The following guide brings you capsule reviews of resources for providers in the field of mental health working with people ages 50-plus. It was first published in summer 2004 as a special issue of Dimensions, the quarterly newsletter of ASA's Mental Health and Aging Network (MHAN). To compile the listings, we sent out a call to MHAN members asking them to identify publications, videos, websites and other resources that they have found particularly useful to their work. We received a wide range of contributions not only from our members, but also from other professionals who kindly shared their expertise.
Wherever available, we have supplied full information on publishers or distributors and on the cost -- if any -- of the resources listed in this roundup. For most of the books and videos, you can order directly through the links on this page.
Given the breadth of the field of mental health, this guide is necessarily far from comprehensive. If you are familiar with other resources that MHAN members should know about, please send a brief review along with information on where to find the item to the MHAN staff liaison by e-mail at mhan@asaging.org or by fax at (415) 974-0300. In future issues of Dimensions, we will continue alerting you about new, relevant and helpful materials.
My thanks to Share Bane and Jill Bader for their assistance with bringing this issue together. And in closing, we would like to express our gratitude to the MHAN members and other contributors who responded to our call for resources for this issue. Their names are noted at the end of the listings they submitted.
Geriatric Mental Health Care: A Treatment Guide for Health Professionals by Gary J. Kennedy (New York City: Guilford Publications, 2000); paperback, 347 pages; $25.00.
A good basic book that covers the many social pathologies and psychopathologies affecting older adults. The authors identify symptoms for each disorder and discuss risk factors and treatment strategies. They also outline psychotherapeutic techniques and adaptations of marital, group and family therapy for use with older adults. -- Tobi Abramson
Gerontological Social Work: Knowledge, Service Settings and Special Populations, second edition, edited by Robert Schneider, Nancy Kropf & Anne Kisor (Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Publishing, 2000); paperback, 384 pages; $69.95.
A wonderful overview of all the major information a social worker needs to work with older adults. The book is a thorough guide to key elements of good case management in community, hospital and long-term care settings. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Handbook of Geriatric Assessment, third edition, by Joseph J. Gallo, Terry Fulmer, Gregory Paveza & William Reichel (New York City: Aspen Publishers, 2000); hardback, 361 pages; $59.95.
This book provides a basic overview of assessment tools used in many different areas of geriatric assessment. It contains a good chapter on mental health assessment tools, including the main cognitive screens as well as instructions on assessing for depression and for alcohol and substance misuse. -- Tobi Abramson
Mental Wellness in Aging: Strengths-Based Approaches by Judah L. Ronch & Joseph A. Goldfield (Baltimore: Health Professions Press, 2003); paperback, 480 pages; $36.95.
One of the few books to approach mental health and healthcare for elders from a strengths-based perspective, which highlights a person's positive attributes and moves away from disease or pathology views of aging. The book covers healthcare, policy issues, the role of activity in mental wellness, retirement transition, institutional change and strengths-based approaches in therapy and counseling. -- Tobi Abramson
Mental Health Practice in Geriatric Health Care Settings by Peter Lichtenberg (Binghamton, N.Y.: Haworth Press, 1998); paperback, 212 pages; $27.95.
This is really the only book that provides a good overview of mental health research, assessment and treatment techniques focused on older adults in long-term care. It meets all the criteria put forth by American Psychological Association for professionals working in these settings. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Neurocognitive Disorders in Aging by Daniel Kempler (Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2004); paperback, 304 pages; $49.95.
A good basic book that emphasizes the links between brain dysfunction, cognitive impairment, diagnosis and treatment. It provides a very readable orientation to the basic neuroanatomy and pathophysiology concepts necessary for understanding cognitive and behavioral disorders in older adults. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Personality Disorders in Older Adults: Emerging Issues in Diagnosis and Treatment, edited by Erlene Rosowsky, Robert C. Abrams & Richard A. Zweig (Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999); hardback, 312 pages; $45.00.
A groundbreaking book on personality disorders in older adults. The contributors are drawn from leading medical schools, and the topics they cover range from theory to diagnostic and clinical approaches. In addition, the book looks at research issues, professional ethics and public policy implications. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
Psychotherapy and Counseling With Older Women: Cross-Cultural, Family and End-of-Life Issues by Frances Trotman & Claire Brody (New York City: Springer Publishing, 2001); hardback, 270 pages; $38.95.
A nice cross section of articles looking at traditional and nontraditional issues faced by older women in psychotherapy and counseling. One of the few resources for information on issues faced by ethnic minority and rural older women. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Psychotherapy With Older Adults, third edition, by Bob G. Knight (Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2004); paperback, 304 pages; $34.95.
Numerous case examples illustrate the dynamics of the therapeutic task with older adults, as well as the issues such clients deal with in therapy. The book includes a comprehensive discussion of assessment and options for intervention. -- Daniel Lai
The Institute for Geriatric Social Work, located at Boston University School of Social Work, offers free or at modest fees a range of convenient and accessible training programs for practicing social workers and other health professionals. Many of the programs focus on mental health issues. -- Scott Miyake Geron
Sponsored by a coalition of service providers in Lowell, Mass., this site for consumers and providers who are interested in mental health issues for elders offers pages on problems such as depression and substance abuse, as well as on legislation and positive aging. It also provides a glossary of terms describing mental health professions and services. -- Frank Baskin
Geared toward older adults and their families, this website provides background information on mental health issues affecting elders, a resource guide, an action alert and legislative updates. -- Tom Volkert
Get Connected! Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol and Mental Health Resources (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2003); multimedia toolkit; free. To order, contact SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Drug Information at (800) 729-6686; order code: GCKIT.
This multimedia kit is an easy-to-use, comprehensive tool for use with older adults in trainings on alcohol and medication use and misuse. It contains a training curriculum, a number of factsheets and a video, plus a desk reference guide for treatment and assessment. -- Tobi Abramson
Let's Talk (Wild) Turkey: Straight Talk About Alcohol and Drugs by the Vermont Department of Aging and Disabilities; video and multimedia materials; $50.00. Order directly from the department by calling (802) 241-2400.
This training kit is designed for use with discussion groups of older adults talking about substance abuse. The materials in the kit include a video, a PowerPoint presentation, instructions for discussion leaders, sample press materials, screening tools and handouts. -- Veda Lyons
WEBSITE
American Society on Aging – Alcohol, Medications and Other Drugs: Abuse and Misuse Among Older Adults
Alzheimer's Early Stages: First Steps for Family, Friends and Caregivers, second edition, by Daniel Kuhn (Alameda, Calif.: Hunter House, 2003); paperback, 306 pages; $15.95.
The only care guide devoted to the critical early stages of Alzheimer's disease, this book is both practical and compassionate. It is a valuable resource for both caregivers and professionals who need to understand the issues facing families when a loved one has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related disorder. -- Lisa Snyder
Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First by Tom Kitwood (Levitt, Pa.: Taylor & Francis and Open University Press, 1997); paperback, 160 pages; $28.95.
This book offers professionals a person-centered philosophy of dementia care and describes its applications within care settings. -- Daniel Kuhn
Developing Support Groups for Individuals With Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Planning, Implementation and Evaluation by Robyn Yale (Baltimore: Health Professions Press, 1995); paperback, 231 pages; $32.95.
A comprehensive resource for those interested in developing support groups for people with mild dementia. Robyn Yale's model has been replicated worldwide, and her book provides a foundation for planning, facilitating and evaluating these groups. -- Lisa Snyder
Ethnicity and the Dementias, edited by Gwen Yeo & Dolores Gallagher-Thompson (Washington, D.C.: Taylor & Francis, 1996); paperback, 250 pages; $38.95.
The first book of its kind -- and still one of the finest -- to address the importance of ethnicity when studying dementia, both in patients and in their family caregivers. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
Montessori-Based Activities for Persons With Dementia by Cameron J. Camp (Beachwood, Ohio: Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, 1999); spiral bound, 76 pages; $43.50. Order online at www.myersresearch.org.
People with dementia need cognitive stimulation, along with opportunities to successfully and meaningfully interact with their physical and social environments. This manual provides stimulating and challenging activities to help people with dementia meet those needs. -- Cameron J. Camp & Kris N. Gravanda
The Person With Alzheimer's Disease: Pathways to Understanding the Experience, edited by Phyllis Braudy Harris (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002); hardback, 336 pages; $52.00.
Clinicians and researchers from the United States and Great Britain contribute an illuminating blend of research and narrative to provide insight into the issues, experiences and care needs of people with dementia. This book is helpful to any healthcare professional who interacts with people with dementia. -- Lisa Snyder
Spaced Retrieval: A Therapy Technique for Improving Memory by Jennifer A. Bush & Cameron J. Camp (Beachwood, Ohio: Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, 1998); spiral bound, 90 pages; $39.95. Order online at www.myersresearch.org.
A memory intervention called spaced retrieval has been found to improve retention of information in clients with memory impairment. This workbook takes readers through the technique step by step. -- Cameron J. Camp
There's Still a Person in There: The Complete Guide to Treating and Coping With Alzheimer's by Michael Castleman, Dolores Gallagher-Thompson & Matthew Naythons (New York City: Putnam Publishing Company, 2000); paperback, 370 pages; $14.95.
Written for laypeople and family members of people with dementia, this book presents the latest information on Alzheimer's disease and family caregiving issues. -- Sandra M. Day
Understanding Difficult Behaviors: Some Practical Suggestions for Coping With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Illnesses, new edition, by Anne Robinson, Beth Spencer & Laurie White (Ypsilanti, Mich.: Geriatric Education Center of Michigan, 1991); paperback; $16.00. Order from the Alzheimer's Education Program at Eastern Michigan University at (734) 487-2335; Web: www.emich.edu/public/alzheimers.
Outlines difficult behaviors exhibited by people with dementia and offers point-by-point suggestions for coping. This useful training manual is a great resource for adult children, professionals and caregivers. -- Barbara Simon
NEWSLETTER
Perspectives: A Newsletter for Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Disorder; quarterly eight-page newsletter published and edited by Lisa Snyder; annual subscription: $20. To subscribe, contact Snyder at (858) 622-5800 or lsnyder@ucsd.edu.
Perspectives specifically addresses the interests, concerns and reflections of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This newsletter provides up-to-date resources and research, explores relevant topics and provides a forum for discussion among people with dementia worldwide. -- Lisa Snyder
VIDEOS
Alzheimer's Disease: A Multi-Cultural Perspective, produced by San Jose State University. (Chicago: Terra Nova Films, 1993); VHS, 34 mins.; $109.00. To order, contact Terra Nova at (800) 779-8491; Web: www.terranova.org.
Alzheimer's disease and care is viewed from the prospective of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Latino families. -- Daniel Lai
Losing It All: The Reality of Alzheimer's Disease, directed by Michael Mierendorf (HBO Productions, 1991); VHS, 60 mins.; $99.95 (including discussion guide). To order, contact Ambrose Video Publishing at (800) 526-4663; Web: www.ambrosevideo.com.
This very well-done video can be used in its entirety to provide a broad overview of the many ways in which Alzheimer's affects people as the disease progresses. The video also can be used as a source of excerpted vignettes of about five to 10 minutes to highlight presentations on Alzheimer's disease. -- Share DeCroix Bane
A Thousand Tomorrows: Intimacy, Sexuality and Alzheimer's (Chicago: Terra Nova Films, 1995); VHS, 31 mins.; $265.00 (purchase), $55.00 (rental). To order, contact Terra Nova at (800) 779-8491; Web: www.terranova.org.
This award-winning video presents candid interviews about intimacy and sexuality with four married couples affected by Alzheimer's disease. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
More Than a Thousand Tomorrows: Intimacy, Sexuality and Alzheimer's (Chicago: Terra Nova Films, 2003); VHS, 22 mins.; $179.00 (purchase), $55.00 (rental). To order, contact Terra Nova at (800) 779-8491; Web: www.terranova.org.
A follow-up to A Thousand Tomorrows (1995), this video tracks the members of one of the couples profiled in the earlier film, looking at the issues they encounter over a period of seven years. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
The Alzheimer's Association website offers a number of resources:
The "Resource Lists" section at www.alz.org/Resources/ResourceLists.asp contains peer-reviewed lists of hundreds of resources on Alzheimer-related subjects.
The Diversity Toolbox at www.alz.org/Resources/Diversity is a Web-based resource for people with dementia, their family members, and health and social services professionals. It includes assessment tools, outreach tips, bibliographies and education and training resources for African American, Hispanic/Latino, Chinese and Korean communities. -- Jonathan Kauffman
And Thou Shalt Honor: The Caregivers Companion, edited by Beth Witrogen McLeod (Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale, 2002); paperback, 464 pages; $15.95.
A comprehensive handbook that gives practical advice, support and wisdom on a range of caregiving issues. (Released in association with the groundbreaking PBS program And Thou Shalt Honor; see the listing in this section under "Videos.") -- Joan Ditzion
The Caregiver Helpbook by Vicki Schmall, Marilyn Cleland & Marilynn Sturdevant (Portland, Ore.: Legacy Health System, 2000); paperback, 300 pages; $22.00. To order, contact Legacy Caregiver Services at (503) 413-8018 or visit www.legacyhealth.org.
Provides family caregivers for older adults with tools to reduce personal stress; communicate more effectively with family, medical personnel and paid help; and reduce guilt, anger and depression. -- Leslie Congleton
Counting on Kindness by Wendy Lustbader (New York City: The Free Press, 1993); paperback, 206 pages; $17.95.
A must-read for any caregiver or care receiver -- and best if read together by both. -- Donald Koepke
Innovative Interventions to Reduce Dementia Caregiver Distress: A Clinical Guide, edited by David Coon, Dolores Gallagher-Thompson & Larry W. Thompson (New York City: Springer Publishing, 2003); hardback, 312 pages; $46.95.
This book contains chapters on novel interventions with caregivers for people with dementia, including ethnic minority caregivers, as well as on partnerships with managed care organizations, uses of technology to reduce caregivers' distress and other topics in the field. -- Sandra M. Day
TREATMENT MANUAL
Coping With Caregiving: Reducing Stress and Improving Quality of Life by Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, et al. (Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University School of Medicine and Veterans' Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, 2002); available in English, Spanish and Chinese; loose-leaf binder, 150 pages; $25.00 shipping and handling. To order, contact the lead author at dolorest@stanford.edu.
A manual for treating distress in family caregivers; includes modules on behavior management and end-of-life issues. -- Sandra M. Day
VIDEOS
And Thou Shalt Honor, produced by Harry Wiland & Dale Bell (Wiland-Bell Productions, 2002); two-part VHS, 2 hours total; $29.95.
First presented as a PBS program, this video offers an impressive blend of useful information about caregiving and end-of-life issues, along with poignant and diverse portrayals of individuals dealing with these concerns. -- G. Jay Westbrook
Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, directed by Deborah Hoffman (Chicago: Terra Nova Films, 1994); VHS, 44 mins.; $275.00 (purchase), $90.00 (rental). To order, contact Terra Nova at (800) 779-8491; Web: www.terranova.org.
This video chronicles a mother's Alzheimer's disease and her daughter's response. A wonderful example of the stages that caregivers go through in terms of realizing that an illness is present and handling the changes in their relationship to the care receiver as the disease progresses. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Curtain Call, directed by Michael Jones (Chicago: Terra Nova Films, 1995); VHS, 52 mins.; $149.00 (purchase), $55.00 (rental). To order, contact Terra Nova at (800) 779-8491; Web: www.terranova.org.
A sensitive portrayal of people in the early stages of caregiving. Curtain Call addresses the time when loved ones struggle with when to step in and when to respect the care receiver's desire for autonomy. The video is rich with examples of real mother-daughter and sister-sister communication. -- Share DeCroix Bane
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM
Powerful Tools for Caregivers by Legacy Health System (Portland, Ore.: Legacy Health System). To learn more about the program or to become a licensed trainer, contact Susan Rothas at (847) 492-6809 or visit www.tools4caregivers.com.
A highly effective, interactive educational program designed to reduce the stress of family members who care for an older adult. Class leaders use a standardized curriculum in community settings to teach practical skills for coping and self-efficacy. The program has been implemented in more than a dozen states and is disseminated by Mather LifeWays. -- Vicki Schmall
Brainstorming: The Serper Method of Brain Recovery, Regrowth and Vitality by Lynn Lazarus Serper with Dale Koppel (Brookline, Mass.: Brain Enhancement Services, 2000); paperback, 140 pages; $14.95.
This fascinating, easy-to-read book tells the story of the author's successful recovery from aneurysm and stroke, which culminated in her completing a doctorate in special education. Her recovery led to the development of the Serper Method, a cognitive rehabilitation program using personal interests and everyday activities to motivate exercises for brain revitalization. Visit www.serpermethod.com for more information. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy With Older People by Ken Laidlaw, Larry W. Thompson, Leah Dick-Siskin & Dolores Gallagher-Thompson (Chichester, U.K.: John Wiley and Sons, 2003); paperback, 232 pages; $35.00.
This book gives a thorough orientation to cognitive-behavior therapy with older adults, instructing readers on how to use the approach with elders who are experiencing such conditions as anxiety, sleep disturbance and post-stroke depression. I use the book as one of the texts in my clinical practice classes. -- Share DeCroix Bane
Minorities, Aging and Health, edited by Kyriakos S. Markides & Manuel R. Miranda (Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 1997); paperback, 479 pages; $39.95.
This book opens the debate on how to provide for the specific health and mental health needs of an increasingly diverse older adult population. -- Daniel Lai
The Science of Inclusion: Recruiting and Retaining Racial and Ethnic Elders in Health Research, edited by Leslie Curry & James Jackson (Washington, D.C.: Gerontological Society of America, 2003); $20.00. Order from the society at www.geronmembers.org/gsasub.asp.
An anthology featuring 11 articles on the involvement of ethnic-minority older adults in health and social sciences research. Publication of the volume was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
Includes a guide to websites dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) aging; the "Mental Health" section offers annotated links to more than 30 sites addressing mental health issues for LGBT elders. -- Gerard Koskovich
Brain Health and Wellness by Paul Nussbaum (Tarentum, Pa.: Word Association Publishers, 2003); paperback, 188 pages; $24.95.
Describes basic brain functioning, neural plasticity and lifestyles that promote brain health. This text focuses on the positive side of maintaining brain functions and brain health, rather than on a pathological perspective. -- Tobi Abramson
Building Mental Muscle: Conditioning Exercises for the Six Intelligence Zones by David Gamon & Allen D. Bragdon (Bass River, Mass.: Brainwaves Books, 2003); $14.95. To order, contact the Brainwaves Center at (508) 398-4440; Web: www.brainwaves.com.
This text distills the latest findings in brain research into short reports, intermingled with exercises and self-tests designed to stimulate the cells in different brain zones. The book focuses on six ways the human brain engages every day: executive planning and social interaction, memory, emotional response, language, math and computation skills, and creative spatial visualization. -- Patricia Cohen
The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life by Gene D. Cohen (New York City: Avon, 2000); paperback, 432 pages; $15.00.
This book contributes to the growing literature on positive aging. Weaving together research, theory and individual stories, the book describes the potential for creative expression, growth and development in the second half of life. -- Joan Ditzion
The Joys and Surprises of Telling Your Life Story, written & produced by John A. Kunz (Madison, Wisc.: Bi-Folkal Productions, 2002); VHS, 30 mins.; $15.00. To order, contact Bi-Folkal Productions at (800) 568-5357; Web: www.bifolkal.org.
A wonderful how-and-why video about telling your life story. The video mixes profiles of easygoing, spontaneous and humorous individuals with insights from such experts as James Birren and Robert Butler, and gives insight into the feelings of both the writers and readers of a life story. -- Share DeCroix Bane & Jana Stiles
The New Ourselves Growing Older: Women Aging With Knowledge and Power, revised edition, by Paula Doress-Worters & Diana Laskin Siegal, in cooperation with the Boston Women's Health Book Collective (New York City: Touchstone, 1994); paperback, 560 pages; $20.00.
A handbook for women in midlife and old age that covers such topics as aging well, body image, menopause, sexuality and aging, work, housing, caregiving, death and dying, and advocating for social change, as well as the health, mental health and medical aspects of getting older. -- Joan Ditzion
COMMUNITY EDUCATION RESOURCES
Maintain Your Brain Resource Kit (Washington, D.C.: Alzheimer's Association, 2004); to order, contact the association at (800) 272-3900; Web: www.alz.org.
This national campaign by the Alzheimer's Association attempts to reach people before they enter the age of risk for dementia. The campaign distributes factsheets, videos and other resource materials that suggest ways to manage certain risk factors to maintain optimal brain function. -- Kathleen O'Brien
Memory Matters: Taking Care of the Aging Brain (Waterbury, Vt.: Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living, 2004); coordinator's kit with manual, video and diskette; $50.00. To order, contact the publisher at (802) 241-2400; Web: www.dad.state.vt.us.
A package of materials to support community education presentations on aging and memory. The manual covers conditions that may interfere with memory and simple strategies to improve memory. The video presents elders aging successfully and activities they engage in to remain active in their daily lives. -- Veda Lyons
NEWSLETTER
The Curious Mind Newsletter: Practical Applications of Current Brain Research (Bass River, Mass.: Brainwaves Center); monthly newsletter; subscriptions: $36.00 (one year), $60.00 (two years). To order, contact the Brainwaves Center at (508) 398-4440; Web: www.brainwaves.com.
This newsletter presents lively reports of brain research in a form that the general reader can use to improve mental performance. It contains fun and fascinating brain science, engaging exercises for a variety of cognitive skills and intriguing illustrations. -- Patricia Cohen
ASA's MindAlert Resource Center is a searchable database of resources on mental fitness, including articles, bibliographies, Web links and information about model programs. The site also offers the published texts of the annual MindAlert Award lectures, available as free PDFs or in print form for $11.95 (ASA members receive a $2.00 discount). -- Nancy Ceridwyn
Rx Mix and Match: What's Safe and What's Not (Waterbury, Vt.: Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living, 2004); coordinator's kit with manual, video and diskette; $50.00. To order, contact the publisher at (802) 241-2400; Web: www.dad.state.vt.us.
Package of materials to support presentation of a community education program for older adults on the use of medications. Topics include polypharmacy, common psychiatric side effects of medications, detecting when an elder is having problems and interventions for preventing them. -- Veda Lyons
Achieving Mental Health of Nursing Home Residents: Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Care by N. Emerson Lombardo, B. S. Fogel, G. K. Robinson & H. P. Weiss (Boston: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, 1996); 55 pages; $20.00. To order, write to Nancy Emerson Lombardo at Boston University School of Medicine, enr vamc Bedford 182B, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.
This report summarizes evidence regarding the challenges to mental health that U.S. nursing home residents encounter. It also offers detailed policy, practice and research recommendations from a consensus conference. -- Nancy Emerson Lombardo
Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders by Mary Pipher (New York City: Riverhead Books, 2000); paperback, 328 pages; $13.95.
Written from the perspective of a baby boomer psychologist, this book describes the landscape of old age in today's society and the need to develop a language to bridge the gap between the generations. -- Joan Ditzion
Breaking the Watch: The Meaning of Retirement in America by Joel Savishinsky (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 2000); paperback, 320 pages; $19.95.
The author follows a group of people from a rural community as they transition from work to retirement and try to find meaning. -- Share DeCroix Bane
The Journey of Life: A Cultural History of Aging in America, reprint edition, by Thomas R. Cole (New York City: Cambridge University Press, 1997); paperback, 298 pages; out of print.
A thoughtful and in-depth description of how aging has been viewed in America. -- Donald Koepke
VIDEOS
Aging in America: The Years Ahead, directed by Julie Winokur; photographs by Ed Kashi (San Francisco: Talking Eyes Media, 2004); VHS, 57 mins; $195.00 (institutions), $95.00 (small nonprofits). Order via the producer's website.
A series of stories told by elders about the rewards and challenges of day-to-day living. The video represents a wide variety of life experiences, as well as members of groups not often shown in the media, such as older prisoners and rural elders. The honesty of the elders as they share their wisdom is refreshing. -- Share DeCroix Bane
ASA's quarterly journal, Generations, has published four issues in recent years focusing entirely or largely on mental health topics. Each issue is edited by experts in the field and provides a selection of articles useful for reference, research and teaching:
Intimacy and Aging (summer 2001); guest editors Rosemary Blieszner & Brian de Vries. Offers diverse perspectives on physical and emotional aspects of late-life relationships, as well as on challenges to intimacy and suggestions for fostering intimacy.
Listening to Older People's Stories (fall 2003); guest editor Anne Wyatt-Brown. Examines the power of elders stories in personal and professional life. Paying attention to these stories can change the way we think about aging and the way we work with older people.
Mental Health and Mental Illness in Later Life (spring 2002); guest editors Michael Smyer & Stephen Bartels. Presents findings from a decade of research on older adults and mental health, with particular attention to the next step: putting what has been learned into practice in the field.
State of the Art for Practice in Dementia (fall 1999); guest editors Stephen H. Zarit & Murna G. Downs. A look at research, policy and care, with a special focus on the experience of the person with dementia.
Copies are available for $12.00 each (members of ASA receive a $1.80 discount); to order, visit the website at www.generationsjournal.org or call (800) 537-9728.
ASA ARTICLESEARCH
ASA ArticleSearch is an online database of articles from the periodical publications of the American Society on Aging -- Generations, Aging Today and the eight constituent group newsletters.
Of special interest to MHAN members, ArticleSearch provides citations and abstracts for more than 160 articles from past issues of Dimensions. PDFs of the full text of selected articles are available free of charge to ASA members. Visit ArticleSearch at www.asaging.org/articlesearch.
JOINT CONFERENCE RECORDINGS
Recordings of selected presentations from the 2004 ASA-NCOA Joint Conference are available for purchase in audiocassette, CD or MP3 format. Some 35 sessions of interest to MHAN members are offered, including the following:
Social Work and Aging in the Emerging Healthcare World (session 176)
Get Connected: Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol and Mental Health Resources (session 210)
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Trends in Mental Health and Aging -- 2004 MHAN Award winner (session 462)
The Life Story Matrix: A Model for Conceptualizing and Practicing Life-Story Work (session 672)
National Principles of Care for Mental Health Services for Older Adults (session 1034)
Diversity and Dementia: What We Know, What We Need to Know (session 1562)
Brain Health Across the Lifespan (session 1700)
Also available are selected audio recordings from each ASA annual conference since 2000. For a complete listing or to place an order, visit www.nrstaping.com/asa or call (888) 522-5023, ext. 114.
(Full session descriptions for the 2004 conference are still available on the Joint Conference website at www.agingconference.org.)
