Why you won’t see the words ‘elderly’, ‘elders’ or ‘seniors’ on my website
Choosing respectful, accurate language
As healthcare professionals, we should lead by example in the language we use to describe the people we support. Words matter: they can shape expectations, reinforce stereotypes, and influence how someone feels about their health and identity. I aim to use language that is respectful, person-centred, and grounded in each individual’s lived experience.
The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) recommends avoiding certain labels in a health context, including:
‘Elderly’, ‘elders’, ‘seniors’, ‘pensioners’ and ‘the aged’ can be replaced with wording such as ‘older person/people’, ‘older adult’, ‘patient’, ‘client’, or simply ‘individual’, depending on the situation.
https://www.bgs.org.uk/preferred-language-when-referring-to-older-people-in-a-health-context
Why this matters
Using thoughtful language is about more than being polite. It helps us avoid broad generalisations or value judgements about someone’s life, health, or capability.
Older adults are not a single group. Like people at any stage of life, they have different backgrounds, priorities, beliefs, routines, and goals. That’s why I avoid language that can feel dismissive or one-size-fits-all, and why my physiotherapy is always tailored to the person in front of me, not to an age category.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like to read more about supporting older people and how physiotherapy can help with strength, balance, confidence and day-to-day independence, please explore my website or follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safemotionphysio_athome/