Social work and aging in the emerging health care world

Social work practice with older adults and their families is increasingly recognized by the profession as a major field of practice in a wide range of health care and community-based settings. This article reviews emerging trends and issues in the fields of aging and health care, drawing on gerontological health care research which bridges these areas. Given the growing number and diversity of older adults in our society, and dramatic changes in the organization and delivery of health care, the authors suggest skills and competencies essential to enhancing the well-being of older adults and their families in the 21st Century.     

Psychosocial interventions for disruptive symptoms of dementia

An estimated 6% to 8% of the adult population age 65 and older and more than 30% of those age 85 and older are affected by a dementing disorder. The annual direct and indirect cost of caring for the 4.5 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the United States is estimated to be at least $100 billion. By 2030, when the entire Baby Boomer generation is age 65 and older, the increased number of people with Alzheimer's disease could exceed the ability to absorb the added cost. Both professional and familial caregivers should be familiar with the treatment interventions that are most effective in reducing the disruptive behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. This article discusses the various kinds of dementia, their associated symptoms, and the psychosocial treatment options that have been found to be effective in alleviating the effects of the disease on both people with dementia and their caregivers. Psychosocial strategies can be divided into four major subgroups: communication techniques, behavioral strategies, environmental modifications, and caregiver education. The ultimate goal is to optimize functioning of people with dementia and minimize caregiver strain.     

Defiance or submission? The role of the slave woman in slave resistance in the British Caribbean

The majority of works on Caribbean slavery, both contemporary and modern attribute to slave women a subordinate and passive role in slave resistance. By examination of every‐day acts of non‐cooperation, maronage, slave uprisings and the link between African religion and slave revolts, this paper argues that, on the contrary, women were active at all levels of slave resistance and made a significant and indispensable contribution to the slaves’ struggle against servitude. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the West African cultural heritage of slave women and the nature of their participation in slave resistance. In conclusion it is suggested that this neglected area of the slave woman's life warrants further research as a crucial aspect of the slave experience in general.     

A CROSS-CULTURAL INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS

This article investigates contextual and individual factors influencing environmental behaviors for the 26 countries included in the 2000 International Social Survey Programme (ISSP). Individuals in countries with better environmental quality tend to have slightly more environmental involvement, but this relationship is mediated by economic circumstances, which have a greater independent impact on environmental actions. Respondents living in wealthier countries, no matter the environmental quality, more frequently join environmental groups, sign petitions concerning the environment, and give money for environmental causes.     

Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption Among College Students on Game Day

Abstract

Alcohol use and the related consequences associated with college football games are a serious public health issue for university communities. Objective: Examining “Extreme Ritualistic Alcohol Consumption” (ERAC), defined as consuming 10 or more drinks on game day for a male, and 8 or more drinks for a female, is the focus of this study. Participants: In the fall of 2006, college students ages 18 to 24 were randomly selected to complete the Game Day Survey. Methods: Researchers utilized a cross sectional research design to collect data. Results: Sixteen percent of the respondents engaged in ERAC on game day, whereas 36% drank 5 or more drinks (4 or more for females). Male, Caucasian, Greek (members of a social fraternity or sorority), and students of legal drinking age consumed alcohol at disproportionately high rates. Conclusion: Alcohol use is common on game day, with a significant percentage of students placing themselves at risk by drinking large amounts of alcohol.