NCJ Number
145399
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 73-86
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article describes the synergogic model of learning and how the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) used this model to develop a training program through which the elderly can learn about protecting themselves from domestic abuse and neglect.
Abstract
Synergogy is a learning strategy, developed for use in public schools and adult community education, in which students form small teams and learn through structured interaction. This article describes how the AARP applied this process to develop a training program to help its members learn how to minimize the probability of being the victims of neglect or abuse. The synergogic model and format, how AARP adapted its program to this model, and the results of field testing are discussed in detail. Formal field tests were conducted at eight locations in Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and Arizona with 177 volunteers participating. Results of the field assessments indicated that the synergogic approach is a useful method for teaching older adults about domestic mistreatment of the elderly both for people familiar with the issue and for those for whom the subject is new. Although naturally formed groups were found to move through the program quicker than groups that were brought together for the purpose of participating in this exercise, both groups benefited equally from the experience. 1 table