The problem, said Shadden, is that many different elements conspire to silence older adults. One-third of adults 65 and older suffer from some form of communication disorder. But even those who are perfectly healthy and capable may face social obstacles that can leave them speechless. Naturally, as people age, their social circles diminish. Children and grandchildren move away.
Retirement heralds a loss of professional colleagues.
Spouses and friends succumb to health problems or vanish into nursing homes. Additionally, older people tend to get confined within their own age group. As they themselves move into retirement communities and nursing homes, some find that their fellow residents are physically or mentally incapable of providing stimulating conversation. Such circumstances are often an inevitable aspect of aging. However, senior citizens find themselves further debilitated by the social stigmas that Americans associate with old age.