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Understanding Communication and Aging
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Understanding Communication and Aging
Developing Knowledge and Awareness

July 2012 | 344 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Understanding Communication and Aging is the most accessible introductory text in the area of communication and aging. The book examines key topics such as interpersonal and family relationships in old age, media portrayals of aging, cultural variations in intergenerational communication, and health communication in old age. With a lively presentation style, the book presents central research findings in the area while engaging students more broadly in the important questions concerning communication and human aging: Why do some people age more successfully than others? What role does communication play in shaping our attitudes and feelings about getting older? Are there different or better ways in which we could get old? Students will emerge with a greater understanding of communication and aging research, and with a greater interest and sensitivity to the ways in which communication is shaped by, and itself influences, the aging process.
 
Part I. Introduction to the Study of Aging and Intergenerational Communication
 
1. Perspectives on Aging
Why Study Aging?

 
Approaches to Aging

 
Methods for Studying Aging

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
2. A Communication Approach to Aging
Decline in Communication

 
Counterpoint: A Positive Research Agenda on Aging

 
Approaches to Communication and Aging

 
Key Propositions Guiding the Book: A Communication Approach

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
Part II. Attitudes About Aging and Interpersonal Communication
 
3. Stereotypes and Attitudes About Aging and Intergenerational Communication
Distinguishing Stereotypes and Attitudes

 
Attitudes Concerning Aging

 
Stereotypes of Aging

 
Age Identity-Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

 
Cognitive Representations of Intergenerational Communication

 
Why Do Negative Attitudes and Stereotypes Matter?

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
4. Aging, Identity, Attitudes, and Intergenerational Communication
Communication Accommodation Theory

 
The Communication Predicament of Aging (CPA) Model

 
The Age Stereotypes in Interaction Model

 
Supporting Dependency

 
Other Dimensions of Accommodation

 
Age Identity: Disclosing and Concealing Age in Communication

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
5. Intragenerational Relationships in Older Adulthood
Marital Relationships in Old Age

 
Intragenerational Friendships in Old Age

 
Sibling Relationships

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
6. Intergenerational Relationships in Older Adulthood
Grandparenting

 
The Parent-Child Relationship in Older Adulthood

 
Intergenerational Friendships

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
7. Enhancing Communication with Older Adults
Change in Young People: The Influence of Intergenerational Contact on Attitudes

 
Ending the Predicament: The Communication Enhancement Model

 
Change in Older Adults: Confronting Patronizing Talk

 
Communication Skills and Communication Training

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
Part III. Social Representations and Mass Communication
 
8. Mass Communication Portrayals of Older Adults
Underrepresentation

 
Negative Representation

 
Positive Portrayals

 
The Media Industry

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
9. Uses and Effects of Media
Age Differences in Media Use

 
Uses and Gratifications Theory

 
Media Effects

 
Older People as "Embracers" of Television?

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
10. Culture, Communication, and Aging
East Asia

 
South Asia (India)

 
United States Latino Cultures

 
Native American Cultures

 
Globalization and Transcultural Themes

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
Part IV. Contexts of Communication in Older Adulthood
 
11. Health and Health Care
Physician-Older Patient Interaction

 
Support Groups for Caregivers

 
Elder Abuse

 
Additional Topics

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
12. Technology
Stereotypes of Older Adults-Technological Competence

 
The Reality of Older Adults-Computer Use

 
What Do Older People Do on the Internet?

 
Technology and the Workplace

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 
 
Part V. Conclusion
 
13. Conclusion
A Model of Aging in Individual and Societal Context

 
What Can You Do Now?

 
Summary

 
Keywords and Theories

 
Discussion Questions

 
Annotated Bibliography

 

"This interesting, easy-to-read book provides a comprehensive framework for considering communication and aging in the context of biology, sociology, and psychology.  This thought provoking book is strongly anti-ageist.  It could serve as a broad overview for anyone interested in the myriad of issues related to communication and aging."  —SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

M. M. Slusser
DeSales University
Science & Technology

"At the center of the campaign is a guide for conversation-starters, complied with the assistance of Jake Harwood a University of Arizona professor of gerontology and author of "Understanding Communication and Aging" (2007, SAGE Publications).

—DES MOINES BUSINESS RECORD

DES MOINES BUSINESS RECORD
DES MOINES BUSINESS RECORD - 2/25/2008

"This interesting, easy-to-read book provides a comprehensive framework"
"Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students, professionals/practicioners, adn general readers."

M.M. Slusser
DeSales University
Choice

"This interesting, easy-to-read book provides a comprehensive framework for considering communication and aging in the contexts of biology, sociology, and psychology...This thought provoking book is strongly anti-ageist.  It could serve as a broad overview for anyone interested in the myriad of issues related to communication and aging.

M.M. Slusser
DeSales University
CHOICE

Great for supporting anti-ageist views. Approaches prejudice and discrimination well, and aims to enlighten learners on the importance of effective communication. Easy to read for learners of all abilities.

Miss Julie Anderson
Health , Tyne Metropolitan College
July 4, 2016
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An essential text for students and professional in the understanding of aging

Mrs Janette Barker
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
January 17, 2016
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Very good book which I've included in my Intercultural Communication Module. It's useful for anyone with a text & discourse analytical interest in Ageing as there's so little out there.

Dr Jane Mulderrig
School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, Sheffield University
May 21, 2015
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would have liked to have seen more on intergenerational relationships. There is a chapter on this but it was disappointing as it said very little about younger generations

Ms Anne Massey
FSSH, London Metropolitan University
February 11, 2015
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A good book but possibly too much of an in depth read for level 4 students

Mrs Tracey Brickell
School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Portsmouth University
September 9, 2015
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it addressed the exact topic of the seminar, it was an interesting read.

Dr Clara Popa
College Of Communication, Rowan University - Glassboro
August 26, 2013
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Jake Harwood

Jake Harwood (Ph.D., Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara) is Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona. He is author of Understanding Communication and Aging (2007, Sage) and co-editor of The Dynamics of Intergroup Communication (Peter Lang, 2011). His publications have appeared in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Human Communication Research, and the British Journal of Social Psychology, among others. His research focuses on intergroup communication with a particular focus on age groups.  He is interested in the ways in... More About Author

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