The Importance of Respectful, Person-First Language
Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions. Using respectful and age-inclusive language is essential for promoting dignity and countering ageism, which is prejudice and discrimination based on a person's age. Organizations like the National Institute on Aging and the Associated Press have published guidelines to help people choose words that are both accurate and respectful. By adopting these practices, we can shift societal attitudes away from harmful stereotypes and toward a more positive, inclusive view of aging.
Why Terminology Has Shifted
Many traditionally used terms for older people have fallen out of favor as society has become more sensitive to age-related biases. The word “elderly,” for example, is often associated with stereotypes of frailty or decline. The term “senior citizen” was historically tied to eligibility for benefits and discounts, but it can now feel dated or carry connotations of dependency. The ongoing evolution of language reflects a growing understanding that older adults are not a homogenous group but a diverse population with varying experiences, capabilities, and life stages. Using person-first language—putting the person before their age—is now widely considered the standard for respectful communication.
Preferred Terminology in Different Contexts
The most appropriate term can depend on the setting, but some options are widely considered safe and respectful.
- General Use: In most general conversations and writing, “older adults,” “older people,” or “older individuals” are the most recommended terms. These terms are neutral and focus on the person, not just their age. Using specific age ranges (e.g., “adults over 65”) can also be helpful for clarity in certain contexts.
- Medical and Scientific Settings: For healthcare professionals and researchers, style guides from organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association prefer “older adults” or other person-first phrases like “patients 65 years and older”. These guidelines aim to reduce bias in research and clinical settings.
- Formal and Business Contexts: In formal communication, it is best to use a person’s professional title (e.g., “Dr. Smith”) or their preferred honorific (Mr., Ms., or Mx.) if known. This respects their accomplishments and avoids making their age the primary identifier. If referring to a group, use “older people” or “clients aged 65 and older.”
- When in Doubt, Ask: In personal interactions, the most respectful approach is to simply ask. A simple, polite question like, “How would you prefer I address you?” or, “What do you like to be called?” ensures you use the name and term they are most comfortable with.
Terms to Avoid and Their Implications
Several terms, though once common, are now considered outdated or can carry negative connotations.
- “The elderly”: This term is often viewed as demeaning because it groups a diverse population into a single, potentially frail category.
- “Senior citizen”: While still used by some for benefits or discounts, it can be seen as outdated and patronizing by many older adults today.
- “Senior”: Similar to “senior citizen,” this can be seen as a generalized label that reduces a person to their age. It also risks confusion with high school or college students.
- “The aged”: This is an archaic term that is almost universally viewed as disrespectful today.
- “Geriatric”: This term refers specifically to the branch of medicine and should not be used to describe individuals or groups of people.
A Guide to Age-Inclusive Language
Embracing age-inclusive language involves more than just swapping a few words. It requires a mindset shift toward recognizing the diversity and dignity of older individuals.
To practice age-inclusive language, consider the following:
- Use person-first language (e.g., “the woman with dementia,” not “the demented woman”).
- Be specific when possible, rather than generalizing entire age groups (e.g., “people in their 70s,” not just “older people”).
- Avoid negative or infantilizing stereotypes, such as portraying older adults as frail, technology-illiterate, or sweet but helpless.
- Don’t use condescending nicknames like “dear” or “honey”.
Example: Respectful Communication in Action
Instead of saying, “The elderly woman struggled to carry her groceries,” a more respectful alternative is, “The older woman received assistance with her groceries.” The second example focuses on the action and respect, not an age-based judgment.
Comparison of Terminology
| Feature | Preferred/Age-Inclusive Terms | Outdated/Problematic Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Best for General Use | Older adults, Older people, Older individuals | The elderly, Senior citizens, The aged |
| Focus | On the person, their dignity, and individuality | On age as a defining characteristic, often with negative stereotypes |
| Perception | Neutral, respectful, and modern | Dated, potentially demeaning, or condescending |
| Example Use | The study examined older adults in the workforce. | The program is for senior citizens only. |
| How to Choose | Ask the individual, or default to “older adult” | Avoid unless specifically requested or legally required |
The Psychology of Ageism and Language
The words we use reinforce or challenge deep-seated societal biases. Studies on ageism, a prejudice that is pervasive in society, show that language that “others” older people can lead to negative health outcomes and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. For example, the use of phrases like “silver tsunami” to describe the aging population can imply a crisis rather than a normal demographic shift. By consciously choosing respectful language, we can help dismantle these negative narratives and promote a more accurate and positive view of aging as a normal and valuable part of the human experience.
For more information on the guidelines surrounding age-inclusive communication, read this informative blog post from the National Institute on Aging: Don't call me 'old': Avoiding ageism when writing about aging.
Conclusion
Navigating what to call senior adults requires a thoughtful approach focused on dignity and respect. The current consensus among experts and style guides points toward using inclusive and person-first terms like “older adults” or “older people.” By being mindful of the language we use, we can challenge ageism and ensure that older individuals are seen and valued for who they are as people, not just for their age. When in doubt, the simplest and most respectful path forward is to let the individual's preference guide your choice of words.
