Introduction: The authors of this paper base their research on the following assumption: the development of both geragogic education (older adult education) and profession is conditioned by the existence of a study program of geragogy provided by departments of geragogy created at universities (as public institutions of higher education). The fact…

This article discusses the results of a school of social work survey assessing the geriatric training needs of social workers and other professionals in aging and the need for a gerontology practitioner's continuing education (CE) certificate program. A total of 391 professionals, the majority of whom were social workers, participated in an online…

Economic and political trends underscore the importance of engaged scholarship as evidence that colleges and universities are serving their constituencies. Set in a background of debate about pure versus applied social science this article describes a planned approach to continuing gerontological education grounded firmly in the principles of the…

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an assessment tool for research consent competence in older participants. A four-item instrument was developed to assess the capacity of the older adults to consent to research. Data were obtained from 203 nursing home residents from two facilities and 201 community-dwelling older adults in a…

A survey of music programs at residential and nursing homes for the aged in Maryland was conducted. The findings are described and implications for developing successful music programs for older adults are discussed. Resources are listed. (KC)

Designed for college administrators, this guide provides a synthesis of a broad spectrum of approaches to creating gerontology courses and curricula. First, an introductory chapter looks at reasons for developing a gerontological curricula, potential audiences for such a program (i.e., health care providers, other caregivers, older adults, and…

This project was designed to aid trainers and educators in the field of aging in the identification of useful current training resources. Project goals include: (1) developing and refining a review format for evaluating training resources in aging; (2) selecting "high demand" training resources for evaluation; (3) training specialists in the field…

These proceedings are intended for use by educators, trainers, and others with responsibility for developing short-term educational programs in the field of aging. The articles are practical tools containing a wealth of concepts and suggestions for designing conferences, workshops, and short courses on aging. The articles were developed or…

Written for both professionals and lay persons working with the development and education of older adults, this book addresses issues of aging, expectations for aged persons, and the means to respond in practical and educationally sound ways to the changing needs of older adults. The book is organized in four parts. Part I introduces the world of…

A statewide survey of elementary and secondary teachers in Texas indicates that little attention is currently given to direct teaching about aging or to integrating this content area into the school curriculum. The following questions were asked: (1) To what extent is aging incorporated into the public school curricula? (2) Would increased…

A project was proposed to expand the gerontology program at Rancho High School (Las Vegas, Nevada) into the area of food services for the aged. Development of a course in food services for the elderly would meet the students' needs for field experiences and entry-level job skills. Objectives of the proposed program included the following: (1)…

The author provides 20 abstracts of programs capable of being implemented in a community. These programs, based in Black Hawk County, Iowa, were developed by helping professionals in an institute at The University of Northern Iowa in dialogue with older adults. The objectives of this institute were: (1) to improve communication between dissimilar…

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)

Describes the development and evaluation of an eight-hour educational program designed to prepare staff nurses to perform in a new role, the unit-based acute confusion Resource Nurse (ACRN). Tests showed that knowledge and confidence significantly increased for participants as a result of their participation in the educational program. (Author/GCP)

Service-learning opportunities are prominent on many college campuses. The process of designing and implementing service-learning experiences, especially for students of gerontology, however, has rarely been addressed. The current article briefly reviews the background and utility of service-learning in gerontology courses, describes our…