How Expressive Language Skills Change with Age and How Seniors Can Get Support
According to Lingoda, over 840 million people speak English as a first or second language, and it's the official language of 67 countries. If you grew up speaking English, then you're in a lucky position of knowing such a powerful and useful language.
Over the years, you've probably honed your proficiency in communicating your thoughts and feelings effectively. But as we get into older age, our expressive language skills may change.
Some changes are typical with aging, while others aren't. So how can you tell when you need outside help, like memory care? And how can such a service help?
This article will go over this important topic so you can help your elderly loved one in Woodbury, NJ get the care they need and deserve.
What Changes With Typical Aging?
First of all, speech changes in aging are normal and expected. They don't necessarily mean that a senior is losing their intelligence or communication ability. It simply shows that expression takes a little more effort.
These are typical changes that happen when we get older:
- Slower word retrieval
- Pauses or hesitations in conversation
- Slightly shorter attention span for lengthy talks
- Changes in voice
- Occasional mix-ups
In general, older adults should still be able to keep up with conversations, although it may take them a little longer to process things.
What's Not Typical?
There are some shifts in language skills that may be indicative of health concerns, such as dementia, stroke, or other neurological issues. If you notice them, then it's best to encourage your loved one to get a medical evaluation. From there, they can take the right actions to receive adequate care, such as getting into memory care in Woodbury, NJ.
These are the red flags you should be watching out for:
- Frequent word substitutions or nonsense words
- Difficulty forming sentences
- Abrupt loss of vocabulary skills
- Speech becoming unclear or slurred
- Avoiding conversation altogether
How Senior Living Can Help
Whether your beloved senior is going through typical or non-typical language skill changes, it can be beneficial for them to move into a senior living community. The environment and staff members are all optimized for senior communication strategies, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Here are the ways senior living can help residents with their expressive language skills.
Opportunities for Daily Conversation
When seniors live alone, they end up lonely and isolated. Not only can this affect their health and well-being, but it also decreases the chances for them to use their language skills.
In a senior living community, there will be daily opportunities for casual chats. For example, they can talk with neighbors, friends, and staff.
This regular interaction helps older adults practice expressing themselves, and it keeps conversations flowing naturally. Because of this, you won't feel like you're "starting from scratch" with conversations when you visit or call your loved one.
Supportive Social Activities
We all need social connections to thrive, but this is especially true for seniors.
The beauty of senior living communities is that they're naturally designed to have supportive social activities. Things older adults can do here are:
- Group games
- Book clubs
- Storytelling circles
- Music programs
- Art activities
All of the above create various scenarios for seniors to gather with other residents who have shared interests. This encourages them to speak in a low-pressure and enjoyable setting.
These activities offer a fun way to keep word retrieval sharp. Plus, you'll have exciting topics to discuss when you visit your beloved senior.
Therapies and Programs
As part of assisted living cognitive support, some senior living communities offer access to speech therapy or communication-focused wellness programs. Language therapy for seniors can help them:
- Strengthen language skills
- Find strategies for word retrieval
- Maintain confidence in conversation
All your senior has to do is ask staff members about the therapies and programs, and they'll receive assistance signing up for the appropriate ones.
Technology and Tools
Many older adults find technology confusing, so they end up refusing to use devices such as smartphones, tablets, or even computers. But this can have an isolating effect, and as a result, they won't exercise their language skills.
To help them stay connected, it's common for senior living communities to provide support with communication tools, such as:
- Hearing aids
- Captioned phones
- Video calls
This will result in more meaningful exchanges and fewer tech problems during precious moments.
Encouraging Confidence
When seniors feel supported and understood, they're more likely to come out of their shell. Senior living communities facilitate this by creating safe and patient spaces where residents don't feel rushed or judged for forgetting a word.
Because they feel safe and comfortable, seniors will then be more likely to share stories, jokes, and feelings!
Tips to Help Support Your Loved One
Your beloved senior may already have wonderful supports in place when they reside in a senior living community. However, families play the biggest role in keeping conversations enjoyable.
Here are a few tips to help support your loved one even more:
- Be patient with pauses
- Simplify without talking down
- Encourage storytelling
- Limit distractions
- Celebrate connection, not perfection
When your elderly loved one sees that you're making room for them in conversation, they'll appreciate it. This can help bring out longer and more meaningful conversations.
Help Your Loved One With Their Expressive Language Skills
Expressive language skills are vital for everyone; they allow us to convey our thoughts and feelings. Without these skills, we can feel lost and isolated from everyone else. Shifts in these skills are natural as we get older, but they can feel frustrating to deal with.
So be patient and compassionate toward your beloved senior, and if you feel like they need more assistance and support, consider getting them into a senior living community. They'll be in an environment created specifically for older adults, and it'll be easier to flourish and thrive.
Get in touch with us today to request more information about senior living in Woodbury, NJ. Woodbury Mews is currently offering $99 off your first month's rent on select apartments.