Communication and Aging

Catalog description

Concentrates on the pivotal role that communication plays in the social process of aging. CAS 421 CAS 421 Communication and Aging (3) Communication and Aging is a course that concentrates on the pivotal role that communication plays in the social process of aging. An understanding of the communicative behavior of older adults can result in significant improvements in our ability not only to describe the essential components of a quality life, but to actively intervene in the various factors that help each of us adapt to the many physiological, psychological , social and economic challenges of the aging process. Topics covered in this course include: the theories of social aging; attitudes and ageism; mass media use and portrayals; work, leisure, and retirement; family relationships such as siblings, grandparent-grandchild, parent-child; friendships; health and aging; death and dying; and successful aging. This course places communication and our interactive behavior at the heart of the aging process and helps us combine the growing bodies of literature in physical, psychological and social aging as we attempt to grasp the process of life long development.