What are appropriate ways to describe elderly individuals in a respectful and person-centered manner?

Respectful and Person-Centered Ways to Describe Older Adults

The most respectful approach to describing older adults is to use person-centered terminology that acknowledges their individuality, autonomy, and personhood rather than defining them primarily by their age or health conditions.

Appropriate Terminology

• Use the term "older adults" or "older persons" rather than "elderly," as this is the preferred terminology in current clinical practice 1.
• When more specific age categorization is needed, "adults aged 65 years or older" can be used for general reference, and "very old" or "very elderly" may be used specifically for those over 85 years of age 1.
• Avoid using the term "elderly" as a standalone descriptor, as it can carry negative connotations and reduce individuals to their age category 1.

Person-Centered Approach to Description

• Focus on the whole person rather than just their medical conditions or age, acknowledging their psychological and social components as integral to their identity 2.
• Recognize that older adults define their health more holistically than just by clinical measures, incorporating psychological well-being and social functioning 2.
• Address older adults as individuals with unique preferences, values, and goals rather than as a homogeneous group 3.
• Acknowledge the importance of autonomy, choice, dignity, and self-determination when describing and interacting with older adults 3.

Context-Specific Terminology

• When discussing health status, use specific descriptive terms that reflect functional abilities rather than age-based assumptions 1:
  • "Frail older adults" can be used specifically for those limited in activities of daily living due to physical, mental, psychological, and/or social impairments 1.
  • "Geriatric patient" should be reserved for biologically older individuals at acute risk of loss of independence due to acute and/or chronic diseases with related functional limitations 1.

Communication Practices

• Ask older adults how they prefer to be addressed and described 4.
• Focus on "what matters most" to the individual when discussing their care and needs 1.
• Use language that emphasizes capabilities and strengths rather than deficits 2.
• Avoid infantilizing language or terms that diminish the person's dignity 3.

Considerations for Special Circumstances

• For older adults with cognitive impairment, maintain person-centered language that acknowledges their personhood is "increasingly concealed rather than lost" 5.
• When discussing health concerns, focus on how they impact what the individual values most in terms of quality of life, such as energy, happiness, sensory function, and freedom from pain 6.
• In advance care planning discussions, use language that respects the individual's values and priorities in life 1.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid deficit-focused language that emphasizes decline, dependency, or burden 3.
• Refrain from using patronizing terms or diminutives (e.g., "sweetie," "dear") that can undermine dignity 3, 4.
• Don't make assumptions about preferences, capabilities, or needs based solely on age 2.
• Avoid medical jargon that may create barriers to understanding and participation in care decisions 4.

By using person-centered language that respects individuality and dignity, healthcare providers can foster better relationships with older adults and provide care that aligns with what matters most to them.