The Shift Towards Inclusive Language
The language used to describe people of different ages is constantly evolving. In recent years, there has been a significant push in media, medicine, and everyday conversation to adopt more inclusive and respectful terminology when referring to those over 60. Historically, many cultures revered their elders, but modern Western society, with its focus on youth, has sometimes associated aging with decline, making old age seem like a negative state. This has led many to find once-common terms like "elderly" and "senior citizen" to be stereotypical, patronizing, or impersonal.
For example, the Associated Press Stylebook, which influences journalism nationwide, prefers "older adult" or "older people" over "senior citizen" or "elderly". This shift reflects a broader societal acknowledgment that people's experiences vary greatly as they age, and a single, often negatively-charged, label does not capture this diversity. The AARP, which serves Americans aged 50 and over, even dropped the full name "American Association of Retired Persons" in favor of its acronym to emphasize that its members are not defined solely by retirement.
Why are some terms problematic?
- "Elderly": This term often carries connotations of frailty, physical decline, and an assumed state of dependency. While some may use it without negative intent, many find it dehumanizing and prefer more person-first language.
- "Senior citizen": Although widely used and sometimes embraced, this term is increasingly viewed as outdated or potentially dismissive. It can imply a passive status rather than acknowledging the active, diverse lives many older adults lead.
- Generational labels (e.g., "boomers"): When used incorrectly or as a broad generalization, these labels can reinforce stereotypes. Organizations like the University of Bristol's style guide recommend avoiding them to prevent ageist assumptions.
Precision in Language: Decadal Terms and Context
While general terms are useful, a more precise vocabulary exists for specific age brackets. Latin-derived terms precisely define people within a specific decade of their life, offering a more formal and neutral option for demographic discussions.
- Sexagenarian: A person between 60 and 69 years old.
- Septuagenarian: A person between 70 and 79 years old.
- Octogenarian: A person between 80 and 89 years old.
- Nonagenarian: A person between 90 and 99 years old.
- Centenarian: A person who is 100 years old or older.
Understanding the context in which a term is used is equally important. Medical, legal, and social settings each have their own conventions. What is appropriate for a doctor to discuss with a patient in a medical setting, for example, may not be fitting for a social interaction.
Medical vs. Social vs. Legal Terms for People Over 60
| Aspect | Medical/Geriatrics | Social/General | Legal/Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Terms | Older adult, patient, person 65 years and older | Older adult, older person, elder (when appropriate) | Definitions vary by program (e.g., Social Security, Medicare) |
| Common Age Range | Often focuses on 65+ but can cover individuals aged 60+ | Fluid, but generally refers to those 60+ | Specific ages are designated for eligibility for benefits or services |
| Avoiding Terms | "Elderly" can be imprecise and lack nuance. | Discourage "elderly," "senior citizen," and patronizing euphemisms. | Avoid stereotypes, but specific legal definitions may still use older terms. |
| Emphasis | Health and medical care specific to aging populations. | Respect, dignity, and active personhood. | Eligibility for rights, benefits, and protections. |
Choosing Respectful Language in Everyday Life
The choice of language can significantly impact perceptions of age and dignity. By consciously choosing respectful terms, you contribute to a more age-inclusive society. Instead of defaulting to older, potentially pejorative labels, consider the following:
- For general reference: Use "older adults" or "older people." These phrases are neutral, widely accepted, and avoid negative associations.
- When speaking to an individual: The most respectful approach is to ask what they prefer or simply refer to them by their name. If a group is mentioned, focus on their role or interests rather than age, such as "members of the hiking club".
- In formal or written contexts: Use the specific age or age range (e.g., "people aged 65 and over") for clarity and accuracy. This avoids ambiguity and prevents unintentional stereotyping.
Learning to navigate these linguistic shifts is part of fostering a culture of respect. In many non-Western societies, terms like "elder" hold deep reverence and denote wisdom and status, which highlights the cultural differences in how aging is perceived. Acknowledging and understanding these differences is a crucial step towards dismantling ageism wherever it occurs. For further reading, consult the National Institute on Aging's blog on avoiding ageism when writing about aging.
Conclusion
There is no single correct answer to the question "what is a person over 60 called?" Rather, the answer depends on context, precision, and intent. While terms like "sexagenarian" provide formal specificity, the move toward neutral and respectful language like "older adult" is the modern standard for general use. By being mindful of the impact our words have and considering the individual first, we can promote a more dignified and inclusive view of aging for everyone. Ultimately, respect is best conveyed by treating individuals as people rather than reducing them to a single number or label, and that starts with choosing our words carefully.
