A 1985 survey by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California indicates that the number of campuses offering at least one credit course in gerontology has nearly doubled in the past 9 years. Courses are now available at most large campuses and are evenly distributed…

Survey of graduates of 15 gerontology master's degree programs indicated that employment roles and agencies were primarily administrative, not direct service. Most graduates accepted positions immediately after graduate school; others moved into them after holding other positions. Gerontology degree holders appear to be finding appropriate…

The publication summarizes a report on gerontology instruction in American institutions based on a 1985-1986 survey of over 3000 campuses. The summary examines previous knowledge of gerontology instruction and explains the purpose for the national survey, its design and goals, the questionnaires used and the data derived from them, and how the…

This 1983 survey of master's degree graduates in gerontology from 17 colleges and universities indicates that 65 percent were employed in the field of aging, were working principally in administrative positions, and had a median salary of $22,850. Most perceived the degree to have appropriately prepared them for a career in aging. (Author/BL)

Studies documenting the lack of adequate gerontology training among professionals led to development of a model involving indepth reeducation to develop expertise and a systematic hierarchy of interdisciplinary experiences in aging that builds on the core foundation. (SK)

Responses from 2,121 of 3,200 professionals employed in aging indicated they used substantial aging-specific knowledge in the areas of health, program planning and policy, and services. All 14 knowledge items were used daily by 30%; some were used by as many as 70-80%. (SK)

A content analysis of the best adolescent literature of the Twentieth Century was undertaken to determine the types, extent, and importance of older characters. The findings indicated that older persons were not underrepresented but were under underdeveloped and peripheral to the major action of the books. (Author)

The development of professional gerontology instruction is examined in the context of previous research on the development of professional education more generally through six stages: apprenticeship, knowledge generation, knowledge classification, knowledge teaching, formalization of teaching, and improvement of the profession. Implications for…

Gerontology instruction at the college and university level is analyzed in light of various developments, major issues confronting the field, and specific needs of faculty and administrators. Chapters discuss: growth of interest in aging and gerontology; growing awareness of the aging in higher education; the literature of gerontology education;…

The purpose of this article is to suggest a number of trends that may impact the field of aging during the next 25 years. The research reported addresses both macro- and micro-societal changes and is based in large part on historical evidence. The editor's comments are presented following the article. (Author)

Surveyed members of professional associations representing social work; counseling; occupational therapy; and health, physical education, recreation, and dance. Results indicated significant changes had occurred in the characteristics, education, and perceptions of professionals working in the field of aging over the last 20 years. (Author/ABL)

Sampled members of two professional societies which supported the development of gerontology as a profession. Enthusiasm for this development varied with educational attainment of the respondent. Those with graduate degrees generally preferred gerontology as a specialization within a traditional profession. (Author/JAC)

The University of Southern California's gerontology faculty development program sought to enhance gerontology programs by preparing two to three faculty members from each of several college campuses in Southern California to become core committees that would facilitate an organized sequence of gerontology instruction within their institutions. All…

Reviews current knowledge on the encouragements and constraints affecting educational participation of older people. Reports the finding from a study of active older participants that content and sponsorship are the most important reasons for educational participation. (Author)