For more than a decade gerontologists interested in health and health behavior have called for the recognition of the marked heterogeneity that exists in these areas (e.g., Bloom & Soper, 1980; Butler, 1975; Evashwick, Rowe, Diehr, & Branch, 1984; Haug, 1981; Kovar, 1977, 1986; Shanas & Maddox, 1985; Soldo & Manton, 1985; Wan & Arling, 1983; Wolinsky & Coe, 1984), and a thoughtful examination of the most recent federal government publication on the subject supports their call (Havlik et al., 1987). These observations about heterogeneity (1) are consistent with both theory and research, (2) suggest a number of methodological problems, and (3) have important implications for public policy. We will illustrate all three points, devoting a separate section of this chapter to each.

A different perspective on health and health services utilization.

Doctoral preparation for gerontological nurses.

Data gathered from a recent survey, of CMHC's suggest that the elderly are increasing their utilization of CMHC services. As more responsibility for mental health services is shifted to the states, a commitment to mental health services for the elderly increasingly becomes an issue of state discretion, and of state finances. This makes it probable that accessibility to mental health services for the elderly will become more variable and problematic on a national basis. This is especially important in light of data that indicates an increasing awareness by CMHC's of the mental health needs of the elerly.

Community mental health services and the elderly: retrenchment or expansion?

Finding the elder voice in social legislation.

This paper presents challenges for present and future gerontological education in light of the policy environment of retrenchment and cutbacks. The demographics of an aging society are discussed in terms of estimates of the future need for trained professionals and an adequate research base that will not compromise national expectations for enlightened understanding and treatment of the aging. Trends in the federal budget and funding for research, education, and training are examined to show a significant erosion in support for gerontological and geriatric education. More specifically, the effect of the recently enacted Gramm‐Rudman‐Hollings Deficit Reduction Act is estimated, showing that, in the years to come, this legislation could have a cataclysmic impact on research funding, overall. The potential deleterious effect of changes in federal priorities and funding on substantive areas of aging research, statistical research and data needs, and professional training is discussed. The author argues that a...

The challenge to gerontological education in an era of austerity

Fiscal Austerity and Aging: Shifting Government Responsibility for the Elderly Carroll L Estes, Robert J Newcomer and Associates Sage Library of Social Research 152, 1983, £11.95 pbk; £24.50 hbk:

Dulcie Groves

Papers

Fiscal Austerity and Aging: Shifting Government Responsibility for the Elderly Carroll L Estes, Robert J Newcomer and Associates Sage Library of Social Research 152, 1983, £11.95 pbk; £24.50 hbk: