Reviews problems of the elderly consumer and describes efforts to provide consumer education to rural elderly individuals through two series of one-day workshops. Evaluations indicated that consumer education can be effectively provided to rural elderly with a high degree of perceived usefulness and sharing of information. (Author/JAC)

Describes a model project developed to teach effective coping skills to the aged. Lists objectives of the program workshops and describes approaches to coping with stress due to life transitions. (Author/RC)

Describes the development and implementation of a conference designed to facilitate the interaction of Black elderly and social service agency personnel. Black elderly individuals articulated their social service needs and social service providers were sensitized to the needs of these clients. (Author)

Relates the theory of learned helplessness to the losses of aging, and describes a brief experiential training program for service providers, teaching interpersonal skills useful in working with the depressed elderly. Focuses on reducing helplessness by allowing the elderly to have impact within the counseling interaction. (RC)