1. Communication & Aging It is my intent to use the knowledge gained about language and cross-cultural communication to work with senior citizens in the community. This material represents only a few important tools that I will use to better understand and communicate with seniors seniors.

2. Language and Aging Language changes with age. The ability to recall decreases which interferes with the flow of the discourse. It is important to recognize extenders, idioms and other indicators in orders to assist older individuals in their quest to communicate.

3. Language Key: Language is the main way to begin understanding the older person. Learning to communicate in figurative language will save the time and effort. It will also enhance socialization between the elderly and the younger generation.

4. Positioning:Identity Building Identity and Aging. Older individuals enjoy reminiscing, and retelling narratives of their lives “in order to reposition their identity and to maintain a sense of self”.

5. Gender and Aging Communication: Older individuals respond best when gender specific language is used in discourse.

6. Reminiscing The act of reminiscing is therapeutic: It is often used to treat depression and is useful for increasing self-esteem in the older population.

7. Small Stories Small stories are embedded in the main story. Many caregivers have complained about an older person who starts one story and then include several others. The small stories are necessary because the teller is attempting to include the various parts of the self that is stored in relation to the main story.