How age may influence communication

When communicating with an ageing adult it is important to be aware of age-related issues that can cause a breakdown in communication. This includes but is not limited to:

• hearing impairments
• visual impairments
• memory loss
• loss of ability to read
• loss of comprehension.

It is also important to be aware of how age can be a barrier to communication due to misunderstanding and prejudice. Many older adults feel patronised and disrespected by the way younger workers communicate with them. To avoid unnecessary communication break-down it is important that you talk with people and not to them; avoid pet names such as ‘darling’ and ‘dear’; present information in a clear concise way; and present the available options and allow the person to make choices about their health and personal care.