What is the difference between elder and older adults?

According to the Administration on Aging, the number of Americans aged 65 and older grew by 34% between 2012 and 2022. Understanding the language we use, including what is the difference between elder and older adults, is essential for respectful and accurate communication in an aging society.

Quick Summary

The distinction lies in connotation and context: 'older adult' is a broad, neutral, and person-centered term favored by healthcare professionals, while 'elder' can carry culturally specific meanings of seniority, respect, or spiritual leadership.

Key Points

• Older Adult: The standard, neutral, and person-centered term used in modern medical, academic, and policy contexts to refer to individuals typically aged 65 and over.

• Elder: A term that can carry culturally specific connotations of seniority, wisdom, and respect, and may denote a specific social, family, or spiritual leadership role.

• Context is Key: Using "older adult" is generally safer and more appropriate for formal and public communication, while "elder" is often reserved for specific cultural, familial, or religious contexts.

• Combating Ageism: Adopting respectful language like "older adult" helps to combat ageist stereotypes and promote the dignity and autonomy of people in later life.

• Broader Usage: Unlike "elder," the comparative adjective "older" can be used to describe both people and inanimate objects.

• Familial vs. Demographic: "Elder" is often used within family structures (e.g., "my elder brother"), whereas "older adult" refers to a demographic group.

Understanding the Formal: The Term "Older Adult"

The term "older adult" is widely accepted in professional contexts like healthcare and research. Organizations such as the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) use this term to emphasize a person-centered perspective and avoid negative stereotypes. Unlike "elder," which can imply a specific role, "older adult" is a general term based on chronological age, typically 65 and older.

Why the Shift to "Older Adult"?

• Neutrality: Focuses on age descriptively, avoiding potential ageist biases.
• Agency: Reinforces individual autonomy and personhood.
• Diversity: Inclusive of the varied experiences within the aging population.
• Specificity: Can be refined for research, like "young old" (65-74) or "oldest old" (85+).

Exploring the Cultural: The Nuances of "Elder"

"Elder" differs from "older adult" by carrying implications of status and respect. While "older" can describe people or things, "elder" is reserved for people, often within a specific group like a family. The most significant difference is the connotation of respect and status associated with "elder."

Connotations of "Elder"

1. Seniority and Wisdom: In many cultures, "elder" signifies a position of respect due to wisdom and experience, often as keepers of tradition.
2. Familial Relationships: Can denote the older sibling, though "older" is more common in modern English.
3. Leadership Role: In religious or community settings, an "elder" may hold a leadership position, emphasizing role over just age.

Comparison Table: Older Adult vs. Elder

Feature	Older Adult	Elder
Usage	Standard, neutral term in modern contexts (medical, research).	Context-dependent, often cultural, familial, or spiritual.
Applies to	People only.	People only.
Part of Speech	Adjective (e.g., older adults).	Can be an adjective (elder brother) or a noun (respect your elders).
Connotation	Neutral, descriptive of chronological age.	Implies seniority, respect, wisdom, or specific community role.
Formality	Less formal, more common in general speech and writing.	More formal or archaic in common usage; specific to cultural or familial context.
Scope	Broad, inclusive term for a demographic group.	Specific, often relating to a defined social, family, or spiritual position.

When and Why to Use Each Term

Choosing the term depends on context. "Older adult" is appropriate for healthcare, research, and general public communication due to its neutrality and inclusivity. For example, discussing the "older adult population" is standard. "Elder" is suitable for specific cultural or personal contexts where it carries respect. When interacting with cultures that highly value elders, using this term is respectful. In a family, referring to an "elder brother" is still valid, though less common than "older brother."

The Language of Respect: Navigating Terminology in Senior Care

In senior care, using language that respects dignity is crucial. "Older adult" in professional settings helps counter ageism and promotes person-centered care. Stereotypes linked to terms focused only on age can lead to disrespectful attitudes. The shift to more thoughtful terminology reflects a move toward valuing older individuals as active members of society. For more on age-inclusive language, consult the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Style Guide.

Conclusion: A Matter of Context and Connotation

Ultimately, what is the difference between elder and older adults centers on context and connotation. "Older adult" is a neutral, modern term for people of advanced age used in professional settings. "Elder" is more specific, often carrying cultural, familial, or spiritual weight, implying seniority, wisdom, or leadership. Understanding this distinction ensures accurate and respectful communication about the growing and diverse aging population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the term 'elder' offensive?

The term 'elder' is not inherently offensive and holds great respect in many cultural and spiritual traditions. However, its use should be sensitive to context. In broader, modern contexts, 'older adult' is often preferred as a neutral, descriptive term.

Which term should I use when speaking to a doctor about my parents?

When speaking with a doctor or other healthcare professional, it is best to use the term 'older adult' or simply refer to them by their specific age or as 'my parents.' This aligns with standard medical and person-first language guidelines.

Is 'older adults' the same as 'the elderly'?

No, while they both refer to people of advanced age, 'older adults' is now the preferred term in many professional settings. 'The elderly' can sometimes be seen as 'othering' or carry outdated, negative stereotypes, whereas 'older adult' is more respectful and neutral.

What is the difference between an elder and older adults in a cultural context?

In a cultural context, an 'elder' is a specific role or status earned through wisdom and experience, carrying significant respect. 'Older adults' is a demographic term referring to an age group and does not inherently imply status.

Can the term 'elder' be used for things?

No, the term 'elder' is strictly used for people. The word 'older' can be used for things and people, such as 'an older car' or 'my older sibling'.

How do I choose the most respectful term to use?

The most respectful approach is to consider the context. In formal or general public discourse, use 'older adult.' When interacting with someone in a specific cultural or personal relationship where 'elder' is used with respect, follow their lead. When in doubt, 'older adult' is a safe and respectful option.

Does using 'older adult' erase the wisdom of older people?

Using the term 'older adult' is intended to promote dignity and avoid stereotyping, not to diminish anyone's wisdom. It is a linguistic choice that acknowledges a person's age respectfully while recognizing that wisdom is a quality that can exist at any age, and not all older people are elders in the traditional, cultural sense.