[The imitation of the effects of otolith-ocular asymmetry by eccentric rotation]. / Modelirovanie éffektov otolit-okuliarnoi asimmetrii v usloviiakh ékstsentricheskogo vrashcheniia.

Today, investigation of the vestibuloocular reactions is the mainstream method of studying the vestibular asymmetry. Analysis of experimental data requires a model of otolith-ocular interaction. The proposed model is based on the literary data concerning measurements of ocular counter-rotation (OCR) and luminous line rotation (LLR) in experiments with eccentric rotation. The method utilizes a number of simplifications and suppositions, the basic of which are linearity of all phases of transformation of mechanic stimulus with the exception of the afferents' transmission function (proportionality of the nervous response to acceleration; the otolith-ocular response is proportional to the nervous response). It was demonstrated that the model qualitatively imitates the behavior of OCR and LLR in response to axifugal acceleration of the utricular otoliths and permits analysis of the role of various parameters of the otolith-ocular interaction. Comparison of calculated and experimental dependence of OCR and LLR on acceleration can help understanding of the otolith asymmetry.

[Social-psychological features of the life style of aging persons]. / Sotsial'no-psikhologicheskie osobennosti obraza zhizni stareiushchikh liudei.

On the basis of a comprehensive medico-social and sociopsychological examination of a populational sample in the city of Kiev, the authors analyze the characteristics of the mode of life of the people before retirement and retired on pension. The causes of the disadaptation of elderly people to this period of life and the ways to eliminate them are discussed. The interrelations between the marital status, mode of life and the state of health are outlined. Prophylactic measures aimed at preventing the disadaptation of old people and the pension disease are recommended.

[Socio-hygienic rationale for the preparation for retirement (author's transl)]. / Die sozial-hygienische Begrüdung der Vorbereitung auf das Rentenalter.

The objective of the study made within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the Institute of Gerontology of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Kiev and the GDR Research Project of Social Gerontology was to provide a scientific basis for the health-promoting and rational way of life of elderly persons of pre-retirement and retirement age. 1,500 Kiev citizens of pre-retirement or retirement age were examined and/or interviewed. Like similar investigations conducted in the GDR, the Soviet findings showed a highly significant correlation to exist between health education, healthy living. Knowledge about one's health and health-promoting behavior. The poorest results were obtained for unskilled or semi-skilled production workers, both male and female. They had the highest proportion in advanced degenerative diseases. The persons investigated were best informed about the positive influence of exercise, a balanced diet, periodic medical check-ups and home visits by doctors. The effectiveness of health education and health propaganda was calculated by means of efficiency indices. Generally speaking, the relation between knowledge and action is still inadequate. This applies primarily to preventive measure by the individual and to the organization of his daily regime (indices just over 50%). The indices related to diet and exercise were higher (71 and 72%, respectively). Adverse psychological factors included a lack of concrete plans for retirement age, a rather passive mode of life and dissatisfaction with the situation during pre-retirement and retirement age. An active approach to old age proved much more favourable, including satisfaction with one's life and with the present situation. A significant correlation was found to exist between a non-rational way of life, morbidity and multi-morbidity. The results of the study will be used to make recommendations regarding to the preparation for old age, especially for the transitional period between pre-retirement and retirement age.

[Sociological aspects of preparations for retirement as well as the spare time behaviour of pensioners (author's transl)]. / Soziologische Aspekte der Vorhereitung auf die Pensionierung sowie des Freizeitverhaltens der Rentner.

On the basis of common experiences in the research cooperation in the gero-hygienic and social-gerontological fields the authors depict the sociological aspects of preparing for retirement and the spare time behaviour of old-age pensioners. The short-term preparation for retirement in the pre-retirement age of pensioners should be dealt with preferably by industrial medicine. Preparatory steps on reaching the retirement age must pass over into the territorial level. The transition to retirement age and spare-time behaviour are creative social processes in sociological respect. The sociopolitical and health measures in the USSR and in the GDR take this knowledge fully into account.