ABSTRACT
The most primitive form of communication is tactual communication (interpersonal touching). Tactual communication between people familiar to each other can express various positive emotions. But a social distance exists between unfamiliar people, and there is a tendency to avoid the touch of unfamiliar people. Varying kinds of communication disorders are caused by aging. Some of the hospitalized or institutionalized elderly persons have difficulties not only of verbal communication but also of emotional (nonverbal) communication. Thus, a kind of communication support system between the hospital or institution staffs and elderly person is expected.
