Stop Saying These Phrases About Aging
· news
The Ageist Language That’s Killing Us
Research by Becca Levy at Yale School of Public Health has shown that the messages we absorb and repeat to ourselves about growing older are linked to our health outcomes. People with positive beliefs about aging tend to walk faster, heal quicker, take better care of themselves, and show fewer signs of cognitive decline.
We perpetuate a culture of ageism through our language, using phrases like “I’m too old for this” or “It’s all downhill from here.” These reflexive clichés can affect not just how we feel but also our physical and mental health. For example, saying “I’m having a senior moment” trivializes forgetfulness as an inevitable aspect of aging, when in fact it’s often caused by distractions or cognitive slowing that can happen at any age.
We also compare ourselves to younger versions of ourselves, reinforcing the idea that younger is better and our actual age is something to be ashamed of. This devalues what it means to be at one’s own age. As Tracey Gendron notes, “It continues to devalue what it means to be of our own age.” The phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” perpetuates the idea that older people are too set in their ways to learn new things.
However, science shows that this just isn’t true. Older people can benefit from cognitive strategies and even form new neuronal connections when faced with challenges. Levy’s research followed a nationally representative group of older adults for up to 12 years, and almost half showed improvement on at least one key measure of function.
The phrase “it’s all downhill from here” is particularly insidious because it ignores the fact that many older adults are defying ageist expectations. Instead of using clichés that reinforce ageism, we need to be more honest about how we feel and what we’re capable of. When someone asks if you feel old, tell them the truth – whether it’s a positive or negative feeling.
By changing the way we talk about aging, we can start to break down the ageist attitudes that are killing us. It’s time to retire these damaging phrases and start embracing our own unique experience of growing older.
Language has the power to shape our perceptions and attitudes towards aging. By using more accurate and honest language, we can challenge ageist assumptions and promote a more positive view of growing older. For example, instead of saying “I’m too old for this,” let’s say “I’m not interested in that right now.” This acknowledges that our interests change over time without perpetuating the idea that older people are somehow less capable.
We need to challenge ageist attitudes head-on by promoting a more nuanced understanding of aging. We can start by recognizing that everyone ages differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Rather than comparing ourselves to younger versions of ourselves, let’s focus on our own unique experiences and strengths. As Gendron puts it, “It’s just not what you expected it to feel like.” Our 70 is going to look different from someone else’s 70 – but it’s still, indisputably, our 70.
As we rethink our language around aging, we need to start thinking about the future. What kind of society do we want to create, where older adults are valued and respected for their experience and contributions? By challenging ageist attitudes and promoting a more positive view of growing older, we can create a world where every stage of life is celebrated – not just youth. It’s time to rewrite the script on aging, and start telling a new story about what it means to grow old.
Reader Views
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The language we use about aging is a slippery slope into ageism. While Levy's research highlights the negative impact of certain phrases, let's not forget that societal expectations play a significant role in perpetuating these attitudes. Rather than focusing solely on individual reframing, we should be questioning the underlying cultural norms that value youth above all else. By scrutinizing our language and the narratives it reinforces, we can begin to challenge the notion that aging is inherently decline.
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The way we talk about aging has real-world consequences, but the conversation often stops at reframing our language. What's missing is a discussion on how to actually change behavior and attitudes towards older adults. We need to move beyond mere semantics and focus on promoting intergenerational collaboration in workplaces and communities. By pairing younger and older individuals for projects or mentorship, we can challenge ageist stereotypes from the inside out and foster a culture that values experience over age. This is where the real transformation begins.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
While it's refreshing to see ageism tackled head-on in this piece, we must also acknowledge that older adults themselves often perpetuate these damaging narratives. Rather than simply changing our language, we need to address the underlying societal attitudes that normalize age-related decline and discourage intergenerational dialogue. For instance, how can we encourage employers to value the contributions of older workers and challenge the assumption that experience is inherently at odds with innovation? By doing so, we may be able to create a more inclusive culture where age becomes just another aspect of diversity rather than a source of stigma.