Thank you for reading!

Ageism is discrimination against someone based on their age.  Seniors experience ageism the most out of all age groups. The idea of aging and getting older is greatly looked down upon in our society in which many marketing companies use to get attention. Social norms such as these cause seniors to be treated as if they are inadequate and dependent which impacts their quality of life.  It is important to try to eliminate these stereotypes against seniors as our population of seniors grows and will eventually double. Many of today’s seniors actually do not fit the stereotypes as older people are getting healthier, smarter and even richer.

What is Ageism?

Brittney Zourdos

The Ohio State University

Ageism and

Elderspeak

Elder speak is when caregivers talk slower, louder, and treat the elder as they are a child. This term is also referred to as “baby talk” as well. It is infantilizing communication. Examples are the use of “sweetie, dearie, honey, sweet pea…”  It lowers self-esteem, causes depression and withdraws and is linked to lower quality of care. It conveys a message of incompetence of the receiver and dominance of the speaker over the elder. Older adults with dementia most frequently reacted to elderspeak communication by negative vocalizations (screaming or yelling, negative verbalizations, crying). Elderspeak may be characterized by:

simplistic vocabulary and grammar

shortened sentences slowed speech elevated pitch and volume inappropriate terms of

endearment

Use empathetic communication:

Maintain eye contact Body orientation, stand or sit

in front of them, not over them.

Distance, stand close but do not hover

Tone of voice, do not use a demeaning tone of voice, or a high pitched voice as if talking to a child.

Predetermined verbal message may help by ensuring demeaning words are not used.

Ignore stereotypes  

Learn more about the aging

process

Speak out against ageism  

Watch how you speak  

Avoid labeling individuals as

"old" or "seniors" when

possible 

Encourage bridging the

generation gap at work and

home

How to speak to Elders?

ElderspeakHow to prevent ageism?