The effect of language skills on telephone conversation in older adults with and without acquired language impairment

Dündar Divarci, A. (2026) The Effect of Language Skills on Telephone Conversation in Older Adults with and without Acquired Language Impairment. Master's Thesis, Istanbul Atlas University Graduate Education Institute, Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Istanbul. Aim: This study aims to comparatively examine the phone communication skills and digital technology usage of individuals aged 65 and over with and without acquired language disorders, and to determine the relationships of these skills with language performance, cognitive status, and quality of life. Method: A total of 50 participants, 25 with acquired language disorders and 25 healthy individuals, were included. Data were collected using a "Phone Communication Survey," language/cognitive screening tests, and the Quality of Life Scale. Results: Analyses revealed that the group with acquired language disorders had significantly higher scores for phone communication difficulty and negative attitudes toward phone use, and significantly lower daily phone usage amounts compared to the healthy group. Conversely, digital technology usage frequency was found to be similar and low in both groups. Correlation analyses determined that phone communication difficulty showed a strong negative correlation with the individuals' cognitive status and language skills. Furthermore, negative attitudes and feelings of pressure toward phone use were found to have a significant negative correlation with quality of life. Conclusion: Phone conversations lacking visual cues are a challenging process that creates pressure for elderly individuals with acquired language disorders. These difficulties are closely related not only to linguistic but also to cognitive limitations and negatively impact the individuals' quality of life. This multifaceted relationship (language-cognition-communication) should be considered in rehabilitation programs. Keywords: Acquired Language Disorders, Aphasia, Geriatrics, Phone Communication, Cognitive Status, Quality of Life.