Integrating the Communicative Predicament and Enhancement of Aging Models: The Case of Older Native Americans

Abstract

This article addresses issues of diversity in intergenerational communication by introducing a model that integrates key aspects of the communication predicament and enhancement models of aging with other potent constructs (e.g., group vitality, mindfulness). The model is then applied to the health care experience of an understudied population-older Native Americans. Specifically, it is used to illuminate how intergenerational communication may be facilitated or, indeed, hindered by communicative processes born out of categorization and stereotyping. Health care professionals (in particular), whose working environment is increasingly populated by older economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse patients, should be made aware of some of the strengths and weaknesses of their communicative practices in such intergenerational interactions.