Predictor variables examined are self-reported health, income, education, and an activity index. Health and activity emerge as strong predictors of life satisfaction, while income influences life satisfaction indirectly via activity. The importance of investigating direct and indirect effects of variables via path analysis is discussed. (Author)

The author says that sufficient data exist to suggest the need for a theory of education for the elderly, significantly different from pedagogy or andragogy as traditionally defined, and suggests research in this field. (MF)

The article looks at learning disabilities in adulthood in relation to theoretical models and research related to adult development (rather than as persistence of a childhood disorder into adulthood). Basic assumptions of a life span developmental approach and specific mediating variables influencing adaptation to life events are discussed.…

Examined longitudinal changes in cognitive functioning for aging twins. Found that those who were considered demented in old age had achieved lower test scores 20 years prior to diagnosis and experienced greater declines in vocabulary and forward digit span over time than those without dementia. Suggests that dementia may develop very slowly.…

Argues that where outside instigators do not attempt to impose middle class values and methods, play groups run by and for working class people can succeed. Indicates that experiencing adult education at the same time as running a play group is important for women's learning and development. (Author/JOW)

Investigated life history of American career women (N=24) at midlife. The transitions experienced by these women during their lifetimes were categorized into "masculine" or "feminine" types. It was found that they were distributed about equally between the two types of transitions, thus excluding a simple biological approach.…

Discusses the concept of educational brokering, which is the linking of adults to learning opportunities, as it is applied in Toronto, Ontario. Adult needs, user profiles, barriers, and program operation are presented. (BL)

This study challenged the assumption that all adults who did not complete high school are representative of the same low literate population. The 15-month qualitative study entailed conducting 79 in-depth biographical interviews with a diverse group of subjects. Several underlying concepts appeared to influence the adult development of the…

Examined which memory dimensions deteriorate with increasing age and examines the construct validity of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) (N=1,264 males and 1,141 females at six age intervals). Visual-spatial memory tasks, remembering stories, and learning pairs of associated words proved more difficult with advanced age. (JAC)

An experiment in home improvement shows important gains for socially deprived students. (GB)

Presents a critique of research on midlife adult career development, outlining a multidimensional theory based on the work of Levinson, Super, Erickson, Hall, and others. Elaborates some limitations of life stage research and discusses implications for education-work policy and practice. (SK)

Professional values of 241 physicians were determined from analyzing responses to 25 questionnaire items about an ideal medical school. Few differences were found for the seven factors (values), academic, professional, separatism, support, social welfare, research/specialization, status/prestige, and convenience. When values were analyzed by age…

Explores several crucial factors that may be involved in the high level of teachers' disenchantment with their work. Cites several approaches that teacher educators can use to help teachers cope with the pressures of teaching. (FL)