Linguistic Puzzle

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

A smile says it all!

As the first wave of boomer generation marches toward retirement, a linguistic question looms large: What should we call those in their later years?  I struggle with this in writing my column because I want words that communicate respect, honor, and encouragement to the older generation, which includes me!  Words are containers filled with a lot of emotion.  It reminds me of the language used by young people to describe their relationships with the opposite sex.  When I was a teenager, we wanted to hang out, go steady, or wear a guy’s letter jacket.  I asked my teenage granddaughters what language they use today. The conversation went like this: Granddaughter #1 replies, “You are a thing or not.” I said, “Is that the same as going steady?” She said, “It means you are talking, and you might start dating soon, but you are together.” Granddaughter #2 says, “Cuffed means going steady. But it is not in wide usage.” Whew! It makes my linguistic dilemma seem simple.

To gauge the opinions and preferences of reporters and editors, Paul Kleyman, national coordinator of the Journalists Exchange on Aging, asked a network of 900 journalists who cover issues in aging what words they use. Their top choice for a neutral term was an older person used to modify people, adults, individuals, or Americans. Elderly is the word that grates the most. The title is associated with images of frailty and decline. On the other hand, Elder conveys respect. Geezer and the phrase senior moment are acceptable---if they are used by older people in a self-deprecating way, but not by younger people!  We may stumble our way through trying to find appropriate words, but just like talking to the opposite sex, a sense of humor goes a long way! 

“There are no language barriers when you are smiling.” Allen Klein