Search

A comprehensive graduate education in gerontology requires the transmission of information that may or may not occur in a formalized setting such as a classroom. This article presents information on a full spectrum of issues related to educational and professional success, including managing graduate school, paths to careers in gerontology, securing a job, and socialization into the university as a professional. Information on these topics will help prepare future gerontologists to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the accompanying changing demographic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distance learning is the fastest growing instructional medium and presents unique possibilities for students pursuing a gerontological education. This article examines three settings in which instruction via compressed video was presented: an opening class lecture for a semester-long course, an in-service training session on gerontological issues, and a stand-alone unit on elder abuse. All presentations incorporated the use of multi-media methods of presentation. Participants from all three settings provided responses to survey questions that included reactions to the presentation, positive and negative aspects of the interactive television approach for the course, and suggestions for future presentations. Respondents were generally favorable, but suggested that instructors need to be comfortable with the medium and that participants need guidance in how to fully take advantage of the presentation. Promises and pitfalls for each instance of distance learning are discussed, with recommendations for handling technical problems and decreased time for instruction, font size of slides, presentation style of the instructor, and use of supplemental materials as a backup plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons without family or friends to serve as healthcare agents may become "unrepresented" in healthcare, with no one to serve as healthcare agents when decisional support is needed. Surveys of clinicians (N = 81) and attorneys/guardians (N = 23) in Massachusetts reveal that unrepresented adults experience prolonged hospital stays (66%), delays in receiving palliative care (52%), delays in treatment (49%), and other negative consequences. Clinicians say guardianship is most helpful in resolving issues related to care transitions, medical treatment, quality of life, housing, finances, and safety. However, experiences with guardianship are varied, with delays often/always in court appointments (43%) and actions after appointments (24%). Policy solutions include legal reform, education, and alternate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research on elder abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) suggests a higher prevalence of abuse. Using data from the National Elder Mistreatment Study (NEMS), we compared contextual characteristics and elder mistreatment prevalence rates from a community-based sample of AIAN (n = 195) and Black (n = 437) and White (n = 5,013) respondents. There were differences in the prevalence of 16 abuse types and the 23 contextual variables. AIAN respondents had more similarities compared with Black respondents than White respondents, though differences existed. The cumulative prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual mistreatment in the past year, neglect, and financial abuse by a family member for the AIAN group was 33%, almost double the 17.1% reported in the NEMS study. Over their lifetime, 29.7% of AIAN respondents reported experiencing two or more types of neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment. Almost one fourth of AIAN respondents reported emotional abuse since 60 years of age (the most commonly occurring abuse type)—nearly double that of White respondents. This is the first study to offer comparative prevalence of elder abuse for both AIAN older males and females that draws from a nationally representative sample. The study also provides descriptive analysis of important contextual information within the AIAN population, an underrepresented racial group in elder abuse research. Disaggregating nonmajority racial groups to examine contextual variables and the prevalence of elder mistreatment in the NEMS data set specific to AIAN respondents fills a knowledge gap. Known prevalence of various abuse typologies among AIAN elders can be useful in setting priorities for community planning and response, and in prioritization of funding for future research on causative mechanisms by abuse type, screening, and interventions at various levels. Findings may facilitate development of culturally specific evidence-based prevention and intervention practices aimed at needs specific to AIAN older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]