Topic manipulation and cohesive adequacy in conversations of normal adults between the ages of 30 and 90

Abstract

Few investigations have studied changes in normal conversational performance throughout the lifespan. The present study gathered preliminary data on 40 normal-language subjects between the ages of 30 and 90 years. The subjects were matched for age and sex in dyads and engaged in conversations. The conversations were analyzed for topic manipulation skills (introduction, reintroduction, maintenance, shading) and cohesive adequacy (complete ties, erroneous ties, incomplete ties). Significant differences were found between older and younger dyads on the topic and cohesion variables.