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Becca Levy, RESPONSE TO "AGEISM IN GERONTOLOGICAL LANGUAGE", The Gerontologist, Volume 41, Issue 2, 1 April 2001, Page 287, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/41.2.287
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To the Editor:
I share Dr. Palmore's view that "ageism is a major problem in our society" (Palmore 2000). However, I disagree with the remedy he proposes: replacing terms that he believes have negative connotations, including "old," with another set that he believes has neutral or positive connotations, including "older person."
Replacing "old" with "older person" implies that she or he should be defined in relation to younger individuals in our society, and therefore enhances the marginalization that is part of ageism. In the same way, "female doctor" perpetuates the notion that the unmarked term "doctor" properly applies to males.
Similarly, the terms "grandparent" and "retired person," that Dr. Palmore also advocates, implicitly send a message that their identity should be defined in relation to the young; that is, by the work history of their younger years or by their line of succession. Further, these terms reinforce the belief that grandparenthood and retirement are inevitable states. According to a recent survey of baby boomers, 80% reported that they expect to continue working during "retirement," either full- or part-time.
