The way we communicate with older adults is important. As with any population, we want to ensure that our communication techniques and approaches do everything possible to preserve the dignity and worth of the individual.
The chart below will outline some common terminology guidelines when working with older adults. This list is not exhaustive but helps point out the type of language choices that help ensure we are showing respect for those we are working with.
| Inappropriate | Appropriate |
| Elderly, senior | Older adult |
| The disabled, handicapped, crippled | Has a disability, is a person with a disability |
| Handicap parking | Accessible parking |
| Senile, demented | Person with Alzheimer’s or dementia |
Review the recommendations below and think about how you can integrate these into your own practice:
Additionally, how we view disability as a society is beginning to change- thanks to members and advocates within the disability community!
It is important to be aware that some individuals may have a personal preference to utilize identity first language. So when in doubt, ask the person which they prefer (person first or identity first language).
The chart below provides examples of person first language:
Instead of a medical model that views disability as a problem that exists in an individual’s body, the Social Model of Disability asks us to consider disability through the interaction of our built environment, policies, and implicit biases. Check out this article that expands on the benefits and scope of viewing disability within a Social Model: Rethinking disability: the social model of disability and chronic disease (nih.gov).
To learn more about the Disability Rights Movement, check out this article from the New York Times: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’: 16 Moments in the Fight for Disability Rights – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
To learn more from voices in the disability community, explore the The Disability Visibility Project website, which is an “online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture.”
During your time with Age-Friendly, consider how our language and actions affect how older adults and individuals with disabilities are treated and viewed. Is our language supportive and inclusive? Do our actions help create an environment that is approachable and accessible to everyone?
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