Students in the Department of Strategic Communication at Concordia University, St. Paul are applying classroom concepts to real-world experiences through a Family Communication course focused on aging and family dynamics.
Throughout the course, students have explored the complexities of aging and how families navigate these changes. A central component of the class has been Mary Pipher’s book Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, which highlights the importance of understanding generational differences in communication, particularly when addressing sensitive topics related to aging.
As part of this learning experience, students visited the Episcopal Homes Residential Facility in St. Paul on March 23. During the visit, students participated in small group discussions with residents.
The conversations focused on issues of aging, the transition to assisted living, and how generational perceptions shape communication. These discussions provided students with an opportunity to apply course concepts in a real-world setting while engaging directly with older adults.
The experience emphasized the role of communication in navigating the emotional and practical aspects of aging, as well as the importance of recognizing differences in perspective across generations.
