The two faces of elderspeak
Adolfo M García1,2,3
1Centro de Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Elderspeak is a collection of prosodic, lexical, and syntactic adaptations adopted for communicating with older adults. Often rejected as ageist and patronizing, it actually has mixed effects: some features hinder comprehension and well-being, while others aid understanding, social connection, or care. Considering seniors with and without dementia, this perspective addresses motivations, forms, and impacts of elderspeak, advancing a personalized, science-first agenda to preserve benefits despite flaws.
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