This article discusses the use of observation for reflective practice with older people, particularly the benefits and challenges of this learning tool. It outlines a study with 26 third-year Bachelor of Social Work students who undertook an elective course on reflective practice with older people. Using qualitative document analysis, the authors…

One of the challenges facing Australia is the ageing of the population. Of major concern, especially to government, is that the dependency ratio--a measure of the burden that economically active persons carry by supporting dependent persons--will increase significantly unless older people keep working or immigration is used to change the…

Americans are living longer than ever before. A child born today can expect to live 80 years, 90 years, or longer. Many of today's children will live to be centenarians. Aging education to prepare people for the long life ahead has been endorsed since the first White House Conference on Aging in 1961. However, little is happening with aging…

This document is a short report on issues related to eliminating mandatory retirement ages. H.R. 4154, Congressman Pepper's bill to legislate elimination of mandatory retirement by removing the maximum age limitation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, is included. The report includes the following sections: (1) questions and…

Analyzed the content of five basal reading series published in the 1960s and 1980s to see if the manner in which the elderly are protrayed has changed. Indicated that although the elderly were underrepresented in the books in comparison to their actual proportion in the population, they were generally portrayed as competent, helpful, positive…

The records of a public employment agency for senior citizens are analyzed. Client characteristics reveal that older people want to work and retain jobs in which they are placed. The underutilization of older workers is discussed. (SK)

Discusses and debunks myths and stereotypes about older workers including their reaction to change and their ability to communicate. (JOW)

Examined role of misperceptions in a Congressional debate about policies for the aging. Found that misperceptions about the elderly, in the guise of compassionate stereotypes, were frequently expressed. Legislators voicing such stereotypes were the most likely to speak and vote against proposals to reduce Social Security benefits. Found some…

Identifies and briefly discusses three aspects of the problem of ageism: (1) prejudicial attitudes; (2) discriminatory practices against the elderly; (3) institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypic beliefs about the elderly and undermine their personal dignity. (Author/GC)

The procedural prerequisites to an Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) action are examined. The 1978 amendments to the Act as well as the leading decisions involving procedural matters are discussed. Available from The Duquesne Law Review, 901 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. (Author/MLF)

Opinions on whether a new tort should be recognized to compensate victims of discrimination for their mental suffering are hopelessly split. The conflict will very likely continue until the Supreme Court takes a definitive step to resolve the issue. (Author/IRT)

Using a Q sort, 39 older adults rated 40 magazine ads. They found offensive ads that stereotyped elders as out of touch, ridiculous, difficult, and unattractive. Stereotypes of real aging problems were deemed nonoffensive. In interviews, they expressed concerns about the harm such stereotypes can do. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

Discusses various institutional obstacles faced by older persons who want to work. Includes information on the impact of Social Security regulations and pension policies on work activity, the market for part-time jobs, and age discrimination. (JOW)

Dispels several myths about older workers: (1) they cost more; (2) they are sick more; (3) they cannot learn new skills; and (4) they are less productive. Suggests that employers and younger employees need to be sensitized to regard older workers an asset. (JOW)

Attitudes were assessed after 89 undergraduates were asked either five neutral questions, five questions on the economic welfare of older people, or five on elders' physical frailty. Economic questions resulted in significantly more negative views of the mental aspects of aging, suggesting that questionnaires may contain tacit sources of bias. (SK)