INTERVENTION GERONTOLOGY IN GERMAN-SPEAKI NG COUNTRIES - A REVIEW OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL-RESEARCH

This work is aimed at reviewing 20 years of gerontological interventio n research within the social and behavioral domain in German speaking countries. Only controlled studies based on adequate measurement instr uments are considered. Literature analyses reveal that the issue of co gnitive intervention research is well-covered, underlining clear posit ive training effects in intellectual performance and memory. Also, stu dies on the limits of mental capacity represent a highlight of German cognitive training research. Another bunch of studies underlines the p otential of different intervention to enhance independence in day-to-d ay function, social activity, and subjective well-being. Positive effe cts in self-concept, personal control, and attribution style are as we ll reported. A general discussion of this body of work leads to sugges tions for future research priorities.