Centre for Policy on Ageing



Lasting words as a channel for intergenerational communication
Author(s)	Robert Kastenbaum
Journal title	Ageing and Society, vol 17, part 1, January 1997
Pages	pp 21-39
Keywords	Communication ; Family relationships ; Cognitive processes ; Memory and Reminiscence ; Life span.
Annotation	Lasting words (LWs) can be defined as verbal messages that are remembered over many years and considered by the recipient to have had a significant influence on his/her life. In this study, a sample of 148 independent-living older adults were asked to share words that had made a lasting impression, and to indicate what LWs they would like to impart to other people. Parents, teachers and grandparents were the most common sources for LWs; and late childhood and youth were the times when most LWs were received. The most common types were statements of moral principles, and admonitions specific to the recipient, including derogatory remarks. The value of education and importance of giving priority to one's own family were the main themes which this group would pass on to the next generation. Any future research in this area of intergenerational communication needs to pay attention to the theme, substance and context of such messages.
Accession Number	CPA-970224002 A
Classmark	U: DS:SJ: DA: DB: BG6
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.