The unprecedented growth in the older adult population combined with increased scholarly interest in family dynamics has resulted in the gradual expansion of family gerontology as its own area of study. Consisting of both university faculty and practitioners, family gerontology educators integrate multiple disciplines in order to teach about later…

Reviews six studies of neglect and abuse of elderly persons in their homes. All of these investigations agree that a substantial but undocumented problem of domestic neglect and abuse exists; variety and severity of mistreatment ranges from reasonably benign to very severe, and causal theories are numerous. (WAS)

Gathered data from institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly concerning their satisfaction with various aspects of family relations. While 80 percent of the sample were satisfied, differences were found between the young-old and the old-old, the married and the widowed, as well as between the institutionalized and community-dwelling…

Reviews and critiques recent research on family relationships of the elderly. Summarizes findings about the interactions of older adults with their spouses, children, siblings, and grandchildren, and the connection between families and community services for the elderly. Presents implications for practitioners and researchers who focus their work…

Examines characteristics and needs of the widowed, Black, older adult. Special attention was given to the implications for policy. The general economic plight of widowed Blacks suggested the need for a basic floor of defined vital services that would speak to income, health, housing, and transportation. (Author)

We examine the extent to which theory has been used in empirical studies of families in later life, identify prevalent types of theoretical frameworks, and assess connections between theory and both focal topics and analytic methods in the family gerontology literature. The paper is based on content and methodological analysis of 838 empirical…

Through interviews and observation, the impact of caring for an elderly parent or in-law on 30 women was studied. The study differentiated between care provision and care management. Social and behavioral precedents and consequences of the role were identified. Costs of caregiving were much greater for providers than managers. (Author/JAC)

Compared the personal and social resources and psychological well-being of 438 elderly parents and 103 childless people. Results showed both groups reported similar resources; children did not assure life satisfaction, less loneliness, or greater acceptance of death. The atypical status of the childless did not affect well-being. (WAS)

Notes that family life education programs for older adults address issues of marriage, sexuality, retirement and family life, widowhood, intergenerational relations, and caregiving. For each of these issues, research is briefly reviewed, educational programs are discussed, and issues for future are noted. Seven guidelines for development of family…

Although reports of intimate partner violence (IPV) decrease with age, a significant number of aging women experience IPV in their relationships. The structure and culture of rural environments may inadvertently conceal violence against aging women and inhibit prevention and treatment efforts. Guided by an ecological community framework, 3 focus…

Developed a program to support adults concerned about their aging parents. Specific objectives were to: develop educational materials, provide a group milieu, and train participants in communications techniques. Results indicated the program had limited positive results in contrast to no, or slightly negative change for the delayed treatment…

Study sought to describe the very old living in rural areas and make predictions of survival rates of rural elders to very old age. Among the findings, very old rural adults were found most likely to live with others. Demographic and early life achievement influenced survival to very old age. (RJM)