Communication disorders in elderly people [Yaşlilarda İletişim bozukluklari]

Abstract

Communication may be verbal and nonverbal. Communication changes are commonly reported in older people. In the typical process of aging, communication skills change due to health issues such as depression and cognitive problems. In this review manuscript, communication problems in elderly people are presented. There are health problems found in individuals of older age groups that may affect communication. Examples of these are as follows: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, hearing and visual loss, aphasia, and neurodegenerative diseases. To improve communication with older adults, some measures should be followed, such as “Speak at a normal conversational pace. Avoid speaking very quickly or very slowly” and “Repeat and elaborate on important points.” Communication disorders are experienced in older adults. Etiologic factors may be related to general health problems such as neurological problems, hearing and visual loss, and social problems (such as retirement or social isolation). In older adults with communication disorders, everyone throughout society, and especially health care specialists, should be aware of the problem and should use the simple measures to improve communication problems. In this paper, the issue of communication problems in elderly people will be evaluated