What you call an older person these days can be dangerous to your health. Use the wrong term and you and your business can become persona non grata very quickly.
Fortunately there is help. The “Journalists Exchange on Aging” is a group of writers and editors who have pondered the many semantic possibilities in writing articles about older people. They have some good recommendations, but we still get the feeling that the last word has not been said about this topic.
The resources:
- First read this article from “Age Beat” to sample the responses when a survey on style was done with journalists. Hint: If you see the glossary, click back to see the survey.
- Then download this glossary and tips on proper usage of words such as “Baby Boomer,” “elderly,” and “midlife.”
I also enjoyed Rabon Saip’s take on “senior citizen” vs “elder” at the elderblog, Eldertimes.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Patrick Rafter // Jul 24, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Another Great Post Joanne!
What to call the range of people in this age group
is an issue for all of those of us who want to reach them, and are part of the group ourselves.
With the oldest boomers turning 62 this year it makes me wonder if the Woodstock Generation is really touchy about what they’re called. Let’s all keep a sense of humor. I for one wouldn’t take offense at being called an “old fart”
2 Joanne Fritz // Jul 25, 2008 at 5:47 am
LOL Me either, Patrick. Frankly I don’t think the term “senior” is going away. Even boomers will be seniors…in their own way.
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