The Elderly - time for a new phrase

Recently a LinkedIn colleague forwarded an editorial titled "Supporting the Elderly" from the Global Action on Aging office (globalaging.org), and something really interesting jumped out at me. The term "the elderly" has always bothered me because it lumps older adults into a catagory that carries lots of negative baggage. This article illustrates what I mean. When the author spoke of young people who needed assistance he didn't lump them into a catagory but instead referred to them as "individuals facing difficulties" - key word here - individuals.

Also, I noticed when the author started talking about how Boomers could use their skills and expertice to contribute to the community his language changed. He used the phrase "respect elders" not respect "the elderly". This article provides a great case for getting rid of the phrase "the elderly". If a person wants to convey older adults with special needs, then say elders in need (if you need the age reference at all).

Comments

[Gaea Yudron]

Reworking language is an important part of consciousness raising and social change, as we've seen in the womens' lib and civil rights movements. I have written about the importance of reclaiming the word old in my blog http://www.sagesplay.blogspot.com

[Kay Van Norman]

Gaea, Thanks for your comments and for you blog. It's terrific. Kay

[zhang]

Love this new feature! love this page.

[Kay Van Norman]

Thank you Zhang. Glad it is helpful. Kay

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[noithatdep]

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[Brad Fallon]

Elders are a far more better way to communicate and not the word "elderly". Nice post. Keep it up.

[Montanakay]

Thanks Brad. Elder is such a good word - until the ly changes the entire meaning. Thanks for reading. Kay

[Kevin]

I feel referancing someone as elderly is a compliment. Mostly because if someone survives to old age they get some brownie points.

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Mostly because if someone survives to old age they get some brownie points.

[Montanakay]

Weagree Kevinbut I just dont think the elderly gives the brownie points they deserve. Refering to someone as an elder gives kudos for experience and wisdom that only time can offer. Elderly is unfortunately closely linked with the concept of frailty.Ask someone inyour life who is over 75 if they like to be refered to as elderly - especially someone who sees themselves as being vital and active.

[Blackhawks Jerseys]

What's a good topic!

[Chicago Cubs jersey]

I appreciate the individual thoughts and opinions, but would be much more affected by logical and educated replies

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I agree with you.

[Kay Van Norman]

Check out a book titled Counter Clockwise by Ellen Langer, a professor of psychology at Harvard. She has done a tremendous amount of research on how attitudes and expectations (and language) impact the beliefs, behaviors and health outcomes of older adults. Plenty of facts and logic for you! And a great book. Kay

[Andews Hayes]

That's a good point of view. Using "elderly" kinda has this connotation that you're making them look older than their age. It sounds a lot better if you simply call them "elders."

[Coach Outlet]

I first came to visit your site, this article is worth people thinking about people watching, very pleased to meet you here! Thank you for sharing this with us win a good article!

[Montanakay]

Thanks! Feel free to visit my website at www.kayvannorman.com for more articles and information. Kay

Kay Van Norman, President
Brilliant Aging
Author of of book, Exercise Wellness for Older Adults (2010)

[How to Relieve Stress]

I agree, the word "elder" seems to command respect and makes it sound like someone we look up to whereas elderly seems to indicate someone we need to look after whose capacities are failing them.

The Englisg language is quite amazing this way isn't it?

[Montanakay]

It really is amazing. And we all key off of not only words, but inflection and body language when people speak to us (or about us). Thanks for reading!! Feel free to check out my website at www.kayvannorman.com for more articles etc. Kind Regards, Kay

Kay Van Norman, President
Brilliant Aging
Author of of book, Exercise Wellness for Older Adults (2010)

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