Search

To determine the optimal uses of educational hypermedia for older adult learners, it is prudent to conduct research focusing on this particular participant group. However, the value of research findings, especially in cross-sectional studies, may depend on attentiveness towards the specific needs of older adults. Ignoring these needs may lead to an underestimation of the capacity of older adults to use hypermedia applications for learning and communication. This paper describes the necessary changes in sampling, procedures, and protocols adopted to accommodate a sample of older adults in the testing of educational technology. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

This paper investigates the definitions and onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Conventionally, anyone who has reached the age of 60 or 65 years is regarded as the onset of an old person. But on contrary, this recent study is strongly emphasizing that 50 years and above is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria. Obviously, the definitions and onset of an old person are controversial, yet, revealing in this paper. The study captured 13 Local Government Areas in Lagos state while 11 Local Government Areas were covered in Oyo state. The study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). However, 938 old persons were interviewed through questionnaire administration in Lagos and Oyo states of South-Western Nigeria. The univariate, FGDs, and IDIs were employed in the analyses of this research. The major findings of this study are the following: firstly, that there are different dimensions of the definitions of an old person that include frailty, inactivity, loss of strength, respect, blessedness, sickness, growing old, and inability to do hard work. Secondly, that someone who has reached the age of 50 years and above can be regarded as an old person, which is the onset of an old person in South-Western Nigeria society. On the basis of earlier findings, the study hereby recommends that anyone who has attained the age of 50 years and above should be recognized, regarded, and honored as an Elder by the State Government of South-Western Nigeria society where they are presently residing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the association of learning participation with the quality of life (QoL) in older Chinese adults, verifying how the differing types of learning activity participation may influence their QoL. We conducted two studies to gain a better understanding of learning participation and QoL among adults over 55 years of age. In the first study, we conducted five focus groups among 43 older adults about their understanding of learning benefits and their general well-being. In a second study, we assessed the QoL using the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index, while learning participation was measured through a questionnaire addressing the frequency of involvement in educational activities among 579 Chinese older adults. The results indicate that being engaged in learning activities in old age has the potential to increase the QoL of older adults. Moreover, in contrast to nonformal learning, the results of the hierarchical linear regression model demonstrate that both informal and formal learning have a significant positive influence on QoL. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for research and practice pertaining to the encouragement of learning participation in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a sequel to previous theoretical papers (Gamliel, Reichental, & Eyal, 2007a, 2007b) that proposed a Model of Knowledge in Volume 33 of this journal. The study examines the effects of digital education on intergenerational empowerment and social interaction among participants in the Israeli Multigenerational Connection Program (MCP). The program pairs seniors and children in computer-room activities at primary schools and encourages both groups to benefit by learning from each other. Findings from feedback questionnaires, field observations, and semistructured interviews show that the MCP was successful in building an intergenerational bridge. The flexible structuring of the roles of teacher and pupil contributed to participants' satisfaction with the program, and the intergenerational knowledge exchanges empowered both groups and allowed them to reach out to each other. Implications for educators, both in the community and in mainstream schools, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several interprofessional education projects have addressed training allied health students for effective teamwork in geriatrics, few curriculum evaluation studies have examined differences in learning outcomes between interprofessional and traditional uniprofessional approaches, especially for social work students. This paper compares and contrasts two brief curriculum models designed to prepare graduate social work students for interdisciplinary collaboration in geriatric health care. The first model is an interprofessional approach that brings together students from social work, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and nutrition for an interactive session on interdisciplinary care. The second model is a uniprofessional approach that addresses interdisciplinary collaboration within a traditional social work practice course. A pretest/posttest quasiexperimental design was employed to examine differences between the two curriculum approaches in terms of changes in social work students' attitudes and values toward interdisciplinary teamwork and their understanding of the roles and training requirements of multidisciplinary colleagues. Results indicate that students in the interprofessional curriculum (n = 69) made significant gains in their attitudes and values toward interdisciplinary collaboration but not in their understanding of the roles and training of other disciplines. Conversely, students in the uniprofessional curriculum (n = 19) made significant improvement in their recognition of individual team members' professional roles but experienced minimal change in their attitudes and values toward interdisciplinary collaboration. Findings suggest an interprofessional approach is most conducive to changing students' appreciation and understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary teams, but personal engagement with content on interdisciplinary roles and training is essential for mastery of this knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

University Programs for Older Adults (Programas Universitarios para Adultos Mayores or PUMAs) have been developed throughout the world as an outcome of two worldwide policies: Life Long Learning (LLL) and Active Aging as a priority direction (UN, 2002). According to these policies, older persons should become full participants in the development process of a society, sharing in its benefits, while policies and actions should promote a positive view of aging. The present paper sets out to report some of the results from the evaluation of four PUMAs offered in 2009–2010 at four Universities: Autónoma University of Madrid (Spain), Autónoma University of Mexico (Mexico), Catholic University (Chile), and La Habana University (Cuba). With this purpose, a study with quasiexperimental design and nonequivalent control group was carried out. In total, 313 students (75% women, age range 50–87) on these four PUMAs and 190 controls (77% female, age range 50–91) participated in this evaluation study. Pre- and postexperimental and control comparisons results yielded significant differences in the expected direction: those people attending PUMAs significantly improved their self-perception of aging and group stereotypes, as well as significantly reduced their negative affect, and improving their emotional balance. At the same time, their perception of cultural age stereotypes became more negative. The results are discussed from the point of view of the II International Plan of Action on Aging objectives: the reduction of negative stereotypes and the promotion of the role of PUMAs in active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An intergenerational initiative was developed and implemented to enhance gerontology in the first course of the practice sequence. Seventeen students met with older adults (ages 82–98) in the classroom and at an assisted living facility. The evaluation of this older adult infusion project was conducted through two questionnaires and by the review of reflection papers completed as a course assignment. Pre-post statistical analyses as well as qualitative analysis evidenced an increase in knowledge of the older adults' lives as well as a professional interest in aging. As a result of this experience, several of the students volunteered at the facility, interviewed residents, and requested gerontological placements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses the question of benefits of education from a life course perspective. Using data from a study of 1600 students (response rate 48%) on an open access program at a London University college, it explores educational activity within the framework of a transitions model. In addition to the quantitative evidence, the article uses material from interviews to illustrate how different aspects of educational activity help individuals cope with transitions. This approach, while clearly not covering all possible education contexts, offers a way of adding to our understanding of the benefits of study in mid- and later-life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are observed among residents in long-term care settings. Activity professionals can help prevent this by encouraging residents and providing them with opportunities to be more active during daily life. Questionnaires measuring the extent to which activity professionals design and implement activities among residents are lacking. In addition, there are no measurement instruments to gain insight into activity professionals work performance. A web-based assessment system, 'Elder Engagement Performance Improvement (EEPI),' has the potential to help activity professionals support resident engagement. This study explored long-term care activity professionals' experiences in using the EEPI assessment.Semi-structured interviews with 23 long-term care activity professionals (e.g. certified activities directors, therapeutic recreation specialists, life enrichment directors, and life engagement directors) were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Activity professionals' experiences showed the EEPI was a means of improving the performance of activity professionals by increasing residents' engagement both in quality and quantity. Four main themes emerged from this explorative investigation: (a) Lack of assessment tools, (b) Acceptance of the web-based assessment system, (c) Barriers to using the EEPI (time, staffing issues, and lack of management support), and (d) Areas for job improvement (person-centered activities and engagement).The EEPI may serve as a valuable tool in long-term care settings for activity professionals. The web-based assessment system, EEPI, facilitated activity professionals' daily work and involved the residents' interests in their activities, which may enhance resident engagement and reduce the risk of social isolation in long-term care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collaboration between social work and nursing faculty created a curriculum to improve cultural awareness and knowledge of LGBT older population's health and quality of life. Social work and nursing students completed a pre/post survey following the educational intervention; results from this mixed methods study indicated positive change in attitudes as well as increased knowledge. Quantitative findings included statistically significant (using paired t-test) changes in four perceptual dimensions (need to acquire knowledge, attitudes regarding interaction comfort, experience with encounters, attitudes regarding treatment) and factual knowledge. Qualitative findings revealed four primary themes about how gender identity and sexual orientation influences health: (a) bias of health care providers, (b) access to quality care, (c) specific health care needs, and (d) health risks of LGBT older adults. This project impacted student learning, awareness, and sensitivity in working with LGBT older adults. Older adults continue to be the largest population needing healthcare; thus, professionals must be competent in providing culturally sensitive health care and demonstrate competency in practice as well as interpersonal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yoga has been found to provide numerous health benefits to older adults including preventing or slowing physical frailty and subsequent functional limitations. The purpose of this study was to examine pre-frail or frail older adults' beliefs about yoga as well as to identify barriers to participation. We recruited 37 older adults from a Faint, Fall, and Frailty Clinic at a medical center and asked them to complete questionnaires regarding their physical health and beliefs about yoga using the Beliefs About Yoga Scale. Frailty and fall risk were obtained through electronic health records. Participants' had mean age of 72.81 years. Participants were considered to be prefrail (66.7%) or frail (33.3%), and most (78.4%) had fallen at least once in the past year. Over 72% of participants engaged in light physical activity. The BAYS mean score was 59.17 (SD = 12.5; Range 11–77). Higher scores indicted more optimistic beliefs about yoga. Over 90% of participants had not practiced yoga, 97.1% had no intentions to practice, 61.8% did not know locations placed where yoga classes were offered, 82.4% were unsure about the costs associated with yoga, and only 56.3% reported having transportation. The three primary barriers to practicing yoga were perceived difficulty of yoga practice, lack of motivation, and fear of injury. Participants held positive beliefs about yoga, yet had limited experience and little intention to participate indicating a need to provide targeted educational interventions to this population of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the association between attitudes, perceived competence, and social limitation among older adults with hearing impairment. Descriptive correlational design was used in the study. There were 114 participants mostly 70 years old and above from senior centers and churches. Participants were screened for hearing impairment using Shoebox Audiometry or the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S). Self-report questionnaires such as Attitudes toward Loss of Hearing Questionnaire (ALHQ v2.1), Perceived Competence Scale (PCS), and Hearing Handicap Questionnaire (HHQ) were given. Participants in the study had a favorable attitude toward hearing impairment. Less denial was associated with higher degree of hearing loss, higher hearing handicap, higher social limitation, and higher intention to engage in follow-up care. Negative coping strategies were associated with higher hearing handicap, higher social limitation, and lower scores in perceived competence in engaging in positive health behavior. The data represent the views of those willing to engage in positive health behavior. An opportunity exists to increase awareness in preventing further damage and hearing disability among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elder abuse is a frightening reality among older adults that has repercussions to their health and resilience. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship of elder abuse to the health and resilience of older adults in an urban community in the Philippines. The aim is to establish health and resilience interventions for the participants. A descriptive correlational design was utilized in the study with several tools. A sociodemographic questionnaire (SDQ) for older adults was used with the Experience of Abuse Suspicion Index (EASI) questionnaire. The PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) questionnaire was availed to know the health status of the participants and resilience was measured using the Connor–Davidson Resilience tool. Descriptive statistics described the information collected from the variables. Chi-square operates to determine the correlation of the variables with the sociodemographic profile of the participants. Results showed that less probability of exposure to elder abuse among older adults implies a strong resiliency score. However, the relationship between resiliency and health is not significant and a negative relationship is seen between the two. This means that as the participants become resilient, the more these older adults do not have physical, anxiety, depression, and fatigue issues. Experience of abuse and health, on the other hand, yield a negative moderate correlation, which means that as exposure to elder abuse decreases, the health of the older adults increases. The study concludes that continuous employment in old age could improve the resilience of older adults despite the experience of elder abuse. Economic freedom is an important factor for older adults to evade verbal abuse from family members and having security in old age is their ticket to better health and becoming more resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes a wide variety of treatments including modalities that are ingestible (e.g., vitamins/minerals), mind/body (e.g., yoga), and physical (e.g., acupuncture). Disclosure of CAM to medical care providers is important for avoiding potential health risks. The aim of the study was to elucidate reasons for CAM nondisclosure to physicians among a population of older adults. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design utilizing quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews was employed. Linear regression was performed to evaluate variables that may contribute to disclosure. Ninety older patients from two primary care clinics – including 12 who completed qualitative interviews were included in this study. Participants were significantly less likely to disclose ingestible types of CAM compared to physical (p <.01) and mind/body modalities (p <.03). Linear regression resulted in a model that explained 25% of the variance in disclosure of ingestible forms of CAM; age, doctor's opinion of CAM, and participants' with less concern of their health were significantly related to disclosing CAM use. Qualitative interviews suggested that individuals over 70 years of age with longer lasting chronic conditions were less likely to disclose CAM as compared with those aged 65–69 who tended to use CAM for episodic and preventative care. Rates of CAM disclosure among older adults may be dependent on the participant's age, their experience with health, and expectations surrounding communication with their physician. Understanding patterns of CAM use can help guide age-appropriate conversations and limit possible adverse outcomes from non-disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory, retrospective study, which focuses on the needs, attitudes, and emotions of learners attending English as a foreign language courses at the Open University of the University of Warsaw is part of a larger scale project which aims at answering calls voiced, among others, by Boulton-Lewis (2010) to gather more data from older adults and investigate their attitudes to learning; by Storm and Storm (2015) who highlight the importance of understanding the needs of retirees; and of Yates and Kozar (2015), who say that current research into age effects tends to remain without translation into practical teaching. Fifty-four learners enrolled in English as a foreign language courses were asked to fill in a questionnaire and 16 of them were asked to take part in a semi-structured interview. The analyzed data allow us to point to needs, attitudes, emotions, and challenges of those learners and the need to further explore them in order to offer better tailored courses and to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support older adult learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This environmental scan aimed to discover research interests and educational needs of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students to inspire research, education, and practice in the development of a center on aging and well-being for older adults. The scan consisted of a search of university faculty and researchers regarding research on aging; a survey of graduate students and faculty about interests in aging research and needs of undergraduate students; and key informant interviews. Results offer a conceptualization based on the pillars of research, education, and practice. An inventory of researchers with various levels of expertise and interested in aging was created. Participants offered their perceptions of strengths, as well as challenges and strategies for success. These results will be a catalyst for planning and successful development of a center on aging and well-being. This article addresses a gap in the literature and will assist others undertaking a similar initiative in various geographical and cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging involves concomitant and interrelated changes in sensory, motor, and cognitive function. There is a decrease in psychomotor skills—such as balance, spatial orientation, mobility, and motor coordination—visible in increased difficulties performing daily instrumental activities (e.g., self care and domestic activities). The absence of valid psychomotor instruments for the elderly population to be used by psychomotor therapists can be identified as one of the reasons why there is a scarce research in this area. Currently, in Portugal, psychomotor therapists do not have any specific, validated scale within the psychomotor domain built and/or adapted to guide psychomotor interventions with the elderly population. Therefore, the aim of this study was the translation, adaptation, and validation of the Portuguese version of the Éxamen Geronto-Psychomoteur (P-EGP) in a population of 497 elders, aged between 60 and 99 years, with and without dementia. Results of the study are presented and discussed in terms of the reliability and validity of P-EGP. The results demonstrate that P-EGP appears to be a valid and reliable assessment of psychomotor skills for the elderly population in Portugal. Practical implications and future directions of research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long term care administrators need a broad base of knowledge, skills, and interests to provide leadership and be successful in managing a fiscally responsible, quality long term care organization. Researchers developed a tool to help students assess whether a long term care administration major is a compatible fit. With input from professionals in the field and in context with the literature, a multi-phase research process, utilizing undergraduates as research assistants, led to development of the Long Term Care Administrator (LTCA) Self-Assessment Tool which focuses on assessing interest, ability, and experience of prospective students across the following 10 characteristics deemed necessary for effective leadership of long term care communities: organization, critical thinking, people skills, attitude, confidence, communication, visionary leadership, sense of caring, change agent, and business sense. Internal consistency measures and factor analysis suggest the LTCA Tool is reasonably reliable and valid for assisting prospective students in selecting a long term care administration major and they can also serve as a foundation for building an individualized academic and experiential professional development plan to progress them toward career goals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aims to verify the effects of an education program on home renovation for fall prevention among older people, more specifically fall efficacy and home renovation intentions. A quasiexperimental study with nonequivalent control and comparative groups was conducted to demonstrate the effects of the education. A total of 51 older people participated, and fall efficacy and behavioral intentions towards home renovation were measured twice, before and after the education, by survey and in-depth interview. After the education, the fall efficacy of the experimental group had increased more than that of the control and comparative groups. In terms of the behavioral intention towards home renovation, a considerable proportion of the experimental group showed actual behavioral changes in housing improvements; for instance, repairing handrails on staircases or applying antislip spray to their bathroom. The results demonstrate that the provision of appropriate education could be used as a crucial intervention for fall prevention because it can encourage confidence and preventive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores motivational and demotivational factors in English learning among elderly learners attending a lifelong education institute located in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 420 elderly learners with limited English learning experience responded to a questionnaire with 47 five-point Likert-type items. In order to investigate what factors encourage and discourage elderly learners in their participation in English learning, we conducted factor analysis, which indicated five motivational and three demotivational constructs. The motivational factor of self-actualization proved the most influential, while pressure from the Graduation Equivalency Examination was the most demotivating. It was found that the motivational factors demonstrated positive correlations with demotivational factors, and that the ideal L2 self showed the highest correlation with demotivational factors. Furthermore, the elderly learners' motivation did not exhibit significant change related to their years of learning experience from less than one year to more than three years. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objectives were to describe the stated motives of participants who enrolled in a program at the Open University for the Elderly (UnATI, in Portuguese), identify correlations between the stated motives and sociodemographic data, and find a set of predictors related to the listed motives. A total of 306 middle-aged and elderly adults aged 50 or older were surveyed through a sociodemographic questionnaire and a five-item scale to check their motives to enroll in the program. The following motivational factors were identified, in order of importance: enhancing general knowledge, investing in personal development, increasing social interaction, learning more in order to help others, and employing one's free time profitably. Age and years of schooling combined were strong predictors of participants seeking new knowledge. Being single and not retired was correlated with the motiveInvesting in Personal Development. Having attended elementary school only and being married was closely correlated to the motiveIncreasing Social Interaction.Employing One's Free Time Profitablywas associated with single or widowed individuals with family income between 3.1 and 4.0 times the minimum wage. As forLearning More in Order to Help Others, no predictors were found for this motive. It was found that participants seek to satisfy a desire to learn/ know more, to be up-to-date, to exercise their rights as citizens, and to play an active role in society. Our data suggest that these are the assumptions that drive middle-aged and elderly adults to look for various types of educational programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2008, Taiwan's Ministry of Education has sponsored a number of short-term residential educational programs aimed at senior citizens and administered by local colleges and universities. In 2009, the Ministry of Education named a project the Elderhostel Program (notwithstanding the lack of involvement by the United States organization, which owns the English name as a trademark), and commissioned 28 colleges and universities to provide five-day residential educational programs to senior citizens age 55 or over. The present study analyzes the results of the 2009 Elderhostel Program. A total of 560 questionnaires were sent to the 28 schools, each of which randomly selected 20 participants to be respondents. A total of 380 of the questionnaires were returned, and 365 (or 65%) were selected. Three conclusions were drawn from the present study: (a) in general, participants were satisfied with the programs they had attended; (b) most were willing to participate in similar programs in the future; and (c) most report being happier after the programs. Based on these findings, suggestions for the Ministry of Education, colleges and universities, educators, organizers, and policy-makers who work with senior citizens are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest around intergenerational programs and the fostering of intergenerational relationships is growing internationally. However, studies on the profile and functions of intergenerational program managers are still scarce. Furthermore, available approaches to the traits and functions of intergenerational program managers have not highlighted which features are distinctive of these professionals. Through a Delphi study undertaken in Spain, with participation of 18 intergenerational program managers and 12 intergenerational specialists, consensus was reached around characteristics of both the general profile of intergenerational program managers and the specificities of this occupational role. On the one hand, being able to work on a team, having skills for observation and contextual analysis, and being skilled at managing resources were identified as the most important general characteristics. On the other hand, being good at promoting contacts, social relationships, interactions, and bonds was deemed to be the most distinctive feature of this profile. After contrasting our results with international guidelines and standards for intergenerational work, the need to develop and reinforce further the relational nature of this professional figure is argued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an evaluation of an intergenerational education experience at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). For this evaluation, following a review of the literature regarding the state of the issue, we undertake an analysis of benefits and disadvantages from the perspective of the participants. Among the benefits we find that the majority of those questioned would repeat the program, and that classroom atmosphere improved notably. Participants listed the exceptional nature of the program and the teachers needing to make methodological adjustments to improve the experience (the pace of teaching, adaptation to the profile of the participants) among the disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2004, we have offered a postgraduate training program in aging research for social work faculty from across the country. The overarching goal of the program is to expand the pool of social work faculty engaged in aging research. This, in turn, will reinvigorate participants' teaching; prepare them to update aging-related content in the curriculum, with special emphasis on cultural diversity and methodological issues; and enhance their ability to motivate new generations of students to pursue the study of aging. Program design includes an initial 8-day institute in Summer I; ongoing consultation, update meetings at several national conventions, and a 4-day midyear meeting during the intervening year; and a follow-up institute during Summer II. Between 2004 and 2009, seven cohorts of social work faculty (with 14–15 members in each cohort) participated in the program. More than 40 percent of the participants were from communities of color including African American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Asian American. This article reports the results of initial evaluation from two most recent cohorts (Cohort 6 and Cohort 7). In addition, it reports the results of a follow-up study we conducted in June 2010 on cohorts 1–5. Key lessons learned in offering the program are also shared. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The etiology of falls is multifactorial. Internationally, nurses are challenged to address this problem through assessment and intervention. Anchored on Pender's Health Promotion Model (1996) and the McGill Model of Nursing developed by Dr. Allen (Gottlieb & Rowat, 1987), a hypothesized model was grounded to explain the relationship of environmental safety, depression, autonomy, and support system to the risk for falls of the Filipino elderly in a community setting. This study was conducted to test a model that describes the relationship of environmental safety, depression, autonomy, and support system to the risk for falls of Filipino elderly found in the community setting. A six-part, multiaspect questionnaire was administered to 125 elderly respondents from a community in Bulacan, Philippines. Using descriptive analysis, the demographic profile of the respondents was characterized. Multinomial regression analysis was used to test the model. A model with adequate fit emerged (F-ratio = 6.071), which revealed that only environmental safety (standardized β = .28 andpvalue =.001) and depression (standardized β = .24 andpvalue =.006) significantly impacts the risk for falls; autonomy and support system did not display any statistical significance and were not considered direct determinants of the risk for falls. With the results of the study, the researchers look forward to the risk for falls being decreased and managed through early identification of the risk factors. Also, the model would contribute in the efforts of nurses as it serves as a guide on how environmental safety and depression among elderly Filipinos relate to the risk for falls. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research assesses younger worker perceptions of older and same age worker stereotypes and communication in the USA and Thailand. Results indicate that older workers are generally seen by younger workers as more uncomfortable with new technology, less flexible and more cautious on the job, and more loyal (and having fewer absences) to the organization than younger workers. As compared to younger American workers, younger Thai workers agree more with negative stereotype items that older workers make more mental mistakes, are slower to adapt to new technology, are more fearful of technology, and are less flexible at work. But they also agree more with positive stereotype items that older workers are absent less, have a better attitude toward work, and have a higher level of commitment to the organization than younger workers. In terms of their communication, younger Thai workers perceive both other younger Thai workers and older Thai workers as exhibiting more avoidant communication than their counterparts from the USA. The younger Thai workers also perceive members of their own age in-group as communicating in a more nonaccommodating manner than younger American workers. Implications for the aging process across cultures and the workplace are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the highly-complex and emotionally-charged nature of issues concerning older drivers, we engaged in the development and evaluation of a research-based applied theater production. A quasiexperimental pretest–posttest group design was used to assess change in attitudes and beliefs, derived from social science theories, of older drivers and other stakeholders. After viewing the play, older adults showed decreases in their positive attitudes toward driving and intention to continuing driving. The findings for the older adults appeared to be driven by the responses of the women in the group. Stakeholders showed no change in attitudes about older drivers. Data collected two weeks after the play was viewed confirmed that audience members found the play informative and that it promoted discussion about the topic. The findings from this study provide important new information about how exposure to an applied theater production brings about attitude change. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Learning and using new technologies by the older people is seen as a demand for their integration in society and as a factor related to active aging. The goal of this article is to understand the attitudes of the elderly towards information and communication technologies in the context of a training course about the utilization of a digital platform. It is the result of an empirical study with a sample of 240 older people registered in the course Tele-Services for the Elderly, that took place in the Centers for the Elderly in the province of Cuenca, Spain. Through a self-administered questionnaire, aspects related to social activity, knowledge and use of the computer and Internet, expectations on learning and use of computer technology, personal competence, and self-concept were evaluated. The results obtained showed relationships between implication in the activities, experience with computers, and belief in the usefulness of learning new technologies. The participants' involvement in the activities was related to greater contact with information and communication technologies (ICT), which, in turn, generated more positive attitudes toward its learning and utility as well as more self-confidence. The elderly said that they enrolled in different activities to learn and to keep their minds active, and they thought of training as a means of social participation and lifelong learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]