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Disruption of reference in aging
Brain and Language
|May 1, 1986
Summary
As people age, their ability to use and understand ambiguous references in language declines. This study observed increasing language comprehension difficulties in older adults, impacting discourse.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Reference is a key cohesive device in discourse.
- Understanding age-related changes in language processing is crucial for cognitive health.
- Previous research has explored various aspects of aging and cognition, but specific impacts on discourse cohesion require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on the use and comprehension of reference in discourse.
- To examine how age influences linguistic variation in narrative and procedural texts.
- To identify potential cognitive and comprehension impairments associated with age-related changes in reference.
Main Methods:
- A homogeneous sample of adults from a religious order was studied.
- Discourse production and comprehension were assessed across different complexity levels.
- Participants were divided into age groups: middle-aged (27-55), younger elderly (64-76), and older elderly (77-92).
Main Results:
- Significant ambiguity in reference emerged in the younger elderly group compared to the middle-aged group.
- Reference ambiguity markedly increased in the older elderly group.
- Impairments in comprehension and cognition were observed, correlating with age and reference ambiguity.
Conclusions:
- Linguistic variation with advancing age includes increased ambiguity in reference.
- Age-related decline in reference processing impacts discourse comprehension.
- These findings highlight the communicative consequences of ambiguous reference in older adults.
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