If art, when defined by existential and phenomenological boundaries, promotes self-understanding, then the verbal arts in particular offer fully developed hypothetical analogues of humans in action. The need to find some measure of self-knowledge through art does not diminish with age, but the self-understanding promoted by the portrayal of the…

This study examined the effects of attitudinal flexibility on changes in intellectual functioning in the elderly over a 7-year period through the use of linear structural equation modeling. Older adults (N=181) were surveyed about their health problems, leisure activities, social contacts and resources, stressful life occurrences, and current…

The most common psychological disorder found in the elderly is depression. To investigate the relationship between numerous age-related stresses and depression in older adults, 68 residents of a retirement center completed a questionnaire assessing depression and a wide range of possible losses or stresses. Depression was related to poorer…

This paper examines issues concerning access to health care for persons with disabilities, specifically the health status of the disabled, utilization and cost of services, and a comparison of health insurance coverage of persons with and without disabilities. Three age groups (children, working-age adults, and the elderly) are considered. Data…

Investigated the relationship between age-related stresses and depression among residents of a retirement center. Found depression related to poorer financial status, fewer and less satisfying interpersonal relationships, poorer physical health and greater concerns about death for women, and to poorer physical health and lack of involvement for…

This article reports a model for the preparation of gerontologists and health workers concerned about increasing cooperation and understanding between these professions. The project discussed entailed the cooperative efforts of the Oregon State University gerontology program and Department of Health, a tricounty area agency on aging, and community…

The Wallingford Wellness Project was a 3-year community-based health promotion program for the independent elderly (persons over 54 years of age) which offered education and behavior change training in physical fitness, stress management, nutrition, and environmental awareness and action. The experimental group (N=90) participated in a pretest,…

These proceedings contain an introduction and 26 papers arranged in five sections: (1) People's Republic of China and Taiwan (Republic of China); (2) Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand; (3) Korea; (4) Japan and the Western Pacific; and (5) United States. Paper titles and authors are as follows: "Recent Social Security Policies and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among health status, personal definition of health, and health behavior choice in the elderly. Self-assessed health status was measured using a modified Cantril Ladder, personal definition of health was measured using the Laffrey Health Conception Scale (LHCS), and health behavior…

A three-component geriatric-gerontology program developed at the University of Utah is described that consists of a lecture course, clinical clerkships, and a gerontology certificate program. This multidisciplinary approach enables students to gain a broad perspective in the complex health care of the elderly. (Author/MLW)

Individuals of all ages need to maintain an active lifestyle to promote health. The physiological changes associated with aging, however, make the elderly especially vulnerable to disuse atrophy associated with inactivity. Exercise programs for the elderly are being established in increasing numbers, but high dropout rates from these programs…

The presence of family caregivers in their homes has mitigated the need for the elderly to choose between reducing health services (and thus health) to levels that they can afford or going into serious debt to maintain health. However, caregivers must balance their role of health producer in the home with their role of income producer in the labor…

Examines effects on health status and health services utilization of simultaneous participation by elderly persons (N=401) in family and neighbor network systems. Results showed the greatest health needs and highest rates of use of formal health services to be among the noncompensated relationships. (JAC)

This reference book is correlated closely with the essential elements prescribed by the State Board of Education in the Texas Administrative Codes for Home Economics. It is organized into 22 chapters that are intended to be used as needed, not in any particular order. Each chapter begins with the essential element(s) and objectives to achieve.…

This document is the text of a Senate hearing on prospects for better health for older women. Senator Glenn's opening remarks discuss the importance of health promotion measures in reducing chronic illnesses, the lack of insurance for these health promotion activities, specific problems for "pink-collar" working women, and biomedical…