Describes content of a university program aimed at developing older adults' self-concept, competency, and achievement, leading to a certificate in personalized education. Addresses concepts, abilities, and values to be developed and the integrating principle that is the cornerstone of the course. (SK)

Measures of intergenerational solidarity were completed by 60 Laotian refugee and 60 U.S. high school students. The Laotian students scored significantly higher on normative, functional, and structural solidarity. Results support the role of culture in shaping perceived obligations toward aging parents. (SK)

The University of Kassel's (Germany) postgraduate curriculum in social gerontology for practitioners focuses on integrating theoretical and practical knowledge. Program completers return to their workplaces as innovators. (SK)

Defines the meaning of life as meaning making--filtering experience through basic assumptions. Uses the theory of perspective transformation to explain the relationship between learning and meaning making. Identifies techniques for teaching critical thinking to facilitate perspective transformation. (SK)

The effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration at the Educational Centre for Aging and Health (Ontario) was studied by analyzing 147 activities of 322 participants. Results showed 63% of activities involved three or more disciplines; vast majority were educational or educational/clinical. Characteristics fostering collaboration included…

A case study of professional continuing education in palliative care delivered in rural northern Canada identified these effectiveness factors: interdisciplinary and participatory approach, responsiveness to rural health practitioners' practice context and work style, and integration of educational approaches with rural realities. (SK)

An outcomes charting method was used to evaluate effects of a 12-year-old interdisciplinary summer institute for health professionals. Primary outcomes were academic publications, and a case management guide and videotapes. Secondary outcomes included improved clinical service and an undergraduate course on case management. (SK)

An interprofessional gerontology institute focused on effective health care teamwork, conflict resolution, a goal-oriented approach, and geriatric assessment. Evaluation by 25 first-year participants resulted in recommendations for targeted recruitment, integrated theory and practice, a strong institutional foundation, and practical techniques and…

Grandparents (n=152) and their adult children (n=76) described their families, and 38 kindergarten-age children were evaluated. The generational transfer of family dynamics was confirmed. Parents from both sides influenced emotional ties, but only the paternal side influenced the way families established structure, roles, and discipline. (SK)

Comparison of students taking a televised (n=19) or classroom-based (n=52) course on aging found that telecourse students completed more readings; the classroom group had significant increases in knowledge and better access to instructors. After course revision, telecourse students made significant improvements in knowledge and got higher grades…

In Italy, adults aged 50-76 were trained to transmit medical information to other elders. Results were compared with a group who received information from physicians. Quality of life, health promotion, and social life issues were investigated. (SK)

Focus groups with 59 drivers and nondrivers (mean age 80) found that drivers were concerned with safety and reluctant to plan for driving cessation. They perceived driving as necessary and associated it with independence and freedom. Interventions to manage driving cessation were suggested. (SK)

A multidisciplinary faculty in Ontario created a database and curriculum guide on aging with a preexisting disability. The materials resulted from a survey of 41 health/social science educators who indicated a need for such materials as life expectancy increases. (SK)

Since 1988, a special interest group in geriatrics has provided students at Mount Sinai School of Medicine a forum for pursuing research interests, networking, and interacting with faculty. Such groups foster interest in careers in geriatric medicine. (SK)

Review of studies using the Aging Semantic Differential to measure attitudes toward the elderly identified problems: familiarity and variety of objects, men-only design, and age of the instrument. Ways to refine it include updating adjectives and their positions, identifying attitudinal objects, and accounting for gender differences. (SK)