Negative stereotypes of older adults' computer illiteracy are not supported by research. Their attitudes to computer use improve with experience and training, although studies show they need approximately twice as long to learn. Trainers should consider factors related to equipment, information, tasks, and individuals in designing computer…

The Metacomprehension Scale was completed by 30 younger and 30 older adults. Younger adults reported greater use of strategies to resolve comprehension failures and valued good comprehension more. The regulation dimension of metacomprehension was a reliable predictor of comprehension performance. (SK)

Older adults (n=27) concerned about declining cognitive functioning performed cognitive tasks, completed questionnaires, and were given measures of anxiety and physiological change. Negative correlations appeared between level of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and self-efficacy on measures of fluid intelligence. Epstein-Barr virus levels were…

As part of the National Eldercare Campaign, a Minnesota project replicated a paraprofessional home care worker curriculum for training American Indians to serve the frail elderly. It addressed the need to incorporate minority aging knowledge into caregiver training, provided better community-based home care, and gave employment opportunities to…

Interviews with 6 of 10 Veterans' Affairs programs offering postdoctoral fellowships in geropsychology indicated that only 30% included palliative care or hospice training, despite the fact that the veteran population is likely to have an increasing need for terminal illness care. (SK)

In Japan 239 grandparents, 266 parents, and 274 grandchildren completed the Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory. Grandparents reported more satisfaction and involvement in teaching grandchildren than was observed by parents or grandchildren. They identified greater difficulties with their role than was reported by parents or grandchildren. A…

The first of three studies established the feasibility of using compact disk-interactive (CD-I) with older adults (n=34); a second study ascertained the interest of 74 older adults in learning about memory interventions. In a third study, 24 older adults used a prototype CD-I memory training program. The studies supported the viability of CD-I as…

Evidence-based practice integrates research and practice through such techniques as precisely defining practice problems, conducting efficient literature searches, selecting the best information from searches, applying rules of evidence to test its validity, and extracting and applying practice implications. (SK)

In eight focus groups in five cities, older adults identified their concerns about safety on elevators and escalators, often related to misunderstanding of the equipment. Their preferences for delivery of safety information included video/television, pamphlets, discussions, and posters. Educational interventions and modifications for disabilities…

Multiple-choice and true-false versions of Palmore's first Facts on Aging Quiz were completed by 501 college students. Multiple choice reduced the chances of guessing and had less measurement error for average and above-average respondents. (Author/SK)

Older adults (n=55) were divided into 2 groups: 1 group received preadjunct questions before viewing a blood pressure video; the second viewed the video only. A recall test immediately and seven days later revealed no significant differences, although the control group had slightly higher mean scores. Amount of cognitive resources to process…

Grandparents (n=29) attended a course on changes in child rearing. Surveys of the subjects, 29 grandchildren, and 29 parents of the children showed increased satisfaction, greater success, and more effective teaching in family relationships. (SK)

Responses from 64 participants in a forum on coalition building for elderly people with developmental disabilities showed increased awareness of the needs of this population and more networking with service providers. More lasting coalitions were reported by only 15. Local leadership and involvement to sustain coalitions are needed. (SK)

In their homes, older adults who were not informed that they were to be given memory tests completed the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire. Motivation and anxiety during testing had more effect on memory than did self-efficacy. The setting influenced performance. (SK)

Family caregivers (n=30), mostly daughters caring for parents with dementia, participated in an education and support program. Responses from 24 after three months showed the following outcomes: practical caregiving knowledge, increased understanding, awareness of community services, fellowship with other caregivers, and awareness of their own…