What is the polite word for older people? A guide to age-inclusive language

According to the National Institute on Aging, ageism can have serious negative impacts on older adults' health and well-being. Knowing the appropriate and respectful terminology to use is a simple yet effective way to combat prejudice and show dignity, especially when you're asking, 'What is the polite word for older people?'.

Quick Summary

The most widely accepted and polite terms for addressing individuals in this demographic are "older adults" or "older people." These phrases are generally preferred by gerontological experts and style guides because they are neutral and person-first, avoiding the negative connotations and stereotypes that can be associated with outdated alternatives.

Key Points

• Older Adults is Best: The most widely accepted and polite term is "older adults," or "older people," as it is neutral and avoids stereotypes.

• Avoid Outdated Terms: Shift away from terms like "the elderly," "seniors," or "senior citizen," which can be seen as generalizing or othering.

• Use Person-First Language: Frame your language to put the person first, emphasizing their identity over their age or health condition (e.g., "a person with arthritis" instead of "the arthritic senior").

• Consider Context for "Elders": Use the term "elders" only when culturally appropriate, as it holds specific significance in certain communities.

• Ask for Preferred Terminology: When in doubt, the most respectful approach is always to ask an individual how they prefer to be addressed.

• Recognize Ageism in Language: Be mindful that even well-intentioned but outdated language can contribute to ageist stereotypes that negatively impact older adults' well-being.

Using Age-Inclusive Language

Choosing the right language to describe older individuals is more than just being politically correct; it's about showing fundamental respect and acknowledging their dignity. As societal views on aging evolve, so does our vocabulary. Terms once considered acceptable, such as "the elderly" or "senior citizen," are now often viewed as generalizing and stereotyping. For those working in healthcare, writing professionally, or simply wanting to communicate respectfully, understanding this shift is crucial.

The Shift Away from Outdated Terms

For many years, terms like "the elderly" and "seniors" were common. However, these collective nouns can be seen as "othering"—grouping a diverse population into a single, often monolithic, category. Just as you wouldn't refer to all people of a certain age as "the middle-aged," using overly broad, catch-all labels for older people can reinforce stereotypes. Experts in gerontology and inclusive communication have pointed out that such language can inadvertently perpetuate negative biases related to aging.

Organizations like the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have published guidelines on respectful and age-inclusive language, favoring phrases that focus on the individual rather than their age as a defining characteristic. This approach mirrors the broader movement toward person-first language in healthcare, where we talk about "a person with diabetes" rather than a "diabetic." The same principle applies here, promoting language that acknowledges the individual's full identity rather than reducing them to a single attribute like age.

Preferred Terms and When to Use Them

Older Adults and Older People are the most widely recommended and safest choices for general, neutral communication. They are respectful and do not carry the baggage of more dated terms. For example, a report might state, "The study involved a group of older adults aged 65 to 75." This is specific and avoids assumptions.

Elders can be appropriate in certain contexts but should be used with caution. The term carries deep cultural significance in many communities, particularly among Native American and Alaska Native populations, where it denotes a person of wisdom and respect. Unless you are certain of the cultural appropriateness, it's best to stick with more universal terms like older adults.

Senior is a term that many people still use and is commonly found in phrases like "senior discount" or "senior center." While not as strongly discouraged as "the elderly," it is not the most preferred term by style guides. It's often best to let an individual self-identify with this term rather than presuming its use. The Associated Press Stylebook permits its use in headlines where space is constrained but suggests greater specificity where possible, as noted by the Washington University Institute for Public Health's guidelines for age-inclusive language.

Building Respect Through Person-First Language

Using person-first language is a powerful way to foster respect. It emphasizes that an individual is a person first, regardless of their age or any health conditions they may have. This practice helps shift the focus from a person's limitations to their identity and humanity.

Here are some tips for incorporating person-first language into your communication:

• Focus on the individual: Refer to an individual by their name or profession whenever possible, such as "Ms. Jones" or "the retired teacher." Age is often irrelevant.
• Use neutral, descriptive language: Instead of saying "the frail senior," say "the older person with a walking aid." This provides specific information without relying on a loaded, negative adjective.
• Avoid using generalizations: Acknowledge the diversity within the older population. A person in their 60s has vastly different life experiences and health needs than someone in their 90s.
• Never use diminishing or childish terms: Pet names and infantilizing language are highly disrespectful. Maintain the same level of conversational respect you would with any other adult.
• Ask for preferred terminology: The most direct and respectful approach is to ask an individual how they prefer to be addressed. This shows you value their perspective and autonomy.

The Impact of Ageism in Language

Ageist language, even when unintentional, can have significant negative effects. By using stereotypical or infantilizing terms, we contribute to a broader culture of ageism that diminishes the contributions and experiences of older adults. This can lead to self-doubt, lower self-esteem, and even poorer health outcomes, as individuals may internalize these negative biases. Thoughtful word choice can help foster a more positive and affirming view of aging, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.

Comparison of Outdated vs. Modern Terminology

Context	Outdated/Less Preferred Term	Modern/Preferred Term
General Conversation	The elderly, seniors	Older adults, older people
Headline/News	Elderly woman robbed	Woman, 89, robbed
Health Care	Geriatric patient	Older patient, older adult patient
Describing Function	Bed-ridden senior	Older person who uses a wheelchair
Generalization	All seniors want...	Many older adults report...
Referring to a Group	A group of senior citizens	A group of older adults

Conclusion

Navigating what is the polite word for older people means understanding that language holds power. The terms we use can either uplift and respect or subtly diminish and stereotype. By opting for person-first, neutral language like "older adults" or "older people," we embrace a more inclusive and respectful approach. This small shift in vocabulary helps to combat ageism, promotes positive aging, and demonstrates genuine respect for a diverse and valuable part of our population. By making an intentional effort to use thoughtful language, we can create a more inclusive and dignified society for people of all ages.

Benefits of Using Respectful Language

1. Reduces Ageism: By using neutral, person-first language, we actively challenge ageist stereotypes that portray older people as a uniform, dependent group. This helps to reframe aging as a normal and valuable part of the human experience.
2. Promotes Individual Dignity: Respectful language acknowledges and honors the personhood of older individuals, rather than defining them solely by their age. This promotes self-worth and a sense of belonging.
3. Improves Communication: Using precise and neutral terms, rather than generic labels, leads to clearer and more accurate communication, especially in professional and healthcare settings.
4. Enhances Social Inclusion: A culture of respectful language encourages greater social engagement and connection between people of all ages, breaking down barriers and fostering stronger community ties.
5. Supports Positive Aging: When language reflects a positive view of aging, it can influence how individuals view their own aging process, contributing to better mental and physical health outcomes throughout life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are terms like 'seniors' or 'the elderly' no longer considered polite?

These terms are often considered outdated because they group a diverse population into a single, generic category. This can perpetuate negative stereotypes and strip individuals of their unique identities, focusing on their age rather than their personhood.

What is person-first language, and how does it apply to older people?

Person-first language emphasizes the individual over their defining characteristic. When applied to older people, it means saying "older adults" or "an older person with a walking aid," rather than "the elderly" or "the frail senior." It shows respect by prioritizing the person first.

Is it okay to use 'senior' to describe older people in a casual conversation?

While "senior" is a common term, it's not the most preferred. In casual conversation, it may be acceptable depending on the context and the person. However, opting for "older adult" is a safer, more broadly accepted, and respectful alternative.

What is the most respectful term to use in a professional or healthcare setting?

In professional or healthcare settings, "older adults" or "older patients" is the standard and most respectful terminology. Using person-first language is also critical, for instance, referring to a patient's condition rather than labeling the person by it.

How can I find out the best term to use for someone from a different culture?

The most respectful approach is to ask. Different cultures have unique customs and terms of respect for older individuals. Directly and politely asking how they prefer to be addressed shows deference to their cultural norms and personal preferences.

Are terms like 'senior citizen' disrespectful?

The term "senior citizen" is generally considered outdated and somewhat demeaning, as it was popularized to denote a specific entitlement status rather than a person. Many older individuals find the term patronizing. It is best to avoid it.

What if an older person refers to themselves using one of the less-preferred terms?

It is perfectly acceptable to use the term they use to describe themselves. The goal is respect, and honoring their self-identification is the highest form of that. This guide focuses on general, neutral usage for when an individual's preference isn't known.