physiological, psychological, and social risk factors; an examination of appropriate assessment procedures; and an overview of factors related to treatment.

This manual, the second in a three-volume series on counseling older adults, is intended to help service providers who work with older adults, to learn, practice, and develop communication skills. The format for the units consists of a statement of objectives, followed by an introduction and overview of the contents. Informative text, skill…