The population of older women consists of relatively healthy, educated, nonpoor, native-born women, not employed and not living with a spouse. Women's involvement in significant activities is limited and there are impediments to their greater participation. Social gerontologists should design new opportunities engaging older women in socially…

Examined adult caregivers (N=96) caring for persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) on a long-term basis. Results indicate no significant sex difference regarding caregiver stress and satisfaction. The more life satisfaction caregivers reported, the less stress and more satisfaction they experienced in caring for a person with CFS. (RJM)

Quality of life issues in social skills assessment of persons with disabilities are discussed in terms of definitions, measures, applications to social skills assessment, and future needs. It is argued that broader measures need to be used in social skills assessment in order to evaluate quality of life changes. (CR)

Examines the relationship between stressful life events, occurring in the year previous to the study, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among 350 college students. Results indicate that stressful life events were related to poorer HRQOL. Gender did not moderate the relationship between stressful events and HRQOL. (Author/RJM)

In June 1996, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, whose mission is to help people with disabilities achieve their life goals with technology, met in Salt Lake City (Utah). This article provides an overview of the conference, describing product exhibits, courses, meetings, and particularly research…

This paper responds to Wood and May's survey of special education teachers' attitudes toward euthanasia. It is pointed out that the mere existence of attitudes supporting euthanasia does not constitute a validation of such attitudes. The discussion of euthanasia of individuals with severe disabilities is discussed as representative of a…

The relationship between work-family balance and quality of life was assessed for 353 accounting professionals. Those who spent more time on family than work experienced higher quality of life than balanced individuals, who experienced higher quality than those who spent more time on work. Findings were similar for level of involvement balance and…

Reviews the literature on theories of coping, describing the role of therapeutic recreation in improving coping skills. The article notes that while individuals with disabilities and illnesses experience many challenges that require a variety of coping skills, and it is important to develop skills to address problems, there is a need to focus on…

Presents the results of an investigation of five-year-old children and their families within two contrasting groups. In one group the children were raised to play unhindered by street traffic and without adults present. In group two the children could not leave their residence unaccompanied by adults. Results indicate that an unsuitable…

Study examines the mechanisms involved in turning-point experiences among individuals who had been exposed to several risk factors in childhood and adolescence. Results indicate that childhood experiences influence the content of turning points in adult life by shaping the direction of actual life paths. The quality of current life, however, has…

Structured interviews with 154 adults with mental retardation showed two-thirds were either unable to respond or exhibited response bias. There was a significant difference in scores on the Adaptive Behavior Scale between those who exhibited response bias and those who did not. The substitution of a proxy respondent is discussed. (Contains…

Reviews cardiovascular changes occurring during the aging process and the trainability of older persons. Although cardiovascular changes are part of life, activity levels need not decrease. Beneficial aspects of exercise include improvements in muscle strength, joint mobility, flexibility, coordination, and weight control. (SM)

Critically examines self-report measures used by marital researchers, focusing on selected indicators of marital satisfaction, adjustment, and quality. Reviews indicators of marital intimacy and complaints. Explores measures of concepts linked more directly to marital stability, including measures of commitment, relationship alternatives, and…

Investigated meaning and purpose of life in bereaved parents (N=52) whose sons fell during active military service 2 or 11 years after their loss, compared to 50 non-bereaved parents. Results showed that both bereaved parent groups received lower scores on Purpose-in-Life Test and Meaning-in-Life Scale than controls. Found no significant…

Discusses quality-of-life issues for ever-increasing population of American elderly, emphasizing value of recreation. Offers organized camping as way of exposing older adults to enjoyable physical activities. Cites evidence supporting beneficial effects of regular exercise for elderly, beginning at any age. (TES)