Successful Aging: What words to use, which to avoid in describing the
older generation
Many people have expressed dismay
about the lack of a good term to describe aging boomers. “Senior citizen” and
“golden ager” didn’t work. In a report “Words to Age By: A Brief Glossary on
Tips and Usage,” Paul Kleyman, journalist at New America Media, surveyed nearly
100 journalists for the Journalist Exchange on Aging to get a sense of the
language they used in covering issues of aging. Here are a few principles noted
in the report.
Elderly. “Use this word carefully and
sparingly.” The term is appropriate in phrases that do not refer to specific
individuals such as “concern for the elderly or a home for the elderly.” It
should not be used in reference to a person’s deteriorating condition.
Seniors. A style guide for one family of
newspapers say that reporters should be specific when possible, reserving
‘seniors’ when no other descriptive will work.
Additionally journalists are urged to
use adjectives that are accurate and avoid patronizing or demeaning words such
as “feisty,” “spry,” “sweet,” “eccentric,” “feeble,” “senile” and
“grandmotherly.”
Activity and relationships. Describing an older adult as
“active” should also be avoided. This implies the older individual is an
exception, suggesting that in general, older people are sedentary.
Additionally, don’t mention relationships when they are irrelevant. An example
of an inappropriate use of reference to a relationship is “Golda Meir, a
doughty grandmother, told the Egyptians…”
Mentioning a person’s age. Don’t mention it unless it’s germane.
A news story about an 84-year old truck driver who hit two cars should cite
facts that his or her age was relevant to the accident.
Be aware of political spin. This applies to public policy
aspects of a news story. For example, the use of the term “burden” can be misleading.
We may read it causally such as the “burden” of Social Security or the “burden”
of our aging society. It implies that the ills of America are primarily caused
by our aging population.
Avoid the naïve sense of wonder. This is my favorite both in news
stories and general conversations. Operative words are “remain” or “still.”
Example: “At 76, Smith remains active as a teacher…gardener…or hang glider,”
which assumes one typically is inactive at age 76. “Remains active” can be
erroneously interpreted as a “vestige of one’s waning power,” Kleyman writes.
On a personal note, here are some
questions often asked of me. “Are you ‘still’ working?” “Are you “still’
running?” “Are you ‘still’ doing yoga?” It’s yes, yes and yes, with
appreciation for the interest and gratitude knowing that many cannot.
The most recent question is from an
acquaintance who asked me what’s new in aging. After my rather comprehensive
reply, she asked in all seriousness, “How is your memory?” My acquaintance was
worried I would forget to remind her friend to take some packages home. There
were no “remains” or “stills,” yet the expectation was clear.
Professional journals also have
guidelines. A notice to those submitting papers to the “Gerontologist,” a
highly regarded peer-reviewed journal on aging, reads, “Please avoid (using the
terms) elders, older adults, or other words…” Caregivers, Alzheimer patients
and study participants are more commonly used terms.
People’s response to age-related
language can depend on their chronological age, generation, cultural community
and personal preference. Avoiding preconceived notions and remaining neutral is
important not only for journalists, but for each of us in our everyday lives.
So what are the words commonly used? I
gravitate to the descriptor indicated as the most preferred among journalists:
“older.” I also use terms such as “later life,” “the next chapter,” and the
“older generation.”
The guidelines for journalists can
help us become more aware of implied ageism through the subtle use of language.
By astute listening and use of accurate words, each of us can debunk the
stereotypes and erroneous assumptions about aging. Consider that a collective
goal. Helen Dennis, SuccessfulAgingCommunity.com
