This article reports on the Gerontology Doctoral Student Assessment Model (GDSAM), a comprehensive web-based system premised on developing an evaluation mechanism attuned to the special requirements of advanced graduate education at the doctoral level. The system focuses on longitudinal tracking of selected dimensions of intellectual,…

Considers relationships of dialectical thinking to formal operational thought; general conceptions of cognitive structure to understanding thinking across specific domains; motivational and cognitive competence factors in adult reasoning; and contextualistic and dialectical conceptions of social intelligence. Outlines structural-developmental…

Introduces five papers by presenting a rationale for examining personality and social factors in relation to intellectual aging. Argues that identification of links between personality, social, and cognitive factors may be useful for explaining and predicting variations in the course of intellectual aging. Recommends collaboration among…

Discusses contextualistic and integrative approaches to the concept of wisdom, and the evolution of the concept from an independent construct of intelligence to a component of intelligence, i.e., practical intelligence. Suggests operationalization of wisdom as the ability to integrate cognition and affect. Illustrates the integrative approach with…

Describes a model reading program for the elderly. The program encourages the aged to revive dormant interests and explore new vistas as major prerequisites to personal fulfillment. The goal was to identify an instructional plan that motivates the elderly to seek intellectual, physical, or spiritual renewal through reading-related exercises.…

Investigated beliefs about intellectual control and aging in 86 middle-aged and older adults. Perceptions of internal control over intellectual functioning appeared to be relatively stable during middle adulthood and to decline for older adults. Even with effects of education partialled, there was a decline in perceptions of intellectual…

Outlines major premises of contextual perspectives to adult intellectual development and describes what theorists hypothesize to be changes in environmental demands that occur during adulthood. Presents research suggesting that people's conceptions of intelligence at all points during development include social competence as a form of intellectual…

Employed a cross-sectional comparison of 187 mid-level professional managers to assess the relationship of several work-related variables and perceived intellectual aging. Results supported the hypothesis that older managers would report more intellectual processing decline than younger managers, but that both young and old managers would see…

The phenomenon of lifelong learning for people over 50 as it benefits individuals, classmates, and society as a whole is explored. Evidence has come forth to attest to the intellectual ability of individuals in this age group--in clear contradiction to previously held myths concerning mental deterioration with age. (Author)

Reviews the influence of educational level on the intellectual performance of elderly individuals. Older individuals have more intellectual potential than previously has been reported. As cohorts receive greater educational opportunities, the negative stereotype of intellectual deterioration with age will no longer be accurate. (Author)

Two years after conception, the Elderhostel program draws acclaim from participants, staff, and observers. The Aristotelian concept of the liberal arts deals with the interplay between subject matter and learner. So great is this interplay that it is difficult to judge whether the hosteler is more liberated or more liberating. (Author)

Reviews evidence showing the view of pervasive decrement in later life is being challenged. Evidence is accumulated that the intellectual performance of the older adult responds favorably to a variety of ecological, training, and motivational conditions, and that intellectual development in later life is characterized by plasticity not universal…