About the Book

"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." —CHOICE

"Understanding Communication and Aging achieves a nice balance between the facts of growing old, the social forces that shape that process, and the communication factors that connect these two domains. With attention to both research and everyday applications, the text is thorough and inviting. I am delighted that a user-friendly, undergraduate text has finally been produced in the field of communication and aging. This book deserves to be an instant and sustained success."
—Sandra Metts, Illinois State University

"This book has so many strengths. I am especially pleased with the communication focus and the discussions on cultural issues, new technologies, and identities. I am impressed by Dr. Harwood′s creativity and reaching out to learners via the use of info boxes, significant achievement profiles, literary/artistic descriptions, selected detailed summaries of research, and quotations about aging. All of these features auger very well for student learning and enthusiasm. I commend Dr. Harwood for his attention to detail, targeting multiple learning styles, and attending to instructors who value these kinds of features."
—Jim L. Query, Jr., University of Houston

"The way Professor Harwood ties together theory, research, and everyday experience into a text that is accessible, interesting, and fun to read is impressive. The focus is not merely psychological or interpersonal; the book spans multiple disciplines. This text is the total package!"
—Jo Anna Grant, California State University, San Bernardino

Understanding Communication and Aging is the most accessible introduction to the many ways aging in the 21st century is influenced by human communication processes, from face-to-face conversation to mass media representations. With a lively presentation, author Jake Harwood presents central research findings while engaging students with important questions concerning communication and aging.

Key Features

• Covers the broad area of communication and older adulthood: 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.
• Shatters the myths and stereotypes of aging: The book′s orientation and perspective is on "healthy" living and aging. This anti-ageist approach encourages readers to reexamine their views on aging and become fluent at defending and promoting an anti-ageist ideology.
• Provides concrete examples: While taking a theoretical approach, the book includes coverage of applied issues such as health communication and age-related prejudice and discrimination.

Table of Contents:
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