This volume presents comprehensive discussions dealing with the importance to older people of communication. Chapters, written by professionals and educators representing numerous viewpoints and disciplines, cover such topics as basic considerations in communicating with older people, the retiree's perspective on communication, generation gaps, mass media and aging consumers, and hearing disorders and other communication considerations in health care of the aging. Other discussions review legal and public problems, organized religion, special living arrangements, and the roles of communications specialists, organizations, and social workers serving the elderly. (Author/KS)