Considerations of Family Functioning and Clinical Interventions.

Levels of family functioning are an important consideration in determining appropriate clinical and educational intervention approaches for families and older adults. Theoretical and applied approaches are reviewed with the emphasis on specific interventions that support different levels of family functioning and caregiving. Additionally, different dynamics within the family and their relations with aging family members are examined.

Prioritizing Age-Friendly Domains for Transforming a Mid-Sized American City.

In May 2019, the city of Akron in the state of Ohio was admitted into AARP's network of age friendly cities and communities. Akron has a long history of aging services initiative that date back to the 1970s. To provide direction for future aging initiatives, an assessment of Akron's current state was conducted in early 2020.

Gerontology competencies: Construction, consensus and contribution.

The Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) in 2014 approved the first integrative "Gerontology Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Education"©. This article describes the background, thought development, guiding framework and consensus process for its construction. A modified Delphi method utilizing seven review rounds within three developmental cycles, with gerontology educators from 30 institutions, achieved input and consensus.

James E. "Jim" Birren (1918-2016).

Presents an obituary for James E. "Jim" Birren, who passed away on January 15, 2016, at the age of 97. A pioneer in aging research, Jim is considered by many to be the father of modern gerontological psychology.

Career Influences in Bridge Employment Among Retired Police Officers.

The careful examination of factors influencing bridge employment among retired police officers is largely absent in the literature. Two hundred and eleven retired police officers participated in a survey exploring factors that contributed to the participation in bridge employment or employment upon retiring from primary careers in law enforcement. The results indicate that retired officers who held part-time positions while fully employed as police officers were more likely to participate in bridge employment when compared with individuals who did not hold additional part-time employment while fully employed as police officers.

Accreditation of gerontology programs: a look from inside.

For over three decades, there has been considerable discussion about the development of gerontology education in the United States. A debate about accreditation is a logical outgrowth in this evolution. The dialogue about accreditation raises some important questions and gives gerontology an opportunity to further define itself.