Understanding Communication & Aging Ch. 5

Buffer

Protective factor

Ex: Stress causes health problems, but quality social relationships can shield those negative effects

Communal Themes in Communication

Language of “we” as opposed to “me” and/or “you” (Indicator of marriage success)

Include:

• togetherness

• cooperation

• communication

• romanticism

• interdependence

Continuity Theory

Theory stating that older people age better if they maintain relationships and activities early on in their lives

Exchange Theory

Theory that understands personal relationships by emphasizing the costs and rewards they provide

We are unlikely to stay in costly relationships that far exceed the rewards

Non-obligatory relationships

A term for a relationship that one is not required to have

Ex: Friendships

Planned retirement communities

Large housing communities designed exclusively for older adults

Include leisure facilities

Selective Attrition

Loss of people in ways that are not random

Ex: People in a research study may drop out of the experimental group than those in the control group

Social Support

Caring for someone, especially one experiencing distress

Can be:

• Logistical (buying groceries)

• Emotional (listening to the person)

U-shaped curve

Describes marital satisfaction

Showcases a pattern of decline followed by an increase

Declines during midlife then increases improves as one gets older