Aging and applied communication research

Aging is a complex and ever-changing process from life’s birth until its close. In the year 2000, males in the United States living until the age of 65 had an average of 15.8 years of life ahead and females 19.3 years (Olshansky & Carnes, 2001). As life expectancy continues to grow, improving the quality of life in the later years has become a central research agenda in numerous disciplines. Applied communication research is no exception and has been instrumental in connecting three life facets-the physical, psychological, and social-identified as vital components of successful aging (Rowe & Kahn, 1998). Applied communication research is exceptionally well situated to examine the aging process of older adults in light of these complex facets. Not only is communication central in life at all ages but it also plays a fundamental role in maintaining the good health and quality social support needed to enhance the well-being of older individuals. An applied communication perspective allows theory and research to be linked with practice, which has the potential to improve the aging process at the later end of the life span.