The Communication Education of Older Persons: Prior Training and Utilization of Information Sources

This article presents data from surveys conducted among older individuals in three sampling locations in northwest Arkansas. The purpose was to define the educational n.eds of this population. The survey questions attempted to gather information about the education and training of older persons in the areas of interpersonal communication, normal aging, normal changes in communicative behavior associated with the aging process, and communication disorders commonly encountered in the older population. In addition, respondents were asked to identify both the extent to which they utilized other information sources pertinent to these topic areas and the nature of these sources. In general, little education or formal training was reported for all but the interpersonal communication topic area. Respondents did report higher levels of usage of other information sources, but normal aging and normal interpersonal communication again received the greatest attention. Subgroup differences are described, and possible variables influencing education and information levels are discussed. The need for educational programming in the communication area is emphasized.