Abstract:

Examines 1987 questionnaire data from 160 on-site managers of subsidized housing for the elderly in WI to measure their knowledge about aging. Managers scored 63% correct on the Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ), comparable to other groups' scores on the FAQ. Managers held 5 common misconceptions about aging, health, & income, also in common with other groups. However, housing managers also held misconceptions about aging & the senses, treatment by medical practitioners, religious trends in aging, & the health & socioeconomic outlooks of elderly people. FAQ scores were related to level of community services available for the elderly & managers' time in the position. The results suggest that managers, especially those newer managers in rural areas & with a smaller number of units to manage, could benefit from increased education & training about aging.