This study assesses undergraduate knowledge of aging, distinguishing between types of deficits (ignorance vs. misinformation) and content areas as delineated by a biopsychosocial framework. Knowledge is examined as an outcome of taking an aging elective, while accounting for course rating and knowledge retention. A diverse body of UCLA…

Erik Erikson's model (1963, 1982) is most useful to an understanding of development and aging. He describes lifelong growth as related to tasks that must be performed. At each stage of life, times of stability are followed by developmental crises. Upon resolving the crisis, the individual can enjoy the particular beauty and security of that…

This manual, the third in a three-volume series on counseling older adults, is designed to accompany and supplement volume II, "Basic Helping Skills for Service Providers," and focuses on training for communication skills. The units and their sections correspond to those in volume II, for easy cross-referencing. The units contain information for…

In light of the fact that the number of people in their later years is increasing faster than any other age group, each generation must confront its aging and ask, collectively and individually, why, how, and when. The liberal arts curriculum should include a course examining the omnipresent process of aging and its relationship to communication.…

Following a statement of the problem of putting aging education in the elementary secondary curriculum, and a review of the relevant literature, a model for developing a curriculum on aging is presented. An overview of the 3-year project, developed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana schools for grades K-12, is offered, including activities and yearly…

Older people grow and develop psychologically; they do not necessarily decline in intellectual functioning; and they are capable of learning and enriching their own lives and the lives of others with their wisdom and experience. However, in a fast-paced and impatient culture, little time is given to hearing what older people have to say. Older…

Presents and discusses the results of an exploratory study seeking to determine the effects of an intervention program on aging on children's perceptions of elderly persons. It was found that classroom interaction with older people and exposure to media with accurate information about aging positively changes preschoolers' attitudes toward aging.…

Traces the emergence of aging education in the public schools. Suggests that as students learn to see the world as a global village, they also can learn about aging and that older people exist both as a national resource and a national problem. Curriculum materials and programs, while scarce, are becoming increasingly available. (Author/JAC)

Describes a study of 703 faculty at 7 Mississippi community colleges regarding their willingness to participate in aging education training and incorporate related content into curricula. Reports that 60% were uncertain about including aging education in curricula, but 61% indicated interest in attending courses on aging issues. (13 citations)…

Notes that, as the composition of the American family has changed, children often have limited experiences with their grandparents or other older adults. Discusses ways to help young children eliminate stereotypical views associated with aging by learning to appreciate the diversity and vitality of older persons and becoming comfortable with the…

In industrialized societies, life expectancy is increasing while the elderly are increasingly marginalized. Aging, especially with respect to social demography, should be an essential educational topic for teachers and those who care for the elderly. Education for the elderly should help them assume the role of transmitting their knowledge and…

The article addresses special problems of aging in persons with mental disabilities, including needs of persons living out their lives in institutions, normalized services for community residents, early preparation for aging, and appropriate residential placement. (DB)

Has two principle thrusts: a reflection on the graying of American society and a perspective on its implications for social work education. Calls for social work educators to reassess their role in contributing to society and individuals dealing with the issues of aging. Discusses the phenomenon of the "third age" of members of society.…

Uses Cronbach's alpha and correlational methods, including factor analysis, to evaluate the performance of four short scales measuring psychosocial aspects of well-being (depression, quality of life, sense of coherence, social support) in two samples of community-dwelling persons ages 75 and over. All scales exhibited good range, high internal…

Examines the importance of economic factors in physician and other health service utilization among older adults living in Bermuda. Using data from a national survey of 500 Bermudian elders, findings reveal economic factors to be unrelated to the use of physician services directly, but to be significant determinants of the use of other health…