Looks at the reasons that lifespan extension may be forthcoming. Examines social issues including access to life-extending technology; effects on marriage, family, and work; and global concerns. (Author/JOW)

Traditional models for defining mental health have used statistical definitions and symptom-based definitions. In a lifespan psychological approach, mental health in later life is defined as acceptance of the aging self as an active being who creates meaning, maintains maximum autonomy, and sustains positive relationships. (Contains 12…

Reminiscence functions in multiple ways. Reminiscence that is received positively and that is not associated with a negative old age tells a story in progress, still growing and evolving through the process of repetition. (Author/JOW)

Accomplishments of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) include (1) identification of needs of older people; (2) development of strategies to meet those needs; (3) provision of help to older Americans; (4) development of an infrastructure to help older people; and (5) recruitment of professionals to the field of aging. (JOW)

Ebb and flow of creativity in later life has many explanations: for some, it is second nature; others remain open to new experiences. Decline of sensory and cognitive functions may impair continued creative expression. Some may have already completed their creative agendas. In others, creativity may manifest itself in subtle, unexpected ways that…

Barriers to cooperation between aging agencies and the developmental disabilities system include (1) unfamiliar language, philosophy, and priorities; (2) debate over numbers of older adults with developmental disabilities; (3) funding and operational differences; (4) lack of clear-cut goals; (5) differences in perceived benefits of cooperating;…

This theme issue discusses maximizing the benefits and minimizing the risks of drug therapy for older people. It includes articles on psychoactive drugs, drug-related problems, medication compliance, geriatric psychopharmacotherapy, consumer guidelines, and outpatient prescriptions drug coverage as it relates to health care reform. (JOW)

The personal diary is a tool in the creation of self. The study of recent published journals of later life yields knowledge of the human experience of aging. Service providers can use this information to develop empathy with aged clients and to encourage journal writing. (SK)

A newspaper reporter addresses issues of media coverage of aging, suggesting that ageism is not as widely reported as other forms of discrimination and few reporters are assigned to this topic. (SK)

A literature review documents distorted images of aging in mass media and advertising, including underrepresentation and stereotyping. Older consumers are dissatisfied with these images, and their growing purchasing power is forcing advertisers to make more effective appeals. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Traces two accounts of moral maturation--love and reason--from Greek philosophy through Saint Augustine to Kohlberg. Considers that the moral perspective of any age level falls short of an entirely satisfactory conception of morality, allowing the possibility for moral wisdom in both children and adults. (SK)

A well-rounded congregational approach to the elderly should be based on three premises: (1) older persons can give as well as receive ministry; (2) ministry should assist with aging gracefully and supporting the frail, sick, and dependent; and (3) intergenerational solidarity is to be highly valued. (SK)

Nutrition plays an important role in immunity both among the elderly and among persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Appropriate nutritional intake and counseling may improve immune status and enable both prevention and progression of AIDS and the susceptibility of the elderly to infectious diseases. (SK)

Specialists in developmental disabilities and aging need competence in the following areas: advocacy, characteristics of older persons with developmental disabilities, planning and implementation, communication, and training. (SK)

Social policy in gerontology has emanated from research based on the majority population. Policy restructuring based on diverse populations is needed to reflect the growing diversity of elderly people. (SK)