Focus group discussions with 21 Australian occupational therapists elicited the following perspectives: (1) therapists act as advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities; (2) occupational therapy contributes to quality of life; (3) occupational therapy is practiced as an interdisciplinary team; and (4) there are limitations to team…

Challenges the pessimistic conclusions of recent studies of longevity and health among the elderly which claim positive trends in prolongation of life have not been matched by extension of healthy life. Examines conceptual issues related to measurement and dynamics of mortality-disability. Uses data from the 1986 Longitudinal Study of Aging to…

This paper contrasts the rhetoric of quality assurance with the realities of poor quality in today's Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). The ICF/MR operational model is described as paper oriented, failure based, and insensitive to the effects of its own practices. Recommendations include the establishment of local…

Among 299 recent in-migrants to the Gallatin Valley, Montana, reasons for relocating were highly correlated with reasons for choosing that area. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) subjects identified both economic and quality-of-life factors in area selection, while lower SES subjects mentioned only quality-of-life factors. Contains 43 references.…

A personal perspective is given on attitudes and behavior toward children with deafness and the lack of understanding it is felt to represent. (DB)

Technological products and services can increase independent living by the elderly, improve their quality of life, and reduce care costs. (Author)

Evaluates the short-term effects of an accessible exercise intervention on the strength and health-related quality of life among older women. Results of an 8-week resistance training intervention revealed significant increases in three major muscles. However, there were no significant changes on either mental or physical health functioning.…

This article summarizes the current understanding of the "quality of life" construct as applied to people with mental retardation. It examines previous definitions and suggests a definition involving eight life dimensions including emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, social inclusion, and rights. The definition…

This study evaluated the functioning and quality of life of seven adult males with autism, residents of a group home, twice a year over 2.5 years using the Adult and Adolescent Psycho-educational Profile (AAPEP). Results indicated significant behavioral progress across time for all seven men on all sections of the AAPEP, suggesting that quality of…

Examines the effects of acculturation on quality of life of Japanese Americans and Indo Americans in California. Data are from an ongoing multinational study. Responses from 956 adults show significant differences between the two groups in terms of quality of life, health risks, intergenerational conflicts, and health-care behavior. (SLD)

This study of 67 chronically mentally ill outpatients examined subjective Quality of Life Scores from A. Lehman's Quality of Life Interview. Results suggest a model of life satisfaction in which instrumental and affiliative needs comprise significant portions of life satisfaction. Implications for other quality of life and life satisfaction…

Examines perception of past sexual abuse experiences and quality of life among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Interviews (N=52) reveal three types of explanations for the offenders' behavior. Results indicate that survivors who attributed the abuse to the offenders' characteristics managed to keep their self esteem fairly intact and…

Indices of happiness and unhappiness were defined, and a corresponding observation system was developed and implemented with five students in an adult education classroom. Results indicate the definitions and the observation system reliably identified frequencies of happiness and/or unhappiness indices for each student across separate activities.…

A health promotion program that provided health information and training to Italian older adults received high ratings from participants for lecturer helpfulness, subjects, locations, and time. Most participants changed eating and social habits, attributing positive changes to personal conviction. Those who received training disseminated…

Motorola Inc., research climatologists, preservice teachers taking a science requirement, and students in a Title I middle school explored whether a new major urban lake increases local humidity and decreases quality of life in a community dependent on "dry heat" during summers. Analysis of automated climate data reveals that the urban lake is too…