BACKGROUND

Behavioural and neuropsychological studies on elderly populations concentrate on many aspects of cognitive functioning, but significantly less research concerns communication processes, including aspects of verbal communication skills, pragmatic issues that are important for performing social tasks at every age.

AIMS

To characterize the variability in changes that occur with age in the domain of pragmatic aspects of verbal communication skills in a group of individuals aged > 65 years and to define their determinants.

METHODS & PROCEDURES: A group of 109 normally ageing individuals (aged 64.9-90 years) participated in the study (62 women and 47 men). Participants were divided into two age groups: < 70 and > 71 years old. The verbal communication skills were examined using the Polish version of the Right Hemisphere Language Battery (RHLB-PL), and cognitive skills using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).

OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Comparison between the subgroups showed that there was a significant decline in the older group in all the subtests except for the Discourse Analysis. Age did not differentiate discursive abilities in seniors. These data apparently confirm the hypothesis that discursive competences are stable throughout one's lifespan. In order to compare younger and older seniors in terms of the 11 aspects of pragmatic communication, two performance profiles were prepared for the groups and subjected to comparative analyses. The shape of the two profiles of all communication competences was similar. The biggest differences were identified between the groups in the Comments, Humour and Metaphor comprehension and explanation subtests. Analysis of the determinants of changes in pragmatic aspects of verbal communication skills in elderly individuals revealed that the important factors include age, overall level of cognitive function, higher education and female sex.

CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS: The relationship between age and pragmatic aspects of verbal communication skills is complex. The results indicate that treating seniors as a homogenous group in terms of pragmatic aspects of verbal communication functioning is incorrect. Age differentially affects the various aspects of communication functions. The level of cognitive functioning mediates the relationship between age and pragmatic aspects of verbal communication skills. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject? Behavioural and neuropsychological studies on elderly populations concentrate on many aspects of mnestic functions, executive functions, cognitive flexibility, fluency, cognitive control, working memory, semantic processing, arithmetic competences and perception speed. Significantly less research concerns communication processes, including verbal communication. Older and younger people have usually been compared in particular areas of communication: discourse, understanding of metaphors or prosody. At present there is a paucity of research regarding changes in communication functions at different stages of ageing and profiles of various aspects of verbal communication in old age. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The study indicates that normally ageing individuals are a non-homogeneous group in terms of pragmatic aspects of verbal communication. Various communication functions change at different rate at various stages of ageing. The study clarified the determinants of changes in pragmatic aspects of verbal communication skills in elderly individuals. These aspects are cognitive abilities, age, a high education level and sex. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The research shows that diagnosis of communication competencies in elderly individuals is necessary. Furthermore, the kind of abilities is very important for social relationships and quality of life. It is essential to inform a senior's family about communication changes that occur in normal ageing. Understanding potential verbal communication difficulties in seniors and their determinants are fundamental issues.