M. Jean Keller

OLDER DRIVERS: A CLOSER LOOK

This paper examines the cognitive and motor skills exhibited in the driving performance of older adults. Participants were 11 men and 13 women aged 65-83 (mean age 73) recruited from the community with a valid drivers license, no visual or neurological problems, and good self-reported health. Each completed a demographic questionnaire; a psychophysical test measuring reaction time, movement time, peripheral vision, depth perception, and visual acuity; and a written test that ascertained cognitive decision making related to 15 videotaped driving scenarios. Responses to the 15 scenarios were also assessed using a computerized driving simulator unit. Descriptive statistics, stepwise regression analyses, and t-tests were used to evaluate the data. Results show that men performed much better than women on the driving simulator test, drove more miles/year, and did more of their driving on the highway. All participants performed better during driving simulation than on the cognitive test. Results suggest that older drivers may have more difficulty executing cognitive decision making skills than performing related motor skills.

CREATING A RECREATION INTEGRATION PROCESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

More persons with mental retardation are living to later life than ever before. Federal legislation mandates interagency collaboration between the networks of services for older adults with developmental disabilities. Research demonstrates older persons’ lives can be enhanced by recreation experiences. However, most agencies serving older adults indicate that they are unprepared to serve the aging mentally retarded population. A strategy is presented for community‐based social service and aging‐related agencies to integrate older people with mental retardation into generic recreation programs serving elderly adults. This strategy represents a comprehensive interagency approach to offering older persons a variety of recreation experiences utilizing the expertise of aging, recreation, and mental retardation professionals. Eight steps are included in this integration process: (1). Defining the target population. (2). Discovering recreation integration needs and interests. (3). Creating staff awareness and un...

The Role of Leisure Education with Family Caregivers

Abstract Because caregivers tend to withdraw from leisure activities, friends, and community involvement while engaging in caregiving, there appears to be a need to explore the role of leisure education in their lives.

A holistic approach to developing fall-prevention programs for community-dwelling older adults.

Falls among older adults are a major public health concern because they have a high incidence and impose substantial personal and societal burdens (Marks & Allegrante, 2004). Physical, emotional, social, environmental, and financial costs of fall-related injuries can be devastating. The direct annual financial cost in the United States for treating fall-related injuries is more than

Theory to Practice: Creating Play Environments for Therapeutic Recreation Experiences

20 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Research has focused on factors that hinder healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults. However, scarce literature exists on factors that facilitate education- and prevention-related activities focused on falls. This article makes a case for comprehensive activity programs that include fall-prevention workshops for older adults. Further, this article presents a literature review on the causes of falling and its impact on older adults. A holistic approach to developing fall-prevention programs and a strong commitment to promoting and implementing such programs will be discussed. A summary of evidence-based fall-prevention programs will be shared. Recommendations for planning and achieving fall-prevention program objectives will be offered to aid activity professionals as they create and implement successful programs to support health and well-being among community-dwelling older adults.

Children and HIV/AIDS: A Role for Physical Educators and Recreation Professionals

Play environments have always been an integral part of play experiences for children in America (Thompson & Bowers, 1989). However, for children with disabilities, play environments have not always provided a complete play experience (Schleien & Ray, 1988).

Passages in Caring: Turning Chaos into Confidence, by Gail Sheehy

Abstract AIDS in children has been a sensational but misunderstood issue. This article presents an overview of recent trends in pediatric HIV/AIDS and highlights several approaches physical educators and recreation professionals can use when working with HIV-infected children and their families.

The feasibility of conducting a group-based progressive strength training program in residents of a multi-level care facility.

of clients with mental health disorders. Mental Disorders in Older Adults: Fundamentals of Assessment and Treatment offers timely content that is written to provide a foundation for practice with older adults and address the most often seen problems. Furthermore, it encourages a multidisciplinary collaboration of clinicians in medicine, psychology, and the social sciences to care for elderly mental health clients. The unique component of this book is that every topic presented is supported with reality-based examples and case studies that are further supported by a rigorous literature review of current evidence. The text is easy to understand and integrates clinical practice and research. A foundation of assessment is included in the first three chapters, followed by chapters on disorders of later life, methods for assessing, treatment, nursing homes and other special housing, and the book concludes with ethics. This book can be used as a reference text or to update professionals on current trends and best practices to help this population of elders age successfully. I highly recommend Mental Disorders in Older Adults to experienced or student clinicians for use as a reference or learning tool to better understand assessment, care, and treatment of the older adult faced with mental health problems. Experienced professionals, researchers, as well as students will benefit from the knowledge this book has to offer.