Intergenerational communication

Question 1

What is the impact of stereotypes and attitudes on communication with older people?

Answer 1

Stereotypes (cognitive representations) and attitudes (emotional responses) create predetermined ideas of how to communicate with older people, which can affect intergenerational interactions.

Question 2

What is an intergenerational conversation?

Answer 2

A conversation between two or more people of different ages. These conversations can be complex due to diverse approaches, ideas, and expectations (schemas) of communication.

Question 2

Schema 1 – Overwhelmingly positive interaction

Answer 2

Younger person shows mild restraint/politeness

Mutual warmth and caring

Older person described positively (friendly, loving, caring)

Younger person learns from older

Question 3

Schema 2 – Positive and helping

Answer 3

Similar to #1, but younger person wants to help the older person (e.g., keep company)

Question 4

Schema 3 – Positive and respectful

Answer 4

Younger person displays high restraint/politeness

Difficult to find common ground; feels forced to be polite

Older person described positively

Question 5

Schema 4 – Neutral and distant

Answer 5

Mixed feelings by younger person

Feels forced to be polite but may want to leave or feel bored

Question 6

Schema 5 – Sympathy and helping

Answer 6

Neutral evaluation of older person (e.g., ill, lonely)

Younger person feels sympathy and wants to help but feels restrained

Question 7

Schema 6 – No connection

Answer 7

Younger person has negative feelings

Older person described negatively (hostile)

Younger person wants to help but does not enjoy conversation

Question 8

Schema 7 – No connection and helping

Answer 8

Younger person feels no connection, negative feelings

Feels bored but still wants to help older person

Question 9

Schema 8 – Negative and hostile

Answer 9

Older person is hostile, angry, and displays negative attitudes

Younger person wants to leave conversation

Question 10

What does the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) explain?

Answer 10

CAT explains how people consciously or unconsciously adjusts their communication style—such as speech, voice, gestures, and vocabulary—depending on who they are talking to, in order to accommodate others.

Question 11

What does CAT suggest about intergenerational communication?

Answer 11

CAT helps explain why communication between different age groups can be effective or problematic, depending on whether the adjustments made are appropriate or inappropriate.

Question 12

What are the two major forms of inappropriate accommodation in CAT?

Answer 12

Over-accommodation – adjusting too much.

Under-accommodation – not adjusting enough.

Question 13

What is over-accommodation in CAT?

Answer 13

Over-accommodation occurs when a speaker goes too far in adjusting to the communication partner’s perceived needs, usually based on stereotypes rather than actual needs (e.g., speaking to an older adult as if they were a child).

Question 14

What are characteristics of patronising talk/elderspeak (over-accommodation)

Answer 14

Slower rate

Exaggerated intonation

Elevated pitch and volume

Greater repetition

Use of diminutives and collective pronouns

Endearing terms (e.g., sweetie, love)

Simplified vocabulary and grammar (baby talk)

Question 15

What is under-accommodation in CAT?

Answer 15

Under-accommodation occurs when a speaker fails to adjust their communication enough to meet the other person’s needs or cues.

Question 16

Why is under-accommodation considered inappropriate?

Answer 16

It violates conversational norms by sharing overly intimate information or using communication styles (e.g., slang or jargon) that the other person doesn’t understand.

Question 17

What phenomenon does the communication predicament of Ageing (CPA) model build on?

Answer 17

The over-accommodation phenomenon from CAT.

Question 18

What does the CPA model explain?

Answer 18

The CPA model explains how age-related cues (e.g., grey hair, wrinkles) trigger stereotyping by younger speakers, leading to over-accommodative behaviour.

Question 19

What are the consequences of over-accommodation in the CPA model?

Answer 19

Restricts the older adult’s participation in conversation.

Reduces self-efficacy, self-esteem, and social image.

Reinforces the negative stereotypes that caused the behaviour.

Question 20

How does the CPA create a cycle of negative communication?

Answer 20

Encounter with older person → Recognition of age cues and activation of stereotypes → Modified (patronising) communication → Reduced communication opportunities →
Loss of control, self-esteem, and social interaction → Physiological, psychological, and sociocultural decline → (back to encounter)

Question 21

How does the Communication Enhancement Model differ from the CPA model?

Answer 21

CPA focuses on negative consequences of stereotyping and over-accommodation.

CEM focuses on positive, individualised communication that enhances interaction and quality of life.

Question 22

What does the Communication Enhancement Model emphasise?

Answer 22

Recognising an older adult’s individual characteristics and tailoring communication strategies to their specific needs and abilities.

Question 23

What are examples of appropriate communication adjustments under the CEM?

Answer 23

Speaking clearly to a client with hearing impairment.

Using visual cues or repetition to enhance understanding.

Avoiding unnecessary simplification or elderspeak if not needed.

Question 24

What are the outcomes of effective communication as described in the CEM?

Answer 24

Better understanding of discussions. Greater participation in decision-making and goal setting. Improved intervention outcomes, satisfaction, and quality of life.

Question 25

How does the CEM connect to person- and family-centred care?

Answer 25

Both emphasise individualised, respectful communication that values client input and supports participation in their own care.

Question 26

What is age identity?

Answer 26

Age identity is a shared sense of belonging within an age group that shapes how individuals see themselves and relate to others.

Question 27

How does age identity affect communication in older adulthood?

Answer 27

It influences how older adults present themselves. They may disclose their age to explain difficulties (e.g., illness) or to emphasise positive traits, such as being more active or capable than peers.

Question 28

What are the two main purposes of age identity in communication

Answer 28

Resource: Used to protect or enhance oneself based on others’ expectations. Perpetuate stereotypes: Used to compare oneself favourably to the stereotypical older person. Communication should remain person- and family-centred, following the Communication Enhancement Model.