Below are ten questions that can serve as useful guidelines for revising existing materials or producing new ones that adequately and fairly deal with issues of aging.

1. Are aging issues appropriately included in different subjects?
2. Are topics presented from a lifespan perspective throughout the material?
3. Is non-technical vocabulary related to aging included?
4. Is information about aging accurate and current?
5. Is there a balanced and realistic view of aging?
6. Is the diversity among older people reflected?
7. Are age and cohort differences among the older population noted?
8. Is undue emphasis on disease, disability, and death avoided?
9. Are curriculum-based intergenerational experiences promoted?
10. Is information sharing with adult family members of students encouraged?

Photographs and Drawings Guidelines

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then photos and illustrations can convey important messages about aging. Illustrations should reflect the heterogeneity of older people. Without ignoring physical decline common in later life, illustrations can best present the prospects for remaining healthy and productive. The appropriateness of photos of older people will vary depending on the subject. The following guidelines must be modified to suit the kind and purpose of material being developed.

Are older adults in pictures and illustrations . . .

1. Proportionally represented?
2. Living independently?
3. Serving others?
4. In active roles?
5. In diverse roles and dress?
6. With noted accomplishments?
7. In mixed-age groups?
8. Non-stereotypical grandparents?
9. With different physical abilities?
10. Without deprecating humor?

Excerpted from Learning for Longer Life: Education Agenda for the 21^st Century, 1998.