Effective communication with older people requires us to first understand them

1) A Different Background
The current cohord of elderly grew up in a very different social-econonmic and political environment from us.  Many of them had experienced economic deprivation and received very little formal education.  Having been brought up in a very different era with different value systems and traditions, and different exposure and experience, they harbour a set of ideals and expectations that may not be readily accepted by us.  Coupled with the various physical, phychological and social changes that the elderly have to adjust to, as well as inadequate understanding about them on our part, communications may be adversely affected.

2) Phsyical Changes
Some of the physical changes that affect communciation with the elderly include loss of hearing and decline in visual acuity.  For example, the elderly may mistaken the person he is speaking to for someone else.  Another change is that of speech or articulation.  This is seen in an elderly person's voice becoming tremulous, weak, hoarse and higher or lower pitched than it was in middleage.  Some illnesses could also affect communication adversely.

3) Psychological Changes
The major psychological changes that impact communciation include the decline in memory, (particularly short-term memory) and speed of infromation processing.  Both of these could slow down the communication process and thus discourage the young from talking to the elderly.

4) Change in Social Roles
Social changes, such as retirement and the resultant loss of income and status, could also affect older people psychologically e.g. their self esteem, especially in a work-oriented society that equates retirees as old, unproductive, incompetent and expendable.  This could influence their desire or lack thereof to communicate.  Bereavement and the experience of grief could also affect the elderly person's willingness or capacity to communicate.  Such losses in the elderly may lead to social withdrawal, depression or irritability and agitation and impinge on the elderly person's ability to communicate.


So how should we communicate with the elderly? The trick is to be SOLVENT:

SOLVENT: Liquid with Power of Dissolving

S - Slow Down
If only one suggestion could be made for improving your message-sending ability, it would be this.

O - Maintain an Open posture
The opposite of this is to fold your arms (closed posture) and convey a message of "Don't come near me, I have no time for you".

L - Lean forward
This indicates interest in the elderly, a willingness to listen.

V - Verbal qualities
The tone of voice can convey much more than the content.  Also, lower your pitch.

E - Maintain Eye contact
This is not only respectful but is basic courtesy.

N - Address the elderly person by Name
By saying "Mr Tan,..." it will help the elderly person know that you are talking to him.

T - Do not be afraid to Touch the elderly
Touch conveys warmth and care, as well acceptance.


It is important to recognise that many older people experience some hearing impairment.  In fact, research has shown that people over age 50 are likely to loss some hearing each year.  The following are some tips to recognise hearing loss in an elderly: