What is the politically correct term for the elderly?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on May 20, 2026
She said that the term “elderly” should be thrown out altogether – the preferred terminology is “seniors” or “older adults.” Even many active older Americans don’t consider themselves “seniors” at all.
Can you use the word elderly?
The term elderly is often used to describe frail individuals; without applying the well-known and valid criteria of frailty. Furthermore, older adults do not like the term elderly applied to themselves, even if they use the term to describe someone else!
Is it rude to say elderly?
Seniors are people of a certain age, but there is no judgment in using this term. Elderly brings with it a connotation of “old,” and less able. Even though someone is elderly by age, they may not be elderly in terms of mental or physical abilities.
What do seniors call themselves?
Some of the most popular terms for the older generation are seniors, (but not senior citizens), retirees, older people, and older adults. Pensioners is just okay. And elders is a term embraced by those that see it as a sign of respect.
What are 65 year olds called?
A person between 60 and 69 is called a sexagenarian. A person between 70 and 79 is called a septuagenarian. A person between 80 and 89 is called an octogenarian. A person between 90 and 99 is called a nonagenarian.
What are 70 year olds called?
A septuagenarian is someone in their 70s (70 to 79 years old), or someone who is 70 years old.
What is a 90 year old called?
A person between 80 and 89 is called an octogenarian. A person between 90 and 99 is called a nonagenarian. A person between 100 and 109 is called a centenarian.
Are you old at 60?
The World Health Organisation believes that most developed world countries characterise old age starting at 60 years and above. However, this definition isn’t adaptable to a place like Africa, where the more traditional definition of an elder, or elderly person, starts between 50 to 65 years of age.
How do you entertain a 90 year old?
9 great activities for seniors with limited mobility
- Spend time reading. Reading is a fantastic activity for older adults.
- Explore a variety of hobbies.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get creative.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Have fun with happy visitors.
- Play games!
- Enjoy movies, TV shows, or music.
older adults
She said that the term “elderly” should be thrown out altogether – the preferred terminology is “seniors” or “older adults.” Even many active older Americans don’t consider themselves “seniors” at all.
Is it offensive to call someone elderly?
Describing someone as old should be taken as a compliment, recognized as an achievement when you consider the alternative. But it isn’t. One reason people don’t like to be called old is because few consider themselves old, no matter how many years they have on ’em.
What do you say instead of elderly?
One of these recommendations is to refrain from using words like ‘senior’ and ‘elderly’ when describing people of an older age, and instead use the term ‘older adult’ when describing individuals aged 65 and over.
Is it OK to say senior citizen?
While they say the term ‘elderly’ is still okay when describing an issue related to the population as a whole, this isn’t the everyday term. Instead, they’re advocating for terms like ‘older persons,’ ‘older people,’ ‘elderly patients,’ ‘geriatric patients,’ ‘older adults,’ and ‘persons 65 years and older. ‘
What is a 70 year old called?
For example, a septuagenarian refers to someone in his or her seventies (age 70 to 79). The prefix in such terms is always from the Latin. For example, the Latin septuageni = seventy.
For example, a septuagenarian refers to someone in his or her seventies (age 70 to 79).