Overview

Understanding Communication and Aging: Developing Knowledge and Awareness explores communication in older adulthood, particularly in the areas of interpersonal, intercultural, and mass communication, and includes coverage of communication using new technology. The book synthesizes existing research, and builds a case for more positive attitudes towards aging and for the power of communication to shape such attitudes. A succinct mix of the conceptual and the practical, Understanding Communication and Aging acknowledges the importance of theory yet also emphasizes that communication and aging is inherently an applied field of study. This approach is reinforced through discussion of applied issues such as health communication and age-related prejudice and discrimination, all supported with concrete examples. Chapters include profiles of older adults and their significant achievements, literary and artistic depictions of aging, and information boxes that discuss myths about aging and keys to aging successfully. There are also numerous exercises and activities to engage readers in learning actively. Forward thinking in approach and coverage, Understanding Communication and Aging is ideal for courses in communication, gerontology, nursing, and family studies.

Full Product Details

9781516521296

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Reviews

"A tour-de-force in health communication and aging. A comprehensive approach that is also engaging and fun to read."" —Diane M. Ferrero-Paluzzi, Iona College ""[I]ncredibly accessible. … Of all the textbooks that I use, this text is my favorite. … I love this book! … Communication and Aging is an accessible and relatable resource on the complex communicative processes within and surrounding aging and older adulthood. Dr. Harwood provides readers with a better understanding of what it means to age well, pinpoints the persistent social psychological barriers to aging well, and provides hopeful hints about how to ultimately achieve successful aging…in the interpersonal, family, institutional, cultural, and global realms."" —Christine E. Rittenour, West Virginia University ""This is my go-to text for Communication and Aging. Harwood provides a compelling and thorough review of the important societal issues surrounding aging and how this impacts our interactions—whether among strangers or family members. This is a must read for anyone interested in the study of communication and aging."" —Allison R. Thorson, University of San Francisco ""Harwood examines message-centered behavior about and for older adults through his lifespan communication approach. Studying the aging process along with its opportunities and complexities has never been more engaging."" —Merry C. Buchanan, University of Central Oklahoma"

A tour-de-force in health communication and aging. A comprehensive approach that is also engaging and fun to read. -Diane M. Ferrero-Paluzzi, Iona College [I]ncredibly accessible. ... Of all the textbooks that I use, this text is my favorite. ... I love this book! ... Communication and Aging is an accessible and relatable resource on the complex communicative processes within and surrounding aging and older adulthood. Dr. Harwood provides readers with a better understanding of what it means to age well, pinpoints the persistent social psychological barriers to aging well, and provides hopeful hints about how to ultimately achieve successful aging...in the interpersonal, family, institutional, cultural, and global realms. -Christine E. Rittenour, West Virginia University This is my go-to text for Communication and Aging. Harwood provides a compelling and thorough review of the important societal issues surrounding aging and how this impacts our interactions-whether among strangers or family members. This is a must read for anyone interested in the study of communication and aging. -Allison R. Thorson, University of San Francisco Harwood examines message-centered behavior about and for older adults through his lifespan communication approach. Studying the aging process along with its opportunities and complexities has never been more engaging. -Merry C. Buchanan, University of Central Oklahoma

Author Information

Jake Harwood earned his Ph.D. in communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently a professor of communication at the University of Arizona, Dr. Harwood teaches courses in intergenerational communication, communication and music, and research methods. He has authored or coauthored books on intergroup communication as well as communication and aging, and serves as coeditor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Intergroup Communication. He has contributed articles to Communication Research, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and other notable journals. Dr. Harwood's research focuses on intergroup and intergenerational communication, and the intersection of music and communication.

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