This research seeks to better understand how older people living in sparsely populated areas learn and then use eHealth applications in their everyday lives. The study was conducted in northern Sweden and Lapland in northern Finland, the most sparsely populated areas in these countries. The study focused on the use of following eHealth services: a…

Australia is a country of ongoing migration that embraces diversity, creative expression and cultural activity. Membership of community music groups by older people can enhance life quality, and may provide a space through which cultural and linguistic identity may be shared and celebrated. This qualitative phenomenological case study explores…

There is growing evidence that psychosocial treatments incorporating behavioral intervention strategies can be effective in the treatment of depression in older adults with cognitive impairment. However, less work with such cases has focused on the use of cognitive interventions in tandem with these behavioral intervention strategies. This case…

Investigated bereaved spouses' assessments of participation in self-help groups consisting of 8 weekly meetings with (n=52) or without (n=82) additional 10 monthly meetings. Regardless of group duration or leadership by professional or widowed peer, assessments were positive. Most commonly reported benefit participants hoped to gain was emotional…

Self-help programs, with visually impaired older adult participants who are both the consumers and providers of the programs they initiate, provide services such as a setting for learning new skills, a telephone support network self-help groups, and information and referral service. (MC)

Describes the experience of a group of relatively impaired, institutionalized elderly in a program of volunteer service to their peers. The focus of discussion is upon the volunteer group itself, its weekly group meetings, and the meaning that this kind of group experience has had for its members. (Author)

The authors outline the field development of a self-advocacy program whose central purpose is to assist seniors to speak up for what they need to maintain control of their health and their lives. They state that results support the effectiveness of this model. (Author/CH)

Results of a study of the elderly in one community show that they place a high value on self-reliance and independence. Social planners should make use of these values to motivate the elderly to become more receptive to programs designed to help them to help themselves. (CT)

This manual is designed to assist helping professionals responsible for developing consumer education programs for older adults on the topic of consumer fraud and deception. In a modular presentation format, the materials address the following areas of concern: (1) types of frauds and deceptions such as money schemes, mail order fraud,…

Investigated the efficacy of bibliotherapy with mildly to moderately depressed older adults (N=29). Observed significant treatment effects with cognitive bibliotherapy superior to the attention control on all measures. Suggests self-help programs may be a viable alternative or adjunct to meeting the mental health needs of the older adult.…

Examined differential effectiveness of leader-led versus self-directed career and life planning workshops for 98 middle-aged and older adults. Found that participants improved on attitudinal and behavioral variables regardless of treatment condition, although participants in leader-led group had greater posttest employment research interview…

This document notes that, as health care costs continue to rise, the elderly are monitoring themselves as a means of cost containment, and as a way of enhancing their sense of well-being and their ability to lead active lives. It points out that more and more organizations are sponsoring health programs that promote the concept of self-care and…

Compared 38 residents in self-help senior residence to 36 in conventional senior residences on Sheltered Care Environment Scale, Self-Esteem Inventory, and Senior Housing Questionnaire. Found that self-help residents scored significantly higher than conventional residents on control, self-esteem, and social involvement. (Author/NB)

Examined relative impact of 3 intrapersonal resources (self-esteem, competencies, and life satisfaction) and duration of self-help group intervention on levels of depression and grief over time among 295 recently widowed adults. Found that, in general, resources examined had greater direct influence on outcomes than did intervention. (Author/NB)

Essential tremor (ET), the most prevalent movement disorder, has a peak prevalence in the sixth decade of life, primarily affecting the hands and head. Persons with ET are often significantly disabled and medical intervention often had limited effectiveness. Describes a biobehavioral rehabilitation model for older adults with ET. (Author/JBJ)