4 minute read
What’s in a word?
COMBATTING AGEISM THROUGH LANGUAGE
Like any form of prejudice and discrimination, ageism strongly impacts wellbeing, and its pervasive and damaging nature is harmful to both younger and older people.
The health consequences of ageism can be far-reaching, including physical and mental illness, cognitive impairment, reduced longevity, poor quality of life and wellbeing, and denied access to healthcare and treatments.
Ninety per cent of Australians believe that ageism exists in Australia, and 83 per cent believe that ageism is a problem. In fact, most Australians (63 per cent) report experiencing ageism within the past five years.
Through extensive research, the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has heard numerous examples of ageism that occurs in everyday life. Some of us might be guilty of unwittingly buying into ageist attitudes. Things like older people being told they don’t look their age (as if it is a compliment, implying there is something wrong with ageing); being ignored or overlooked in shops, as though they are of less importance than other customers; assumptions that they don’t know how to use IT, and the ridicule associated with it; and conversations about them directed at a younger family member in their presence, as if they can’t speak for themselves.
Ageism is the only ‘ism’ that is still present in everyday interactions, conversations, humour and behaviour, and it largely goes unremarked upon.
We all have a role to play in combatting ageism. Raising the level of awareness about language and what words we ought to be saying to create a more inclusive society, and making a decision to use those words, is a good place to start.
Examples of how language can combat ageism
Questions to ask Poor Example Better Example
Do the terms I use to describe a person or group of people challenge or perpetuate stereotypes about older people? X Old person X The elderly X Seniors Older person Older people
Does my language place the person or the ‘problem’ first?
Do the images I use to represent a person or group of people challenge or perpetuate stereotypes about older people? X Dementia sufferer Person with dementia OR person living with dementia OR person with a diagnosis of dementia
X Images that portray older people as ‘onlookers’ X Images that only portray older people as frail and/or caredependent Images that portray older people as active participants in society and in meaningful activities Images that are reflective of the diversity in older peoples’ physical fitness and independence
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There are many negative stereotypes of older people that are reflected in the language that we use. For example, use of the term ‘elderly’ or ‘the elderly’ evokes an image of a person or group of people who are frail, care-dependent and vulnerable. While this may be the case for some older people, this description does not apply to all older people, and making such overt generalisations can impact feelings of self-worth, and perpetuate a set of myths about ageing.
There are many older people who are healthy, fit, and actively involved in society through their families, volunteering, sporting endeavours, social connections, and work. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2018, 13 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over participated in the workforce, while Australia’s 2016 Census showed 20 per cent of the same age group volunteered their time in the community and a significant number raise grandchildren or assist in their care.
Needless to say, ageing does not negate playing a vital role in society.
To be a truly inclusive society that acknowledges the true capacity of older people, it is important to use language that is accurate, specific and descriptive, and avoids generalisations and stereotypes. To mark Australia’s first Ageism Awareness Day in October, NARI released an age-positive language guide. The guide— Strategies for combatting ageism through age positive language—provides practical examples of how words, phrases and images can better portray older people and combat ageism, in the community and in research.
NARI says simple actions are among the strongest ways we can combat ageism, including the ways in which we portray older people.
The Guide provides practical examples of how words, phrases, and images can better portray older people and we would encourage all aged care providers to consider sharing it with their staff.
By making small changes and becoming conscious of the language we use and the way we think about ageing, we can deconstruct ageist ideals within society, and create communities where every person feels welcomed and valued— regardless of age.
Professor Briony Dow is Director, National Ageing Research Institute. For more information visit www.nari.net.au
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