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A study analyzed the service needs of the South Asian elderly population of Leicester, England, and also dealt with the role of South Asian ethnic organizations in delivery of services to these elderly. The South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis) constitute about 23% of the population of the city and number around 65000 persons. It is estimated that the city of Leicester has about 50000 elderly people (60+) of these elderly, South Asians number slightly over 11000. The service needs of these South Asian elderly are comparable to that of the general elderly population of Leicester. Studies have also identified some special needs of the South Asian elderly. The services of the public and nonprofit organizations of Leicester are available to all elderly, and a number of South Asian organizations are responding to the special needs of the South Asian elderly. Public funds and some voluntary contributions fund these organizations. South Asian elderly in Leicester also need access to caregivers with South Asian language skills since some South Asian elderly do not speak English. The South Asian ethnic organizations appear to be responsive to the special needs of the South Asian elderly population of England. Needs assessment for the elderly should be ongoing, as should be assessment of the effectiveness of the various programs designed for the South Asian elderly population of Leicester. This study is an example of a cross-cultural study in social gerontology. Contains 5 tables of data and 37 references. Appended are illustrations, maps, and data relating to the South Asian elderly population of Leicester. (BT)

In response to the need for an increase in services directed specifically to the elderly, a training and educational needs assessment of the existing elder service organizations in Lake County (Illinois) was conducted. Thirteen gerontological organizations were chosen for participation; the organizations were categorized into these groups: nursing homes; senior centers; adult day care centers; retirement housing facilities; and hospitals. Interviews were conducted on-site by student interns; interviewees were either the Administrative Director, the Social Services Director, the Director of Nursing, or a staff supervisor. Topics covered included agency characteristics; background on the respondents; extent of employee-sponsored work related training; tasks, challenges and difficulties which service workers face in their work and staff's observations and suggestions about the kind of skills, knowledge, and training needed; ratings of the workshops and themes presented in The Center for Applied Gerontology program; aspects of workshop format and design; comments on the factors influencing the decision whether or not to attend; and open-ended comments. The subject matter declared most salient among the training needs identified pertained to advocacy and interventions for infirm elder clients. Supervisors directly stated they would like training in the ethics of elder care. Another important training need identified was that of interpersonal skills. (ABL)

This review of the literature on older American Indians with disabilities examines the "early" aging of American Indians compared to the general population. It discusses the situation of American Indians on reservations, focusing on their socioeconomic conditions; education, housing, and transportation; health conditions; and service delivery. Aging American Indians in urban settings are then discussed in terms of disability status and functional limitations, health care and human service needs, education and employment, and quality of life. The review indicates that American Indians age faster than the general population, experiencing limitations in daily functioning at earlier ages than non-Indian populations. The aging American Indian is faced with poverty, poor health, and difficult living conditions. Recommendations are made regarding the health care and human service needs of older American Indians with disabilities. (Approximately 40 references) (JDD)

This document begins by dispelling several misperceptions about American Indians that are especially pernicious to older American Indians living in cities, and then goes on to discuss what is known about urban American Indian elders and the implications for planning and service delivery for Area Agencies on Aging and contractor agencies. It notes that the life expectancy and longevity of American Indians remains below that of the general U.S. population; that Title VI of the Older Americans Act was designed to provide support services to older American Indians living on reservations, but that nearly half of American Indians over age 25 live not on reservations, but in cities; and that the older Indian urban population should be served by Title III programs. Examples are given that illustrate why chronological age is not a clear indicator of health status in American Indians. Socioeconomic and health profiles of older urban American Indians are given. A small study on nutrition of urban elders is reported that shows that, although elderly urban American Indians do not suffer from malnutrition as their reservation peers do, they have below the recommended levels in total food energy, vitamin A, and calcium intakes. A low utilization of mental health services among elderly American Indians is discussed, and support services needed by urban American Indians are considered. Problems and solutions in providing services to this population are presented. Several relevant data tables are included. (NB)

This case study, one in a series of research efforts designed to examine the utilization of the Administration on Aging's research, discusses reasons for the wide utilization of the Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) research. (The OARS methodology assesses the levels of functioning of individual elderly persons. The resulting information may be used to determine the types of services needed by the person.) OARS is first defined, and its three characteristics--an assessment instrument, a resource allocation model, and an organizational resource at Duke University--are briefly described. The OARS research project is then summarized. Illustrative vignettes describe three types of applications of the OARS methodology: estimation of potential needs for services to elderly populations across the country, community planning, and an intake instrument to assess levels of functioning of individuals entering a specific clinic or facility. Three propositions for improving utilization are suggested: extensive social networking, interventions to boost utilization, and vigorous information dissemination. These propositions are then discussed as policy implications. (YLB)

Two central issues relevant to services delivered to older adults by family members (including extended family) were analyzed: the method used in delivering the services and the geographic proximity required to deliver the service. The analysis involved a study of 1,400 people aged 65 and over and 800 of their helpers. Delivery of services was categorized according to telephone or face-to-face; the frequency of each was measured. Services were categorized as "household" (housekeeping, paying bills, making repairs) and "normal kin" (checking on persons, bringing meals, giving gifts, talking to them when they are depressed). The farther away the helper lived, the smaller the proportion who received household help. By contrast, kinship services were far less affected by geographic distance. Also, in terms of geographic proximity, it appears that when older people were both sick and single, they were more than twice as likely to live in the same household as their helper than those who were married or single and healthy. Also, those classified as poor made more daily face-to-face contacts with their helpers than those with high incomes, attributable to the fact that those in the unskilled labor class, not subject to the problems of occupational mobility, tended to live closer to their relatives. Finally, groups least incorporated into the modern economy (i.e., the poor and recent migrants) were more likely to adhere to a more traditional kinship structure and were least likely to be geographically distant. (KC)

This document contains a sourcebook developed as a program planning guide for community colleges and other interested institutions for the planning and implementation of effective educational programs for the elderly. The sourcebook contains the following information: (1) an examination of the changes in the nature of the older adult population and the impact of these changes on their educational needs, (2) a "state of the art" report on current community college programs for elders, (3) an inclusive model of educational program development for elders, (4) sample core curriculums in five specially delineated program areas for elders, and (5) an appendix of additional case studies, pertinent resources and contacts, and an annotated bibliography. The document also contains program plans for the development of a conference for community college administrators for the purpose of disseminating information offered in the sourcebook. Such a conference was held in Boston in 1975, and is discussed. Sample letters, forms, and materials are appended. (Author/PC)

According to recent census figures, 10% of today's population are over 65 years old. It has often been stated that individual learning needs and capabilities decline with age. To challenge this idea, a study was conducted to gather information about older adults, their learning interests, activities, and obstacles. Four hypotheses were tested through a series of interviews with 256 adults (55 and over) in Nebraska. The interview schedule was tested for reliability and validity. Data were analyzed utilizing tables with frequencies, percentages, and mean scores as well as a crossbreak analysis and t-test of significance for testing some hypotheses. Data from the study revealed a need for more suitable continuing education programs based on the following findings: (1) obstacles to learning selected most often were "don't like to go out at night.""not enough time,""cost,""home responsibilities," and "job responsibilities;" and (2) courses selected as an indication of learning interests included "Stretching Your Retirement Dollar,""Tax Benefits for Older Americans,""Outdoor Flora", "Medical Care in the Retirement Years," and "Laws Affecting the Aged." The study's design, findings, recommendations, and implications of the study are presented. Data collection materials, miscellaneous tables, and comparison data on learning projects are appended. (Author/EC)

Methods developed for investigating group processes and contents among four Senior Citizens' discussion groups are described. The process dimensions are boundary behaviors, subgrouping, normative behaviors, organizing, establishing personal significance, group and leader interchanges, self disclosures, conflict, support, and emotional atmosphere. Content categories include physiological, security, belongingness/love, esteem, and self actualization concerns and satisfactions. Analysis of variance and correlational techniques are used to assess frequencies of occurrence of these dimensions and categories and the relationships among them. It is shown that one may analyze process and content elements of group behavior among these aged. It is argued that viewing groups of elderly participants in these terms will yield advantages for application of group helping techniques. The contention is that group helping techniques should be geared to the naturally occurring group processes at the appropriate developmental stages for their intended beneficiaries. (Author)

A study examined existing literature on retirement practices and policy. Demographic change and the gradual development of pension benefits have led to the phenomenon of early retirement. There are three groups of early retirees. The voluntary retiree is in relatively good health, with adequate financial resources, can take full advantage of early retirement benefits and is prepared to enact the retirement role. Among involuntary retirees are those who retire because of ill health and those whose jobs are eliminated The third group consists of unprepared retirees. Initial research on the early retirement experience was conducted before the growth of inflation. Thus it did not encounter that stressful retirement experience which would later develop because of inflation and which would require such interventions as retraining and job search assistance consistent with an unemployment approach to early retirement. To develop policy alternatives in early retirement practice, more information is needed on the costs and benefits of early retirement to the individual and the national economy. An unemployment-oriented and a life-cycle approach are needed in future early retirement research. Future policy must emphasize the productive retention of older workers, thus shifting emphasis from early retirement to the larger area of work and aging. (MN)

For the most part, research into the reading activities of elderly readers has focused on three areas--amount of time spent reading, reading preferences, and psychological benefits of reading--and has yielded inconsistent results. The data from reading time research both supports and refutes the claim that reading is less prevalent among older than among younger people, although the implicit general conclusion of this research appears to be that reading is a popular leisure activity for the elderly. Reading preference research suggests that the reading preferences of older readers are totally individualistic. Finally, while researchers have made claims for the psychological benefits of reading for the elderly, such claims do not appear to be supported by empirical research. Further research should focus on defining more clearly the relationship between reading and psychological benefits. Perhaps researchers could gain more critical insights into the benefits of reading for the elderly by investigating the concept of value of reading, based on the interaction between time spent reading and the importance and enjoyment of reading for the individual. The concept of value of reading has implications for the development of reading programs based on individual differences and for investigations of the social and psychological processes that influence the elderly reader. (GT)

Four regional workshops were held to develop diffusion strategies and activities for linking vocational education into a comprehensive delivery system for providing social services and skills to older persons. These information dissemination workshops in Atlanta, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Philadephia were part of the project, Identification of Issues Relating to the Role of Vocational Education in Serving Older Persons. The workshop had two goals: promote joint collaborative action of three major agencies invited to participate in the workshops (vocational education, adult education, agencies for the aging) and focus upon major problems and issues in serving older adults. Six priority topics were discussed: (1) improving state-level planning to meet employment and training needs of older adults, (2) identifying and facilitating roles of the three agencies, (3) coordinating agency functions and activities to meet employment and training needs, (4) creating alternative systems for delivery of services, (5) motivating and stimulating local interest and initiative, and (6) identifying educational implications of an increasing number of older persons being served by vocational education. (The report lists those suggestions and recommendations made by workshop participants. Results of the workshop evaluation are also provided. Appendixes, amounting to approximately one-half of the report, include correspondence, participant lists, and agendas.) (YLB)

Many middle-aged children care for their aging parents, i.e., they both care for and care about the parent(s). The emotional and cognitive responses of middle-aged children to their aged parents or parents-in-law were examined through interviews with 51 middle-aged adults. Responses were analyzed to determine the level, type and range of concerns respondents had regarding the well-being of their aged parents and the burden of parent-caring. Most respondents displayed a high overall level of concern. Women were more likely than men to display concern at higher levels; respondents sharing a home with a parent were more likely than respondents from different households to display higher levels of concern. Type of concern varied somewhat according to sex of respondent and living arrangements. Very few respondents indicated any burdens associated with parent-caring. Findings indicated that parent-caring may better prepare a child for his own old age and, consequently, his ability to adapt to aging may be strengthened. Findings also illustrate the need for programs to educate the middle-aged child about the nature of old age, the care required by aged parents, and the appropriate strategy for obtaining assistance. (Author/NRB)

This report describes the efforts conducted by the Administration on Aging in response to the congressional mandate to develop and implement a national policy for the field of aging in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1978 (PL 95-478). The current status of education, training, and employment of personnel who work in the field of aging is depicted in terms of issues and problems inherent in the formulation of a unified manpower policy for measuring and meeting personnel needs in the aging field. Priorities expressed in the legislative mandate among federal agency programs, occupations, and employment settings providing services for older persons are outlined. The history and development of the study of the field of aging is covered. Current federal training programs and related manpower development activities pertinent to the field of aging are reviewed, and recent studies on research or program evaluation of education, training, and employment personnel who work with older people are summarized. The findings and recommendations of these studies were analysed with respect to generic issues that have an impact on manpower development and specific priority personnel areas. Immediate manpower policy concerns and projected activities for further compliance with the mandate are discussed. (MN)

This report represents an extensive revision of a 1960 study which evaluated the impact of public programs, particularly social security, on the relationships between adult children and their aging parents. The materials focus on filial responsibility, the responsibility for parents exercised by children, and are organized in three sections: an historical background; a state-of-the-art assessment of the nature and practice of current filial relations in the United States; and an evaluation of social security programs and issues. The social security issues are discussed in terms of the effects of: (1) retired-worker benefits; (2) programs designed for dependent parents; (3) supplemental security income payments; (4) institutional care for the aged and at-home community care services; and (5) underlying policy choices. A discussion of the undermining of the social contract and the need to provide comprehensive government policies concludes the report. (Author/NRB)

This paper addresses the need for a working partnership between the formal social service system and information network systems in light of decreasing resources and increasing needs of clients. The development of the Community Service Society Natural Supports Program (NSP), a project providing services to families caring for frail older relatives in their homes, is discussed before the two outcomes of this project are detailed. The first outcome is described as the formation of a Caregivers Network, a group of informal caregivers who contacted NSP for concrete services, became involved in peer support, and then moved to social action. A parallel development towards social action which occurred among the formal service providers and resulted in the formation of a social action coalition is also presented. The partnership of this social action coalition with the Caregivers Network is focused on through an explanation of the dependency of this partnership upon mutual goals, a recognition of each other's strengths and skills, and a need for the services of each other to attain goals. The materials emphasize that, under these conditions, a partnership can exist in which both systems rely on each other for strength and validation and retain separate identities and roles. (Author/NRB)

The creation of Title XX of the Social Security Administration in 1975 has led to a tremendous increase in homemaker, task, and home management services to the frail elderly. Several needs assessments of the rural elderly have pointed to discrepancies between services rendered and services actually wanted or needed by clients. The Senior Services Council program was developed to assist the frail elderly with light household tasks so that they could continue to live at home. Clients (N=27) of the program, aides (N=19), and staff members (N=9) completed a semi-structured interview about services provided by the program. Results revealed that clients, aides, and staff differed widely in the frequency and types of responses mentioned, and that these differences depended on whether the program or the aides were being evaluated, and on whether fulfilled needs or unmet needs were considered. Clients, aides, and staff agreed to some extent on important fulfilled and unmet needs. The major inconsistency between the groups was the extent to which the staff placed heavy emphasis on human service and personal maintenance needs. The findings suggest that the seminar services program is highly successful from the standpoint of meeting the role and scope of formal organizational objectives, but that some issues remain unresolved with regard to unmet needs. (NRB)

This paper presents a comparative analysis of eight research projects funded by the Administration on Aging during the 1970s which focused on the family as caregivers and support systems for elderly relatives. A brief description is provided for each project analyzed in this report as well as highlights of major findings, including that the family remains the primary provider of support to the elderly members in time of illness, emergency, or crisis and the primary caregiver for emotional, psychological, and other dependency needs. Documentation of the extent and scope of care is provided and cultural, racial, and ethnic factors which help to shape the family role are discussed. Results are presented which dispel several myths about the demise of the family support system and which suggest a close connection between conjugal families, made viable by mutuality of relationships and reciprocity. Findings from two studies are presented that explore the types of assistance families prefer to enable them to provide better care for their elderly. Implications for policymakers and service providers are also discussed. (NRB)

PLANNED AGE (Planned Alternatives for Gerontological Environments) is a consumer/advocate-oriented design simulation package that provides: (a) a medium for user-planner interaction in the design of living and service environments for the aged; (b) an educational, planning, design, and evaluation tool that can be used by the elderly, their families, and various professionals in the design of environment-behavior systems; (c) a means for comparing the benefits and costs of alternative living settings for the elderly; and (d) information and technical assistance that could be used by architects, agencies, and social scientists in the future design of facilities for the aged. The simulation strategy consists of three exercises: (1) a needs assessment/matching game in which the participant determines the social, environmental, and functional needs of the aged consumer and then matches him/her to an appropriate setting; (2) an environment design component where the participant is asked to allocate limited resources among lifestyle factors such as food, medical care, building features, and programmed activities; design optimal settings in accordance with this lifestyle data; and evaluate the use of these designed environments; (3) a community planning simulation which examines the process by which community-specific strategies for elderly housing are implemented. (Author)

This document presents a summary of states' issues on aging and a catalogue of the economic, social, and health issues of importance as expressed by older Americans. The information contained in the report was gathered from each of 50 State mini-White House Conferences on Aging held in preparation for the 1981 White House Conference on Aging. An overview section summarizes states' issues by dimension (economic, social, health) and examines the states' recommendations for improvements. The report notes that states suggested reducing the cost of services as the best way to improve the economic status of the elderly, perceived the elderly as performing multiple roles in improving their social condition, and recommended research and development issues to improve the health condition of the elderly. The methodology for summarizing state recommendations is explained, including the development of a model to analyze state issues and the guidelines for coding information. The majority of the document consists of recommendations discussed alphabetically by state. For each state, the concerns of the elderly are compared with nationwide concerns, improvements to be achieved through government and nongovernment sources are listed, assistance to the elderly through existing organizations is discussed, and suggested resources needed to improve the health, economic, and social conditions of the elderly are given. (NRB)