What are the words related to ageism?

According to a 2021 World Health Organization report, every second person in the world holds at least some ageist beliefs, which are often perpetuated through language. Understanding what are the words related to ageism is the first step toward promoting more respectful and inclusive communication. These words can range from obvious insults to subtle, well-intentioned compliments that still reinforce negative stereotypes.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of words and phrases associated with ageism, categorizing them by the type of prejudice they represent, from overt insults to subtle microaggressions. It examines the impact of this language in different settings, such as the workplace, and contrasts ageist terms with more inclusive alternatives.

Key Points

• Overtly ageist language: Derogatory terms like geezer, fossil, and senile perpetuate harmful stereotypes about older people and should be avoided.

• Subtle microaggressions: Ageism can appear in seemingly harmless phrases, such as you look great for your age or patronizing words like sweetie, which infantilize individuals.

• Workplace code words: Phrases like resistant to change or overqualified are often used as euphemisms to discriminate against older workers in hiring and promotion.

• Terms for younger people: Ageism is not exclusive to older adults; condescending phrases like kiddo or stereotyping terms such as entitled can harm younger individuals.

• Inclusive alternatives: Organizations like the National Institute on Aging recommend using specific, respectful, person-first language such as older adults instead of outdated terms like the elderly.

Understanding the Spectrum of Ageist Language

Ageist language can manifest in various ways, from direct and hostile slurs to seemingly harmless phrases that nonetheless infantilize or marginalize individuals based on their age. Both older and younger people can be targets of ageism, though the language and stereotypes used against each group differ significantly. Being aware of this spectrum is critical for fostering a more inclusive and respectful society.

Overtly Ageist and Insulting Terms

These words and phrases are clearly derogatory and are based on negative stereotypes. Using them is often perceived as malicious and harmful.

• For older adults:
  • Old fogey
  • Geezer
  • Fossil or Dinosaur
  • Old bag or Old bat
  • Senile or Silly old fool
• For younger adults:
  • Kiddo or Youngster (in a demeaning context)
  • Naive
  • Rookie
  • Entitled (used to stereotype an entire generation)

Subtle and Microaggressive Language

Sometimes, ageism is delivered through subtle comments known as microaggressions. These are often unintentional but can still cause harm by reinforcing stereotypes.

• Patronizing phrases:
  • Sweetie, honey, or dear when speaking to an older adult
  • You're still working? (implies it's unusual for someone of their age)
  • You're young at heart
• Technology-related bias:
  • Not very tech-savvy or Resistant to change (often assumed of older workers)
  • Digital native (implies younger people are inherently better with technology)
• Condescending compliments:
  • You look great for your age
  • Spry for his/her age

Euphemistic and Outdated Terminology

Certain terms, while perhaps intended to be mild, are now considered outdated or insensitive because they group older individuals into a homogenous category and imply frailty or being past one's prime.

• Elderly
• Senior citizen
• The aged
• Over the hill
• Past one's prime
• Golden years or Twilight years

Workplace-Specific Code Words

In professional settings, ageist bias can be masked by coded language that appears neutral but is used to justify discriminatory decisions. These phrases often signal a bias against older or younger workers.

• For older workers:
  • Low energy
  • Set in their ways
  • Cultural fit (used to exclude older candidates)
  • Overqualified
• For younger workers:
  • Inexperienced
  • Unwilling to respect authority
  • Entitled

Ageist Language in Different Contexts

The words and phrases associated with ageism differ depending on the context. While some phrases are common in everyday conversation, others are more prevalent in specific settings like the workplace or healthcare.

Comparison Table: Ageist Language in the Workplace vs. Healthcare

Context	Ageist Words/Phrases	Associated Stereotypes	Inclusive Alternatives
Workplace	Not a digital native, resistant to change	Older workers are incompetent with new technology and inflexible.	Highlight relevant skills and experience, regardless of age.
Workplace	Overqualified	A candidate is too experienced or too old for the role.	Evaluate candidates on qualifications and skills, not assumed career path.
Workplace	Young and inexperienced	Younger workers lack skills and knowledge.	Assess individuals based on merit, not presumed experience level.
Healthcare	Senile, demented	Older adults are inherently forgetful or have cognitive decline.	Use precise, person-first language: person with dementia.
Healthcare	Bed blocker	Derogatory term for older hospital patients awaiting discharge.	Use clinical and respectful terminology when discussing patient care.
Healthcare	Elderspeak (honey, sweetie)	Patronizing communication style that infantilizes older patients.	Address patients respectfully by their name.

Promoting Inclusive Communication

Combating ageist language requires a conscious effort to challenge personal biases and use more inclusive terminology. The National Institute on Aging and other organizations provide guidelines for age-inclusive language.

Tips for Inclusive Communication

• Use neutral, respectful terms: Instead of calling people elderly or senior, use older adults, older people, or persons 65 and older. For younger individuals, avoid patronizing terms like kiddo.
• Avoid assumptions: Do not assume an individual's abilities or preferences based on their age. Do not assume older people are uncomfortable with technology or that younger people are inexperienced.
• Be specific: When discussing groups, use specific age ranges where relevant rather than broad, undefined terms. For example, people aged 75 to 84 is more specific than older adults.
• Focus on the individual: Use person-first language. For example, instead of a senile person, use a person with dementia.
• Mind your tone: Avoid using a high-pitched, exaggerated tone (elderspeak) when talking to older individuals, as this is often perceived as condescending and disrespectful.
• Challenge stereotypes: Call out ageist humor or comments when you hear them, explaining why they are harmful. A person making an ageist comment may be defensive, so approach the conversation calmly and with a genuine desire to educate.

Conclusion

Words related to ageism encompass a wide range of vocabulary, from outright insults to subtle, unconscious biases. These phrases, whether directed at older or younger individuals, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and can lead to prejudice and discrimination. By making a conscious effort to identify and replace ageist language with more respectful and inclusive alternatives, we can all contribute to building a society that values individuals for their unique qualities and experiences, rather than judging them based on their age. Adopting age-inclusive language is a simple yet powerful way to combat a pervasive form of bias and create more equitable communities for people of all ages.

Keypoints

• Overtly ageist language: Derogatory terms like geezer, fossil, and senile perpetuate harmful stereotypes about older people and should be avoided.
• Subtle microaggressions: Ageism can appear in seemingly harmless phrases, such as you look great for your age or patronizing words like sweetie, which infantilize individuals.
• Workplace code words: Phrases like resistant to change or overqualified are often used as euphemisms to discriminate against older workers in hiring and promotion.
• Terms for younger people: Ageism is not exclusive to older adults; condescending phrases like kiddo or stereotyping terms such as entitled can harm younger individuals.
• Inclusive alternatives: Organizations like the National Institute on Aging recommend using specific, respectful, person-first language such as older adults instead of outdated terms like the elderly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ageism?

Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination directed at individuals or groups based on their age. It can affect any age group, though it most commonly affects older adults.

What are some microaggressions related to age?

Age-related microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments that reinforce negative stereotypes. Examples include praising someone for being spry for their age, or asking an older colleague, You're still working?.

Are terms like 'senior citizen' or 'the elderly' considered ageist?

Many style guides, including those from the National Institute on Aging, now consider terms like senior citizen and the elderly to be outdated. They are often viewed as stigmatizing and othering, and it is recommended to use more neutral and specific language like older adults or older people.

How can I avoid ageist language in the workplace?

In the workplace, avoid using coded language like low energy, resistant to change, or overqualified that can be thinly veiled age bias. Focus on a candidate’s or employee’s specific skills and qualifications rather than their age.

Can younger people experience ageism?

Yes, ageism can also be directed at younger people and is sometimes referred to as youthism. This can manifest as patronizing attitudes, condescending language like kiddo, or dismissing their opinions as coming from a place of inexperience.

Why is 'elderspeak' harmful?

Elderspeak is a simplified and patronizing style of speech, similar to baby talk, often used toward older adults. While it may be well-intentioned, it is considered disrespectful, infantilizing, and can reduce an older person’s self-esteem and life satisfaction.

What are some gendered ageist terms?

Ageism can intersect with sexism. Some examples of terms include feisty crones or biddy for older women, or derogatory comparisons that focus on physical appearance. The double standard of aging, where women are often judged more harshly for getting older than men, also contributes to gendered ageism.