The Mediated Senior

Abstract

As more people live longer lives where one lives is a key element of being physically and psychologically healthy. While cultural differences are significant, there are common developments of global importance – aging, urbanization, and technology.

From smart cities and smart homes to mobile devices, increasingly, media technology is offered as solution for physical and social challenges facing seniors. But these creative age-based communication options may also connect and disconnect individuals from family and community. With the positive may come unintended negative consequences resulting in a need to understand people/environment relationships and the unique needs of seniors.

Emerging areas of communication are introduced suggesting insights for future research. The first approach introduced is lifespan communication which assumes that human communication is developmental and communication patterns and needs must be understood as changing across time. The second approach introduced is urban communication which conceptualizes cities as complex environments of interpersonal interaction, landscapes of spaces and places shaping human behavior, and intricate technological environments. This paper suggests the need to consider communication approaches to understand and plan for the relationship between physical place and mediated interaction for the older adults.