Debra M. Sellers

Beliefs about Aging: Implications for Future Educational Programming

The specific aim of this research study was to gain knowledge regarding beliefs about aging, in order to develop future, priority, educational, and aging-related opportunities in Kansas. The study included six focus groups with a self-selected sample of Kansans born during the years 1946–1964 (N = 39). The main themes that surfaced included the following: health is fundamental, communities and families provide assistance, personal experiences shape perceptions, and American society creates expectations. Educational programs that were indicated as priority areas for future development and implementation are discussed.

Raising Awareness of Assistive Technology in Older Adults Through a Community-Based, Cooperative Extension Program

The Fashion an Easier Lifestyle with Assistive Technology (FELAT) curriculum was developed as a needs-based, community educational program provided through a state Cooperative Extension Service. The overall goal for participants was to raise awareness of assistive technology. Program evaluation included a postassessment and subsequent interview to determine short-term knowledge gain and longer term behavior change. The sample consisted of mainly older, married females. The FELAT program was effective at raising awareness and increasing knowledge of assistive technology, and for many participants, the program acted as a catalyst for planning to or taking action related to assistive technology.

Evaluation of a health education programme about traumatic brain injury

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate a health education programme (TBIoptions: Promoting Knowledge) designed to increase public awareness and understanding about traumatic brain injury (TBI) through in-person (classroom) and computer-based (electronic) learning environments. Design: We used a pre-post survey design with randomization of participants to classroom (N = 22) or electronic (N = 22) delivery of the programme, in classroom and computer laboratory settings on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Method: Forty-four participants rated areas of knowledge about TBI prior to and after the programme experience. They also rated health programme quality and instructional strategies (e.g. video vignettes). Written responses provided information for qualitative analysis. Results: Participants reported significantly higher ratings of knowledge after the programme experience. Qualitative analysis of written responses provided further evidence to support quantitative outcomes. There were no significant differences in comparing the two methods of delivery (classroom versus electronic learning format). Participants rated the quality of the programme and various instructional strategies very highly. Conclusion: TBIoptions: Promoting Knowledge offers a health education programme to increase understanding about TBI. Both modes of delivery, classroom and electronic, appeared equally effective in terms of self-report of change.

So, How Old Is Too Old: A Forced Reflection on the Meaning of Old Age

This first person narrative details an illuminating and personal insight that transpired for the author, a gerontologist. Her attitudes about growing older, the meaning of old age, and implicit ageist views are challenged during a chance encounter. This insight occurred in the most unlikely place—a racetrack—and during a time when she was certainly “off duty” as a gerontologist and thus, perhaps, most unprepared for the consequences of the interaction. The author is forced to reflect upon her own life and old age future, and is able to find serenity and peace in that vision.