elderspeak
Patronizing senior address
Elderspeak is a simplified, patronizing way of talking to older adults—slow speech, exaggerated pitch, terms of endearment from strangers, and the assumption of diminished comprehension.
Like baby talk directed at the elderly: The nurse asked, "Are we ready for our bath?" Research suggests elderspeak can actually worsen cognitive function and increase resistance to care.
Treating as incapable
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- disempoweringRemoving capacity to act
Prejudice targeting older people
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
- sociolinguisticsStudy of language variation
Simplified infant-directed speech
- high-pitchElevated sound frequency
- singsongRhythmically monotonous speech
- repetitionAct of redoing
- loudHigh in volume
Emphasizing individual needs first
- age-appropriateSuited to one's maturity
- individualizedAdapted for one person
- empoweringGiving authority or confidence
- collaborativeInvolving shared effort
infantilizing
Treating as incapable
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
disempowering · frustrating · alienating · undermining · belittling
ageism
Prejudice targeting older people
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
- sociolinguisticsStudy of language variation
baby-talk
Simplified infant-directed speech
- high-pitchElevated sound frequency
- singsongRhythmically monotonous speech
- repetitionAct of redoing
loud · diminutives · endearments · motherese
person-centered
Emphasizing individual needs first
- age-appropriateSuited to one's maturity
- individualizedAdapted for one person
- empoweringGiving authority or confidence
hospitals
Institutions treating the sick
- pharmaciesStores dispensing medications
elder, elders, elderly, elderliness, speak, speaks, spoke, spoken, speaking