Contents -- Introduction -- Chapter 1 Bridges to Understanding -- Two-Way Nature of Communication -- Functions of Communication -- Need and Desire for Communication as a Variable of Personality -- Form of Communication as a Variable of Personality -- Theories of Aging -- Changing Mental Functioning of the Elderly -- Social Expectations and Realities -- Exercises -- Chapter 2 How Aging Affects Communication -- Social Changes That Affect Communication -- Physical Changes That Affect Communication -- Delicate Balance in Voice and Articulation -- Changes in Hearing -- Exercises -- Chapter 3 Interacting With the Elderly -- How the Elderly Perceive Themselves -- Initiating and Maintaining Relationships -- Interviewing -- Interacting Empathically -- Gaining Compliance -- Exercises -- Chapter 4 How Illness Affects Communication Skills -- Case Study of an Aphasic -- Effects of Stroke -- Case Study of a Dysarthric -- Effects of Medical Conditions -- Case Study of a Laryngectomee -- Effects of Surgery -- Family's Reaction -- Anxiety and Depression -- Therapeutic Relationship -- Exercises -- Chapter 5 Exchanging Messages Despite Barriers -- Modifying Your Reception -- Modifying Your Vocal Production -- Special Adaptations for the Intellectually Impaired -- Modifying Your Language -- Telephoning -- Touching -- Exercises -- Chapter 6 Decision Making With the Elderly -- Timing and Tact -- Exploring Alternatives -- Charting Pros and Cons -- Mobilizing From Past Strengths -- Exercises -- Chapter 7 Group Involvement -- Values of Group Communication -- Kinds of Groups -- Procedures in Groups -- Functional Roles -- Maintaining Good Participation -- Suggested Topics for Discussion -- Exercises -- Chapter 8 Promoting Self-Expression -- Factors in Motivation -- Establishing a Conducive Environment -- Advantages of the Life Review -- Audio/Video Taping for Posterity.

Writing for Posterity -- Exercises -- Chapter 9 Computers and the Oldest Generation -- Predictors of Computer Use by the Aged -- Barriers -- Benefits -- Exercises -- Chapter 10 Preserving Morale -- Happiness is . . . A Personal Perception -- Keeping Attitudes Flexible -- Cognitive Restructuring -- Imaging -- Innovative Approaches -- Building Morale With Hospitality -- Preserving Morale by Honoring -- Exercises -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- R -- S -- T -- V -- W -- Z.