ABSTRACT‘Normalization/Social Role Valorization’ has become a buzz word in the delivery of services to elderly people. After outlining the chief characteristics of normalization, the following article makes three criticisms of the policy. The first two arguments concern the inadequacy of the training and implementation of normalization. An argument about an important normalization premise regarding values and value is the subject of the third criticism. The conclusion reached is that normalization is theoretically inadequate as a policy, and has been implemented in a manner which is contrary to the complex issues which characterise human services, and the expressed and stated needs of individuals.

ABSTRACTAlthough studies of institutionalization of the aged are numerous, in many cases inadequate research designs have been employed and methodological problems have created serious obstacles to understanding. Many findings are unreliable and not generalizable due to sampling problems. The reliability and validity of measures for predictors and outcome variables were often not established. Serious confounding among measures has not been investigated, and few studies selected their variables on sound theoretical bases. Cross‐sectional and retrospective designs were frequently employed and data analyses have been predominantly qualitative and descriptive. These methodological issues created considerable uncertainty about the effects of institutionalization in gerontological literature.

ABSTRACT“Kids Pals” is an intergenerational project which has been running in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney since 1985. It was designed to link children who are behind in their reading with an understanding and caring elderly person. The project addresses the myth of aged persons as dependent and a drain on the community and provides benefits for both the children and the elderly volunteers.

ABSTRACTA brief outline of features of the aged population and services for the aged in Queensland, one Australian state, is given as a background to describing one approach to gerontology education within the University of Queensland Social Work Faculty. The challenges and tasks of curriculum development in relation to gerontology in a generic undergraduate course are described. Specific training in gerontology at a theoretical and practical level is provided through field practicums in an institution for the aged and proposals to extend this to a community based practice‐research program for the aged are outlined. Current research programs that will relate to this program to give a combined approach to social work, social policy and ageing are described.

ABSTRACTA striking cultural feature of most of Western society is the expectation that the elderly will become progressively more sedentary, increasingly indolent and gradually more febrile until they are eventually unable to cope for themselves. There is the perception that old people do not need to exercise to any great extent, that exercise may be harmful to the elderly and that older people in exercise are most unattractive. Advertising emphasises that exercise is for the young and encourages a belief that the elderly should take life easily as reward for a lifetime's work.Research into musculo‐skeletal structure and performance has clearly shown the necessity for high levels of exercise activity through the whole life span. Inactivity is associated with a decline in muscle bulk, strength and endurance; an increase in joint stiffness and a decline in the individual's ability to respond to rapid environment change.All of the above changes are markedly improved by exercise, even in the very elderly. This paper discusses current research into the effect of ageing and exercise on the musculo‐skeletal system of the body, and demonstrates the necessity for continued high levels of physical activity into old age.

SummaryThe recent experience of the Western Domiciliary Care and Rehabilitation Service with clients of Italian, Greek and Polish origin is analysed. It is argued that our Service is accessible to and utilised by non‐English‐speaking clients to an extent that is proportional to the needs of their “at risk” population.

Australian Journal on AgeingVolume 7, Issue 1 p. 24-24 CONFERENCE CALENDAR First published: February 1988 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.1988.tb00311.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume7, Issue1February 1988Pages 24-24 RelatedInformation

Australian Journal on AgeingVolume 6, Issue 3 p. 19-21 ASSESSMENT, EQUITY AND THE CONCEPT OF NEED Lu Mykyta, Lu Mykyta Clinical Director, Western Domiciliary Care & Rehabilitation ServiceSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Burr, Michael Burr Consultant GeriatricianSearch for more papers by this author Lu Mykyta, Lu Mykyta Clinical Director, Western Domiciliary Care & Rehabilitation ServiceSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Burr, Michael Burr Consultant GeriatricianSearch for more papers by this author First published: August 1987 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.1987.tb00969.x AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume6, Issue3August 1987Pages 19-21 RelatedInformation