From Septuagenarian to Older Adult: Exploring the Terminology
While the formal term for a person in their seventies is 'septuagenarian,' the language used to describe older individuals is evolving. What was once considered standard, like 'senior citizen,' is now often viewed as outdated or carrying negative stereotypes. Understanding the different terms and their appropriate contexts is important for respectful communication.
The Formal and Technical Terms
For precise or academic contexts, specific terminology is used to describe a person aged 75. These terms often originate from Latin and classify individuals by the decade of their life.
- Septuagenarian: This is the correct, though formal, term for a person between the ages of 70 and 79. It comes from the Latin word septuaginta, meaning seventy. This term is most often found in academic papers, literary works, or formal demographic studies.
- Middle-Old: In demography and gerontology, the older adult population is often subdivided to reflect the vast differences within the group. People aged 75 to 84 are commonly classified as 'middle-old.' This distinguishes them from the 'young-old' (65-74) and the 'oldest-old' (85 and over), acknowledging the varying health, social, and economic needs across these decades.
Evolving Towards Respectful and Inclusive Language
In everyday conversation and modern professional settings, less formal and more person-centered language is preferred. Many older adults and advocacy groups have pushed for terminology that avoids stereotyping and recognizes individuality.
- Older Adult: This is a widely accepted and respectful alternative to terms like 'elderly' or 'senior.' It is neutral and avoids the potentially demeaning connotations some people associate with older age. This term is favored by organizations like the National Institute on Aging and the American Medical Association.
- Person Over 75: Being specific is always a safe and respectful option. Rather than grouping all older individuals under one umbrella term, referring to a person as being 'over 75' or 'in their late seventies' is both clear and non-stigmatizing.
Terms to Avoid and Why
Certain terms that were once common are now discouraged due to their negative connotations or potential for ageism. Ageism is discrimination based on age and can have serious negative impacts on older people's physical and mental health. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers helpful guidelines on using age-inclusive language for writers and speakers.
- Elderly: This term is often perceived as a collective and can carry implications of frailty and dependence, which do not apply to many healthy, active individuals in their mid-seventies. Most modern style guides recommend avoiding it.
- Senior Citizen: While once a standard polite term, 'senior citizen' is now viewed as an 'othering' term by some. It can group all older people together, ignoring the diversity within the age group. It is, however, still widely used for commercial purposes, like discounts.
- The Aged: This is a dehumanizing term that refers to older people as a monolith, stripping them of their individuality. It is strongly discouraged.
How Context Shapes Terminology
Understanding which term to use depends heavily on the context of the conversation or writing. Here is a comparison to illustrate the differences:
| Context | Preferred Term(s) | Why it's appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing (Academic/Medical) | Septuagenarian, Middle-Old, Older Adults aged 75-84 | Provides clinical accuracy and specificity for research purposes. |
| Everyday Conversation | Older adult, Person in their mid-seventies, or simply their name | Respectful, person-first language that avoids broad generalizations. |
| Commercial/Legal | Senior, Senior Citizen | Widely understood and used in legal definitions or for offering age-based benefits and discounts. |
| Caregiving | Older adult, Client, Resident, or by name | Empathetic and person-centered, focuses on the individual rather than a general label. |
The Demographics of the 'Middle-Old'
The 'middle-old' group (75-84) represents a diverse and dynamic segment of the population. A 75-year-old today is very different from a 75-year-old a few decades ago due to increased life expectancy, better healthcare, and more active lifestyles. Many are still in excellent health, pursuing hobbies, volunteering, and even working. This group is often a key source of wisdom and experience, not defined by their age alone but by their continued contributions to society.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, "What are 75 year old people called?" is not a single word but a spectrum of possibilities, each with its own connotations. While 'septuagenarian' is technically correct, and 'senior citizen' remains common in some commercial contexts, the most respectful and inclusive approach is to use person-centered language like 'older adult' or to refer to the person by name. By choosing our words thoughtfully, we can help dismantle ageism and promote a more respectful conversation about aging.
