Abstract:

Within a communication accommodation framework, the emerging literature on patronizing communication directed to older adults in both institutional & community settings is reviewed. The verbal & nonverbal features of patronizing messages (modifications of communication based on age-based stereotypes of incompetence & dependence) are outlined, with an emphasis on the multiple, often ambiguous, meanings of such messages. The dual purposes of intergenerational communication (respect & caring) are discussed, emphasizing how a focus on caring for frail elders can lead to overparenting & dependency-supportive behaviors. Both field studies of staff talk addressed to older care receivers & evaluative studies with conversational scenarios have permitted analyses of the influences of provider behavior, recipient characteristics, context, & recipient response on the meaning of patronizing messages.