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Age-related effects on speech fluency
A J Caruso1, M T McClowry, L Max
1Orofacial Motor Control Lab, School of Speech Pathology & Audiology, Kent State University, OH 44242-0001, USA.
Seminars in Speech and Language
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Aging adults generally exhibit similar speech fluency to younger adults. However, elderly speakers may experience increased disfluency under stressful conditions, impacting communication.
Area of Science:
- Speech production
- Gerontology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Age-related changes in speech production are a significant area of research.
- Understanding speech fluency in aging, nonstuttering populations is crucial for assessing communication abilities.
- Previous studies suggest varying impacts of aging on speech patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related changes in speech production.
- To investigate fluency changes in aging, nonstuttering speakers.
- To compare the disfluency patterns of a very elderly individual with younger geriatric groups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of age-related speech production changes.
- Analysis of fluency in aging, nonstuttering speakers.
- Comparative analysis of disfluency frequencies and types in a 105-year-old woman versus geriatric groups.
Main Results:
- Most studies indicate similar disfluency frequencies between old and young adults.
- A 105-year-old woman's disfluency patterns were comparable to younger geriatric groups.
- Aging speakers' fluency is not inherently more prone to breakdowns than younger speakers'.
Conclusions:
- Speech fluency in aging adults is generally stable and comparable to younger adults.
- Elderly speakers may exhibit increased disfluency under stressful conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of aging and speech fluency.
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