What is the polite term for old people? A Guide to Respectful Language

Research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that ageism has serious implications for the health of older people, associating it with poorer physical and mental health. Understanding what is the polite term for old people is essential for fostering a respectful and inclusive society for everyone.

Quick Summary

The most widely accepted and polite term today is "older adults," which is a neutral, person-centered descriptor preferred by major style guides and healthcare organizations. It replaces outdated or patronizing phrases, focusing on respect and avoiding stigma.

Key Points

• Older Adults is the Preferred Term: Most professional and health organizations recommend using "older adults" as a neutral and respectful descriptor.

• Avoid Outdated Labels: Terms like "senior citizen" and "the elderly" carry negative, patronizing connotations and should be avoided in most contexts.

• Use Specificity When Possible: For a more precise and respectful reference, it's often best to use a specific age range, such as "people over 65".

• Address Individuals by Name: The most respectful way to address someone is by their name or an appropriate title, recognizing their individuality.

• Respect Individual Preferences: Always defer to a person's own preferred terminology if known, as cultural background and personal feelings can influence word choice.

• Focus on the Person First: Frame conversations around the individual, their capabilities, and their life experience, rather than their age.

The Shifting Landscape of Age-Inclusive Language

Language is a living thing, and the terminology we use to describe groups of people changes over time to reflect evolving societal values. Just as phrases for other demographics have been refined, the way we refer to people later in life has changed significantly. In the past, terms like "elderly" or "senior citizen" were common. However, these labels have increasingly fallen out of favor as their negative, stereotyping connotations have become more widely understood. A shift has occurred toward more respectful and neutral language that honors a person's identity beyond their age.

Why Terminology Has Evolved

This move towards age-inclusive language is driven by a greater awareness of ageism—prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age. Many once-standard terms are now considered problematic for several reasons:

• Patronizing tones: Labels like "senior citizen" can sound condescending and imply a separate, dependent social class.
• Negative stereotypes: The word "elderly" often conjures images of frailty, diminished capacity, and helplessness, which do not reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of many older people.
• Loss of individuality: By grouping all people over a certain age under a single label, these terms strip individuals of their unique identities, experiences, and abilities.

Preferred Terminology: An Overview

Major health and journalistic organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Associated Press (AP), have issued guidelines recommending more respectful alternatives. The consensus points towards person-first, neutral language.

The Rise of "Older Adult"

The term "older adult" is now the most widely accepted and polite phrase. It is a neutral descriptor that acknowledges a person's age without assigning stereotypical attributes. By stating "older adult," we are simply noting a life stage without implying disability, frailty, or dependence. This phrase is increasingly used in clinical settings, research, and general media. For instance, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society requires authors to use "older adult" when describing individuals aged 65 and over.

The Importance of Specificity

When possible, being more specific is even better. Instead of a general label, consider adding details that are relevant to the context. For example, in a medical study, it may be appropriate to specify "older people aged 75 to 84 years". In general conversation, you might reference an individual's profession or role rather than their age group. The goal is to see the person, not just their age.

Navigating Other Terms

While terms like "elder" can be appropriate, especially in cultural contexts where it signifies respect and wisdom (e.g., within certain American Indian/Alaska Native communities), it should be used with caution and only when you know it is preferred. In other situations, it might sound formal or out of place. The best practice is always to ask an individual how they prefer to be addressed.

Comparing Terminology for Older People

Term	Connotation	Context	Respectfulness
Older Adult	Neutral, accurate	General, medical, professional	High
Senior	Often associated with discounts, sometimes seen as patronizing	Business, marketing	Medium to Low
Elderly	Suggests frailty, decline, and helplessness	Outdated, often negative	Low
Senior Citizen	Outdated, patronizing, can imply dependency	Outdated, formal	Low
The Aged	Dehumanizing, groups people into a single category	Avoid at all costs	Very Low

Moving Beyond Labels to Genuine Respect

Ultimately, the most respectful approach is to move beyond labels and simply treat individuals with dignity. Address people by their name, or with titles like "Sir" or "Ma'am," as appropriate. Avoid using pet names or infantilizing language, such as "sweetie" or "honey," which can be extremely condescending. A person's age does not define their abilities, intelligence, or value.

Demonstrating genuine respect means:

1. Engaging in Active Listening: Show that you value their thoughts and experiences, rather than making assumptions based on their age.
2. Focusing on Individual Identity: Speak to the person and their individual identity, rather than their age group.
3. Avoiding Stereotypes: Recognize the diversity of the aging population and avoid applying broad generalizations.

Conclusion: Choosing Words with Intention

Choosing mindful and respectful language is a simple yet powerful way to counteract ageism and promote a more inclusive society. While "older adults" is the generally polite term to use when a broad label is necessary, the most respectful course of action is to address people as individuals. By moving away from outdated, stigmatizing labels and embracing person-first language, we can foster communication that is both accurate and truly dignified. For more information on avoiding ageist terminology, see the guide on the National Institute on Aging's blog. Don't call me “old”: Avoiding ageism when writing about aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "senior citizen" still a polite term?

No, "senior citizen" is increasingly considered outdated and patronizing. Many older adults find the term stigmatizing, as it can imply a separate, often dependent, social class.

Why is the word "elderly" considered offensive?

The word "elderly" often carries negative connotations of frailty, physical decline, and helplessness. It assigns a stereotype to an entire group of people, which does not accurately reflect their diverse experiences and capabilities.

What is a safe, polite term to use in a general context?

When referring to a group, "older adults" is the safest and most widely accepted term. In individual interactions, it is always most respectful to address the person by their name.

What if an older person refers to themselves as "old"?

If an individual refers to themselves as "old," they may have reclaimed the term, and it's their right to use it. However, it is not your place to impose that label on them. Continue to use respectful language like "older adult" or their name unless they explicitly give you permission to do otherwise.

How should I refer to my own grandparents?

The best approach is to use the titles you've always used, such as Grandma or Grandpa, as these are affectionate and respectful within a family context. If you're talking about them in a broader conversation, you can use "my grandmother" or "my grandfather."

Is it ever acceptable to use the term "geriatric"?

The term "geriatric" should be avoided in general conversation as it refers to a specific branch of medicine. It is only appropriate in a formal medical or clinical context.

Why is it better to avoid grouping older people together with labels?

Avoiding broad labels helps prevent ageism and stereotypes. Older people are a highly diverse group with unique experiences, backgrounds, and abilities, and using labels can erase their individuality.