Bradley J. Fisher

Successful Aging And Creativity In Later Life

Abstract This study examined the meanings older people attached to successful aging and its relationship to creative activity. Thirty-six contributors to a senior art exhibition participated in this study and ranged in age from 60–93. Interviews with participants explored their understandings of successful aging and creativity, the factors viewed as necessary for each, and the benefits of creative activity and its relationship to successful aging. Qualitative data were coded by two independent reviewers. Content analysis confirmed six features of successful aging: a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, autonomy, and health. The findings indicate that creative activity contributes to successful aging by fostering a sense of competence, purpose, and growth. Artistic creativity also facilitates successful aging by encouraging the development of problem-solving skills, motivation, and perceptions that translate into a practical creativity in the way these individuals manage their everyday lives.

The Impact of Race on the Social Experience of College Students at a Predominantly White University

There has been a growing emphasis on the importance of multiculturalism (Pederson, 1991) and the current challenges facing the system of American higher education (Altbach & Lomotey, 1991). This has been sparked, in part, by racial tensions erupting on campuses throughout the country. In 1987 at Columbia University, White students harassed Black students resulting in a fight after which the Black students were put

The Effectiveness of Service-Learning: It's Not Always what you Think

Service-learning is a teaching strategy that offers students opportunities to learn both in the classroom and in the wider world. This pedagogical tool provides students with chances to directly interact with local agencies and effect change in the community. Thus, service-learning holds the potential to broaden and significantly enhance the learning climate for students. Based on an established theoretical model of academic motivation, the present study examined the effectiveness of service-learning to enhance the learning climate across a variety of academic disciplines. More than 600 students registered in service-learning courses from more than 30 different disciplines took part in the study. Results showed that when service-learning contributes to an enhancement of the positivity of the learning climate, then positive forms of motivation, civic skills, problem solving, and appreciation of diversity significantly increased over the course of the semester. Results also showed that type of involvement, amount of in-class discussion, and reflections are important factors contributing to the effectiveness of the service-learning environment.

Successful aging and life satisfaction: A pilot study for conceptual clarification

Abstract Successful aging has often been equated with life satisfaction, but some argue the need to separate the two concepts and to specify the meanings older people attach to these concepts. This research sought to identify how older people understood life satisfaction and successful aging and what they viewed as essential for each. Open-ended interviews were conducted with a sample of older people (n = 19) at a Senior Activity center. Respondents were asked to explain what successful aging and life satisfaction meant to them, what was necessary for each, and what prevented each. While there were some overlaps in older people s understandings of these concepts, one key difference did emerge from the qualitative data. Respondents described life satisfaction in terms of past expectations and present circumstances, while successful aging was more oriented to strategies for coping in later life and maintaining a positive outlook.

Exploration of the Relationship between Choral Singing and Successful Aging

This paper describes a retirement village community chorus of 49 with the goal of understanding the place of choral activities in the lives of these older people. Group musical activity provides a link to previous satisfying experiences and serves as a preventive measure against alienation. However, the nature of the activity may be consistent with a willingness to give up some inner directedness. Additional research is recommended since the present design with a comparison group of 49 non-choral members did not allow separation of effects of selection from those of activity.

The stigma of relocation to a retirement facility

Abstract Relocation to a retirement facility can have a detrimental effect on an older persons self-concept. This research suggests that residing at a retirement facility is a source of stigma for older people because of the way it affects their relationships with others. Data were gathered through three years of participant observation at a multilevel care facility. Interviews were conducted with over 150 residents and 16 people on the facilitys waiting list. Those on the waiting list perceived residents as less capable and less competent and dreaded relocation. In contrast, residents felt stigmatized by those outside who pitied and patronized them. Within the facility, residents were grouped by disabilities into three classifications reinforcing the negative stereotypes that healthier residents held about the more disabled residents. Those in the more regimented classifications were pitied and patronized. Such interactions, and the identification of self with stereotypes associated with residency classification, negatively affected the residents selfconcept.

How Accurate Are Perceptions of Social Statistics about Blacks and Whites? Effects of Race and Education

The mental pictures people have of various social groups have important consequences and have often been studied under the rubric of stereotypes. Many studies have found that white respondents see blacks as less intelligent, less dependable, and less hardworking than whites (see, e.g., Bobo and Johnson 2000; Bobo and Kluegel 1991; Bobo, Kluegel, and Smith 1997; Jackman and Senter 1980). Jussim, McCauley, and Lee (1995) have, however, argued that we should not only know the content of these stereotypes but should also empirically investigate their accuracy. On the issues mentioned above, we know what the public thinks, but we cannot objectively assess the accuracy of their views. However, there are other issues on which there are objective data comparing whites and blacks in the United States. What is lacking is information as to what the public thinks these data show. The mental pictures on which we focus are perceptions of the relative economic situation and rates of socially undesirable behavior of blacks and whites in the United States. The American public has at least a crude sense

Grandmother to Grandmother By A. Macksoud and J. Ankele

The documentary Grandmother to Grandmother is divided into three segments, allowing instructors to use all or parts of the film. The first segment (subtitled, but easy to follow) chronicles the development of the Bibi Jan Center in Tanzania and the struggles of African grandmothers raising grandchildren. The second segment focuses on the Grandmother Project in New York City and grandmothers raising grandchildren in that community. The final segment brings these two groups together when the U.S. contingent visits Tanzania. The longer version runs 54 minutes, but the shorter version (28 minutes) would be equally effective for classroom use. There is a side feature (16 minutes) on how to create a grandmother project. The documentary is well crafted, with a variety of music ranging from somber to upbeat, frequently shifting scenes to keep viewers engaged, interspersed images of grandchildren and grandmothers in everyday life, and interviews that highlight the concerns and hopes of these individuals. The film begins with somber music underscoring the seriousness of the opening text message, “In Africa, AIDS is wiping out a generation of parents, leaving behind 13 million orphans.” Another text message follows concerning similar conditions within American cities. The overall focus of the film is highlighted by the final text, “Grandmothers are stepping in to raise their grandchildren.” The first segment (26 minutes) is on Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Fatuma Gwoa developed the Grandmother Program as part of a school for orphaned children. The school, called the Bibi Jan Center after a Caucasian benefactor from the United States, is more than an educational center for children since it is also a place for Bibis, Swahili for grandmothers, to gather, bond, and learn new skills to become self-supporting. The severe challenges and tragedy confronted by the grandmothers is revealed through their moving stories about wrestling with poverty, grief, and lack of support while attempting to raise grandchildren. Their stories share a common theme of struggle and concern for the welfare of the grandchildren. Aware of their mortality, several grandmothers worry about the grandchildren’s futures if they are not there. Education is viewed as the key to the children’s survival

Perceptions of Economic and Behavioral Differences Between Blacks and Whites: Racial Attitudes of White Americans and Status Generalization

A telephone survey of Michigan residents provided statistics about the economic conditions and undesirable behavior of white Americans and asked respondents to estimate the corresponding statistics for blacks. Data from white respondents showed that the greater the perceived racial difference (PRD) in rates of undesirable behavior, the more blacks were seen as not trying to better themselves and the less blacks were viewed as experiencing discrimination. The greater the PRD in economic status, especially controlling for education, the more respondents saw racial discrimination as continuing. Controlling for the PRD in Undesirable Behavior, however, the PRD in economic status had little effect on the belief that blacks do not make effort. Implications of these results for status generalization processes are discussed. Because respondents underestimated all racial differences, accurate knowledge of racial statistics might increase both the belief that discrimination continues and the belief that blacks fail to make an effort.

UpBy J. Rivera (Producer) and P. Doctor and B. Peterson (Directors).: [Motion Picture]. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures.

Up (2009) is a delightful cinematic experience using animation to offer colorful landscapes, captivating perspectives (such as a house floating through a city), and a plot that is engaging with enough fantasy and reality to appeal to viewers of all ages. The strength of the movie rests on the intergenerational connection between the two protagonists. Carl, a retired balloon salesman, is confronted with developers who want to tear down the house that he and his wife, Ellie, had fixed up and lived in for many years. While going through his belongings, Carl comes across his deceased wife’s My Adventure Book and recalls his childhood promise to take her to Paradise Falls in South America. Carl devises a unique strategy to float his house, by use of balloons, out of the city rather than let others determine his future. Russell, an 8-yearold, bumbling Wilderness Explorer, first makes Carl’s acquaintance wanting to do some service for him to earn his “helping the elderly” badge. Russell becomes an unintended stowaway on the house as it is lifted up and away. The relationship between Carl and Russell begins as an unwanted partnership and eventually blossoms into one of cooperation and understanding. As the house sails over the countryside, it is caught in a storm and miraculously lands on a plateau in sight of Paradise Falls. As Carl and Russell pull the floating house across the cliffs toward the falls, they encounter a rare, 13-foot-tall flightless bird that Russell names Kevin. It turns out that this bird is being hunted by Charles Muntz, a famous explorer (now old) who was discredited years ago when colleagues questioned his finding of a new species (i.e., Kevin). The relationship between the protagonists deepens when Russell confesses he needs the badge to complete the final requirement to become a senior Wilderness Explorer so his father, who is often “away,” would come to the recognition ceremony. It becomes apparent that Russell is reaching out for a bond with the older man. In one touching scene, Russell recounts getting ice cream with his dad and playing a counting cars game. He sadly exclaims, “It might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most.” This intergenerational exchange captures a major message of the movie: cherish the little joys in life. Here begins a transformation