Reviewed seven recent studies from three gerontological journals to examine academic performance, attitudes, and social relations in intergenerational college classes. Results confirmed the ability of older students to perform well in mixed classrooms and generally supported the concept of intergenerational classes. (JAC)

Describes disengagement, activity, lifespan, subcultural, and continuity theories of social gerontology in light of participation in higher education by older students. Argues that continuity theory holds the most promise in accounting for older students. Emphasizes the need to stress the positive roles of old age. (JAC)

Reviews retirement and preretirement programs using a comprehensive framework that reveals four distinct models: planning, counseling, adult education, and the human potential model. The human potential model integrates the effective features of existing programs with a positive view of retirement and a focus on the retirement transition period.…

Examined the effects of prior practice on the Set Test (ST), a test of verbal fluency, in 30 geriatric patients assigned to specific or nonspecific practice groups or a control. Results showed a significant improvement for the practice groups from days 1 to 2. (JAC)

Investigated the relationship between patient age and preference for physician communication style in 303 adults. Results showed that, while most patients prefer a high degree of both information and affect, older patients prefer a low-information/high affect strategy. Results may indicate the presence of receiver apprehension in elderly patients.…

Tested the effectiveness of training 50 older adults as peer counselors to lead a weekend preretirement seminar. Small group discussions focused on self-esteem, interpersonal relations, and leisure time management. Results showed improvement in self-efficacy ratings, retirement knowledge, and morale three months after the intervention. (JAC)

Describes a model program for the sharing of career-history videotapes made by retired professional persons for college students. Details tape preparation and production methods. Evaluation showed a positive response from students, their professors, and the retired persons who participated. (JAC)

This discussion (1) briefly examines the effects of retirement upon the individual; (2) assesses preretirement conditions and attitudes which affect the individual's adjustment to retirement; and (3) identifies preretirement learning experiences which promote effective and successful adjustment of individuals to retirement. (Author)

Journals kept by 12 students in a life-history project who visited older adults revealed four experiences: (1) preprogram assumptions about how to interact with the elderly; (2) personal conflict over the inappropriateness of the assumptions in action; (3) reevaluation of themselves and intergenerational relationships; and (4) transposition--10 of…

Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz in standard true-false format was completed by 180 sociology students, a revised multiple-choice version by 195 students. The multiple-choice test decreased guessing, had greater internal consistency and reliability, tended to have higher discriminatory power, and identified more specifically misconceptions about…

A needs assessment was conducted to explore the educational interests of 28 residents of a retirement community in the Niagara region of Ontario. Most were interested in education for leisure and personal development, specifically related to health maintenance and quality of life. (JOW)

Reports observations of the use of mental aerobics with 48 adults whose median age was 70. Provides examples of the group puzzles and logic, math, and word problems used to enhance cognitive functioning and creative thinking. (SK)

A group of Dutch adults over 57 (n=4,528) were grouped into four categories based on self-ratings of their health: excellent/very good, good, fair, or poor. Those with poor health self-ratings had lower scores on a mental status exam, indicating that health influences cognitive functioning even after controlling for depression. (SK)

A group of 39 older adults trained to use an electronic bulletin board had more positive attitudes about computers compared to 10 controls. The most positive were those who continued to use the board frequently. The most important predictor of use was success at initial training. (SK)

Comparison of older adults participating in a University of the Third Age program with nonparticipants indicated that gender, age, and religion did not influence the terminal or instrumental values of either group. There were no significant differences in values between participants or nonparticipants. (SK)