ADVANCE DIRECTIVES AND THE ELDERLY - A STUDY OF INTERVENTION STRATEGIES TO INCREASE USE

This study tested the efficacy of educational interventions to increas e the use of advance directives among the elderly. Three types of educ ational materials, various community-dwelling populations of older peo ple (n = 293), and offers of free legal assistance were examined. Inte rventions increased use slightly, not dramatically, especially with th e group receiving a moderate level of materials plus an invitation to a meeting. Knowledge and use were also associated with race and educat ion levels. The most common reason given for nonuse was deferring to o thers and putting it off.