Application of Coping Strategies Developed by Older Deaf Adults to the Aging Process

Adjustment to deafness in early life and its influence on adjustment to the aging process was a major premise for this study. Early life experiences, peer group relationships, social relations, feelings of discrimination and stigmatization, and treatment as a minority group which together have led to the development of adaptive strategies were examined. Using ethnographic research, data was gathered from 22 deaf adults aged 55 to 84. Results indicated the educational programs they attended as children had ramifications throughout their lives. The type of program they had attended was of paramount importance in the participants' development of adaptive strategies, particularly their peer-based society and lifetime friendships which maximized sociability. Participants reported feelings of discrimination, stigmatization and minority group treatment. Nonetheless, their early acceptance of their disability appeared to carry over as the deaf adults approached the aging process.