Comprehension of Morphological Cues on Verbs for Temporal and Aspectual Information

For a 92-year-old, the comprehension of morphological cues on verbs for temporal and aspectual information shifts from acquisition to maintenance, rehabilitation, or adaptation. This skill is paramount for understanding daily instructions, following narratives, engaging in social conversations, and accurately recalling events, thus directly impacting independence and quality of life. The chosen 'Advanced Language Therapy' app by Tactus Therapy is uniquely suited for this age group and topic due to its scientific backing, specific focus on grammatical comprehension (including verb tense and aspect), and adaptability for older adults. It offers structured, repeatable exercises with immediate feedback, which is crucial for cognitive engagement and reinforcement. Unlike generic cognitive games, this app is designed by speech-language pathologists for therapeutic purposes, making it a high-impact instrument for language maintenance or rehabilitation. The integration with a tablet, high-quality headphones, and a stylus ensures maximum accessibility and ease of use, mitigating common age-related challenges such as vision impairment, hearing loss, and fine motor difficulties, aligning perfectly with the principles of cognitive maintenance, functional relevance, and accessibility.

Implementation Protocol for a 92-Year-Old:

1. Personalized Setup: A caregiver, SLP, or family member should initially set up the app on the tablet, optimizing display settings (large font, high contrast), audio volume, and ensuring comfortable headphone fit. If fine motor skills are compromised, introduce the stylus. The environment should be quiet and free from distractions.
2. Introduction & Goal Setting: Explain the purpose of the activity in simple terms: "This helps keep your mind sharp and makes sure you understand exactly when things happen when people talk or when you read." Emphasize the functional benefits, like understanding doctor's instructions or family stories.
3. Targeted Practice (Verb Tense Module): Navigate to the 'Verb Tense' module within the 'Advanced Language Therapy' app. Begin with exercises focusing on clear distinctions, such as past vs. present tense, using simple, high-frequency verbs. Gradually introduce more complex aspectual cues (e.g., progressive 'was walking' vs. simple past 'walked') as the individual demonstrates comfort and comprehension.
4. Structured Sessions: Keep sessions brief, typically 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times per week, to avoid cognitive fatigue and maintain engagement. Prioritize quality over quantity. Allow for breaks as needed.
5. Interactive Support & Reinforcement: Provide gentle, supportive guidance. Encourage the individual to articulate why they chose an answer, reinforcing the morphological cue (e.g., "Yes, 'walked' tells us it happened before now, good job!"). The app provides immediate feedback, which can be supplemented with verbal affirmation.
6. Real-World Generalization: After a session, gently prompt the individual to identify verb tenses in everyday contexts. For example, during a conversation, ask, "Granddaughter visited yesterday. Did she say she will visit again or she visited already?" or when reading a newspaper headline, "What does 'has arrived' tell us about when it happened?"
7. Monitor & Adapt: Regularly review the app's progress tracking features to identify areas of strength and challenge. Adjust the difficulty and type of exercises accordingly. Celebrate small achievements to maintain motivation. Consult with an SLP for professional guidance if specific cognitive-communication difficulties are observed.