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Semin Speech Lang 1997; 18(2): 143-157
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064069
© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Discourse Behaviors in Older Adults

Barbara B. Shadden
  • University of Arkansas, Speech and Hearing Clinic, Fayetteville, Arkansas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 May 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

An overview of the changes in older adults' comprehension of language and discourse is provided before changes in production are discussed in some detail. Age-related changes in discourse production have been studied in terms of semantic skills, syntactic complexity, verbal fragmentation, information load, cohesion, macrostructural elements, and conversation. In spite of the heterogeneity in older adults' discourse behaviors, they have a tendency to use shorter, less complex sentences and more indefinite, ambiguous references. Nevertheless, the basic conversational skills of the normally aging elderly are usually well preserved.

KEY WORDS

assessment issues - variability - validity issues

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