How to Avoid Ageist Language in Aging Research? An Overview and Guidelines

Abstract

Language carries and conveys meaning that feeds assumptions and judgments. However, ageist language is problematic because it perpetuates prejudice (affect), stereotyping (cognition), and discrimination (behavior) against people based on their age. Ageism and ageist language are significant problems in society. Of particular interest in this article is the widespread use of ageist language in research on aging and the need for guidelines to mitigate it. Generally speaking, research on aging intends to improve the quality of life for older people. However, this well-meaning intention may be futile if ageist language continues to be used. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1995) has rejected the term “elderly” in preference for “older persons.” However, a search on Google Scholar for the term “elderly” in the titles of articles published between 2000 and 2020 returns more than 140,000 results, and a search for the term anywhere within articles returns more than 2,000,000 results. These observations highlight the prevalence of ageist language in the literature. Thus, in this article, we suggest guidelines for and provide exemplars of age-related language in two areas: language describing older people and language describing activities. In doing so, we hope to address the problem of ageist language and to promote dignified and respectful language use in commentaries and studies on aging. This is in line with the World Health Organization (2021) decade plan of action for combating ageism, in conjunction with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021– 2030).