Use direct questions: “Did you have soup for lunch?” “Did you have salad for lunch?” Instead of: “What did you have for lunch?” The more precise you are in your language, the less difficulty the elderly have in understanding. Reduce the “noise” in your sentences and questions. Limit your sentences and questions to 20 words or less. Don’t use slang or filler words and phrases. (“Like,” “well,” and “you know” are a few examples. ) Keep your sentences brief and direct to the point. Avoid the confusion of mixed ideas and questions. Try to define your ideas and questions logically. If you mix ideas, it may be confusing for the older adult to understand. Express one idea and message at a time. For example, “It is a good idea to call John, your brother. Later, we can call Susan, your sister. " A more complicated construction would be: “I think we should call your brother, John, first, and then later we could call your sister, Susan. "
