Publisher's Synopsis
The provision of health care is, in large measure, a communicative act, The elderly constitute an increasingly large segment of our population, with unique communicative - as well as health care - needs. These premises are the foundation for this collection of essays by a group of scholars representing communication studies, gerontology, medicine, psychology and sociology.;Interaction between elderly people, their health care providers and their social support networks is examined from a variety of perspectives, treating the experiences of both providers and patients. The emphasis throughout is on the central role of communication in the provision of health care and social support for the elderly.;This book is intended to be of interest to academics in communication, gerontology, social work, sociolinguistics and the psychology and sociology of ageing, as well as to graduate students in these disciplines.
