Are old people called geriatrics? Understanding the correct terminology

According to the National Institute on Aging, language that implies medical illness, dependency, or disability when referring to older people is considered ageist and should be avoided. This directly relates to the question: Are old people called geriatrics? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, but the informal use of the term is widely considered inappropriate and disrespectful.

Quick Summary

The term "geriatrics" refers to a medical specialty focusing on the health and care of older adults, not the older adults themselves. Calling a person a geriatric is considered ageist and inappropriate, much like labeling a child a "pediatric." The proper terminology is "older adults" or "older people" to promote respectful and person-centered language. This article details the distinction, promoting understanding and empathy.

Key Points

• Geriatrics vs. Individuals: Geriatrics is a medical specialty focused on the healthcare of older adults, not a label for the individuals themselves.

• Avoid Ageism: Calling a person a geriatric is considered ageist and can be offensive, perpetuating negative stereotypes about aging and health.

• Use Person-First Language: The most respectful terms are "older adults" or "older people," which prioritize the person over their age.

• Understanding Context: The term "geriatric" should be reserved for medical and clinical contexts, such as a "geriatrics department" or a "geriatrician."

• Embrace Proper Terminology: By using accurate language, we promote dignity, combat stereotypes, and foster a more respectful and inclusive society for all ages.

The critical distinction between geriatrics and older adults

Understanding the terminology used to describe older individuals is important, as misusing a word like "geriatric" can be unintentionally disrespectful. The term "geriatrics" refers to a medical specialty, while "older adult" or "older person" are respectful, person-first terms for individuals. This is not just a matter of semantics; it helps to avoid ageism and stereotypes that focus solely on health rather than the individual. Comparing it to other medical fields, you would not refer to a child as a "pediatric"; similarly, calling an older person a "geriatric" is incorrect.

Geriatrics vs. gerontology: A brief overview

To further clarify, it's helpful to understand the difference between geriatrics and gerontology.

Geriatrics

Geriatrics is a medical specialty focused on the healthcare of older adults. A geriatrician is a doctor with specialized training to address the unique and complex health needs that can occur with aging, such as multiple chronic conditions or cognitive changes. This care is for those with complex needs, not all older people.

Gerontology

Gerontology is a broader, multidisciplinary study of the aging process itself and its challenges, including biological, sociological, and psychological aspects. Gerontologists study changes throughout aging to help inform policies and programs that support healthy aging.

The impact of ageist language

Using terms like "geriatric" for an older person perpetuates ageism, which is discrimination based on age. Ageist language can reinforce negative stereotypes, cause emotional harm, and misuse clinical terms in personal settings. Respectful and accurate alternatives like "older adult" or "older person" should be used instead.

Alternatives to using the term "geriatric"

When discussing older individuals, using person-first language and avoiding generalizations is key. Appropriate terms include "older adults" or "older people" in general conversation, "patients" or "older patients" in healthcare, and "aging population" when discussing demographics. "Seniors" is also commonly used, though individual preferences vary.

A comparison of medical vs. social terms

To highlight the distinction:

Aspect	Medical Term (Geriatrics)	Social/Respectful Terminology
Subject	The medical field concerning older adults.	The individual or a population of older people.
Application	Professional, clinical, or academic settings, describing a medical specialty.	Everyday conversation, public policy, and general discourse.
Focus	Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of age-related diseases.	The overall well-being, life experience, and societal role of older people.
Core Goal	Improving the health outcomes for older patients with complex needs.	Promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion for older adults in all aspects of life.
Example	"The hospital's geriatrics department."	"The workshop was designed for older adults."

Promoting respect and dignity

Using respectful and accurate language is vital in combating ageism. Recognizing that "geriatrics" is a medical field, not a label for individuals, shifts the focus to seeing older people as diverse individuals. This is especially important in senior care, where focusing on the individual's full humanity is crucial. Resources like the National Institute on Aging emphasize the importance of avoiding age bias in language. Using person-centered language empowers older adults and acknowledges their contributions.

Conclusion

The question, are old people called geriatrics?, highlights the importance of language in shaping perceptions of aging. The answer is no; "geriatrics" is a medical specialty, and using it for an older person is ageist and disrespectful. Using person-first language like "older adults" or "older people" creates a more empathetic society. By using correct terminology, we help combat stereotypes and foster a culture that respects individuals at all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it offensive to call someone a geriatric?

Yes, for most people, it is offensive to be called a "geriatric." The term is a medical one referring to a specialized field of medicine, not a casual descriptor for an individual. Using it informally can be demeaning and ageist, reinforcing negative stereotypes about older people.

What is the correct term for old people?

The most widely accepted and respectful terms are "older adults" or "older people." These are considered person-centered and avoid the negative connotations sometimes associated with terms like "elderly" or "senior citizen."

What is the difference between geriatrics and gerontology?

Geriatrics is a medical specialty focused on the health and care of older adults, while gerontology is the broader, multidisciplinary study of the aging process itself. A geriatrician is a doctor, while a gerontologist studies the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging.

Why is it wrong to call a person a geriatric?

It is wrong because it reduces a person to a medical condition or specialty. You wouldn't call a child a "pediatric," so you shouldn't call an older person a "geriatric." It promotes a dehumanizing and ageist perspective by focusing exclusively on potential health issues rather than the person as a whole.

Can the term "senior citizen" be considered offensive?

While "senior citizen" has been used for a long time, many prefer "older adult" or "older person." The term can feel dated and may imply a certain dependency or status based on age, though its offensiveness is often debated and depends on individual preference.

When is it appropriate to use the term "geriatric"?

The term "geriatric" is only appropriate in a formal, clinical, or academic context when referring to the medical specialty or a specific department, such as a "geriatric assessment" or the "geriatrics department at the hospital." It is not a respectful term for an individual.

Why does terminology for older adults matter?

Terminology matters because language shapes perception. Using respectful, person-first language helps combat ageism and stereotypes, promotes dignity, and acknowledges that older adults are a diverse group of individuals with unique experiences, abilities, and needs.