Discusses issues related to educational and professional success in gerontology: management of the graduate school experience, career paths in gerontology, securing the first job, and socialization as faculty members. (SK)

Describes gerontechnology as the use of technology to prevent, delay, or compensate for aging declines and enhance communication, leisure, learning, and artistic expression for elders. Discusses needs assessment, assistive technology, and aspects of this emerging field, including education, professional organizations, funding, and advocacy. (SK)

The Seniors Computer Information Program website (www.seniorscan.ca) offers information and communication options for older adults. It was developed and tested in centers providing computer training to seniors. New projects include online training and a consortium of educational programs for older adults. (SK)

Advance directives allow individuals to maintain control of their health care should they become unable to communicate. To benefit from them, adults need to be educated about their purpose and use, advanced medical technology, and end-of-life decision making. (SK)

The University of New England (Australia) and Chinese University of Hong Kong offer a collaborative graduate diploma and master of health science in gerontology via mixed-mode and web-based education. The multidisciplinary curriculum takes into account Hong Kong's health care system and cultural context. (SK)

Adults aged 18-34 (n=20) and 61-77 (n=20) read 4 expository and 4 narrative passages. Both groups read narrative more quickly, with greater recall. Reading times of older adults were hindered more by expository text. Regulation of understanding was affected by text genre, and ability to reread selectively was more critical to expository text…

Describes two points of view regarding age-related public programs (Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security): that of devolutionists who would curtail them and safety netters who maintain the government's role is indispensable. Uses Relative Deprivation theory as a framework for teaching public policy about aging. (SK)

"Growing Old in a New Age," a Public Broadcasting Service telecourse, was evaluated by 40 faculty, 29 state aging administrators, 2 international public broadcasting users, and a training specialist. The course was generally considered effective, but improvements were recommended in content, integration of video and text, and updated learning…

Adult development and aging content via compressed video was presented in an opening class lecture, inservice training session, and standalone unit on elder abuse. Participants suggested that instructors needed to become more comfortable with the medium and participants needed guidance on taking advantage of multimedia presentations. (SK)

Aging of the population and workforce necessitates integration of gerontological content in K-adult education. Aging should be addressed as a diversity issue, presenting successful, productive aspects and accurate and nonbiased information. (SK)

Aging and ageism are diversity issues and should be addressed in diversity training. A balanced understanding of aging can be developed using appropriate techniques at all levels of education. Instructors should vary teaching approaches to accommodate older adult students. (SK)

A modification of Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz was given to 954 students in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12. Adolescents showed positive attitudes and children showed negative attitudes toward older adults. Hispanic adolescents were more negative than Whites or Blacks. There was no relationship between weekly contact with older adults and accurate…

A pilot project prepared retired teachers to promote K-12 education about aging. The project demonstrated the relevance of learning about aging at all ages, the value of retirees as resources for schools, and the significance of providing lifelong learning opportunities for retirees. (SK)

Students in a combined first and second grade (n=20) were given a six-week interdisciplinary unit on aging that included intergenerational activities and nonbiased children's literature. Pre/posttest data showed an increase in accurate perceptions of and positive attitudes toward aging. (SK)

Elementary curriculum about aging should seek to increase children's knowledge about aging, provide opportunities for interaction with older adults in class and community, and permit expression of attitudes about aging. Developing appropriate affective behavior can help modify stereotypes and develop interpersonal skills. (SK)