How Do You Say Old Professionally? A Guide to Age-Inclusive Language

Oct 24, 2025 4 min read •

Healthy Aging Etiquette Professional Communication

According to the World Health Organization, ageism is prevalent in both the workplace and society, with language being a primary driver of biased attitudes. Mastering how do you say old professionally is therefore a crucial skill for fostering respectful and inclusive environments.

Quick Summary

Use person-first, specific, and positive language, such as "older adults" or "experienced professionals," instead of outdated or potentially demeaning terms. Always focus on an individual's abilities and contributions, not just their age.

Key Points

Use "Older Adults": This is the most accepted, neutral, and respectful general term for people in later life stages.
Be Specific: When possible, use specific age ranges or person-first language instead of broad labels. For example, refer to "participants aged 70 to 80" in a study.
Highlight Experience: Frame a person's age positively by referring to them as a "seasoned professional," "experienced colleague," or "long-term employee."
Avoid Problematic Terms: Steer clear of outdated and potentially demeaning words like "elderly," "senior citizen," or "old-timer."
Focus on the Person: The most professional approach is to address individuals by their name and role, minimizing the focus on their age unless it is contextually relevant.
Consider Context: The best term depends on the situation, whether it's a medical setting, a corporate office, or a public communication piece.

The Importance of Age-Inclusive Language

Ageism is discrimination and stereotyping based on age. Like other forms of bias, it can manifest subtly through language, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that suggest older individuals are less capable, out-of-touch, or ready for retirement. This has real-world consequences, including limiting career opportunities and damaging mental health. In professional settings, using respectful language is not just a matter of political correctness but a core component of fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. It demonstrates respect for colleagues and clients and acknowledges the valuable experience that comes with age. Choosing your words carefully helps create a culture where every person feels valued and respected for their contributions, not their birth year.

Preferred Terminology in Professional Settings

When determining how do you say old professionally, the most effective approach is to focus on person-first language and avoid generalizations. Here are some of the most widely accepted and recommended terms:

Use Specifics Over Generalities

Where possible, avoid an age-related label altogether and focus on the individual's role or expertise. Instead of referring to "the older staff," you might say "the project lead" or "our veteran team members." This acknowledges their value based on merit, not chronology.

Use "Older Adults" or "Older People"

These neutral, descriptive terms are now the standard in professional and academic writing. They are factual and do not carry the negative or condescending connotations often associated with terms like "elderly" or "seniors." Many style guides, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute on Aging, endorse these phrases for formal communication.

Use Terms Related to Experience

When a person's long career is relevant, highlighting their experience is both accurate and respectful. Consider terms such as:

Seasoned professional
Experienced colleague
Long-standing employee

These phrases underscore a person's wisdom and expertise, framing their age as an asset rather than a liability.

A Comparison of Terms to Use and Avoid

Avoiding ageist language involves understanding why certain words are problematic. While some terms may seem harmless, they can carry negative baggage or imply frailty. This table provides a quick reference for better alternatives.


Term to Avoid	Why It's Problematic	Respectful Alternative(s)
Elderly	Can imply frailty, dependence, or diminished capacity. Overly general.	Older adult, older person, specific age group (e.g., "those over 70")
Senior Citizen	A dated, formal-sounding label often associated with discounts or social services rather than competence.	Older adult, member of our community, valued client
Old-timer	Informal and can be condescending, suggesting someone is stuck in the past.	Experienced professional, seasoned expert, long-term employee
Over the Hill	A highly insulting and pejorative phrase that suggests a person's best years are behind them.	Experienced, accomplished, still contributing valuable skills
Silver Tsunami	A journalistic phrase portraying the aging population as a looming social or economic catastrophe.	The growing older adult population, demographic shift

Contextualizing Communication

No single term fits every professional situation. The best choice depends heavily on the context, relationship, and purpose of the communication.

In Healthcare: Use specific, person-first language. Instead of "the elderly patient," refer to "the patient over 70 with a pre-existing condition." Avoid the outdated term "geriatric" to describe a person, as it is a medical specialty, not a descriptor.
In Marketing: Acknowledge the diversity within the older adult demographic. Tailor messaging to specific interests and life stages (e.g., "retirees enjoying active lifestyles" or "people planning for their second careers") rather than lumping everyone into a single category like "seniors."
In Journalism and Research: Clarify the specific age range being discussed. Phrases like "adults aged 65 and older" are more precise and less biased than vague labels. The key is to include age only when it is directly relevant and informative to the story or study.

Beyond Vocabulary: Actions and Behavior

Using the right words is just one piece of the puzzle. True professionalism and respect for older adults are also reflected in behavior and actions. Consider these practices:

Listen Actively: Pay attention to their insights and experience, treating them as valuable contributors to the conversation.
Avoid Making Assumptions: Do not assume a person's ability to use technology, their health status, or their retirement plans based on their age. Ask open-ended questions instead.
Foster an Intergenerational Exchange: Encourage teams with diverse age ranges to work together. This promotes knowledge sharing and breaks down preconceived notions.
Combat Unintentional Bias: Be aware of microaggressions, such as saying "you look great for your age" or using patronizing tones. Focus compliments on skills and effort.

The Power of Respectful Language

How we communicate shapes perception and culture. By choosing respectful, intentional language, professionals can actively combat ageism and promote a more inclusive atmosphere. The most professional approach is often to focus on a person's individuality, skills, and contributions rather than a single, generalizing label based on their age. Embracing this mindset fosters better relationships, improves collaboration, and contributes to a healthier, more vibrant workplace for everyone.

To learn more about the broader context of age-inclusive communication, visit the FrameWorks Institute's reframing aging guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

While once common, "senior citizen" is increasingly seen as outdated and can carry negative connotations. Most professional and academic guides recommend using more neutral terms like "older adults" instead.

The term "elderly" can imply frailty, physical decline, or incompetence. Since older adults are a highly diverse group, using this generalizing and potentially biased term can be disrespectful and inaccurate. "Older adult" is the preferred alternative.

Refer to the person by their name and job title. If you need to mention their experience, use a positive phrase like "a long-serving employee" or "our seasoned team member," rather than referencing their age.

This common phrase can be unintentionally ageist. It implies that "old" is inherently bad and that the person is an exception. A better compliment is simply "You look great" or "You're so vibrant," focusing on their positive attributes without reference to age.

Age should only be included in a story if it is relevant and informative, according to journalistic standards. For example, stating that a person is 89-years-old can be important context in a story about health, but is unnecessary in a story about their political views.

Person-first language, such as "an older person with a disability," emphasizes that the individual is a person first, rather than defining them by a single characteristic. This prevents objectification and reinforces their humanity.

It is often best to correct privately and tactfully. You might say, "Just a quick note, I've learned that phrases like 'elderly' can sometimes be perceived as insensitive. Many professional guides now recommend using 'older adults.'" This frames the correction as helpful information rather than a criticism.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.