The thrust of human development over the life course is individuation. Birth groups grow more heterogeneous with age. Aside from there being a number of commonalities among members of cohorts, the stamp of life lived tends to increase individual differences, whether these be in organ functioning or other physical measures or social, psychological…

An exhaustive survey of children's first literature (juvenile picture books and easy readers) determined the extent of age stereotyping--ageism--in roles, behaviors, and descriptions of older characters. Some 656 children's books in active circulation were subjected to content analysis. The findings are placed in etiological perspective. (Author)

The rural elderly have been socialized to different values from their urban counterparts. A better understanding of the rural aging is needed by gerontological educators, researchers, and practitioners. Urban methods may not work. Rural programs must build on existing values and social structure. (Author/JAC)