The fundamental assumption of the life span communication perspective is that the nature and function of communication change throughout the entirety of people's lives. These changes in communication as individuals age have a significant impact on how health communication is enacted in an appropriate and competent manner. Lifespan communication has evolved from the lifespan developmental perspective within psychology and the life course perspective within sociology. All current theoretical perspectives within the discipline of communication can be placed within the lifespan communication perspective by addressing the issue of age-related change and the possible implications of that change.