INFANTILIZATION OF THE ELDERLY, the practice of treating older adults as if they were children, often through patronizing language, behavior or environments, can undermine their dignity and autonomy.
Talking down to older people is called “elderspeak,” the most common form of infantilization. This kind of talk features simplified speech, exaggerated pitch, speaking slowly, and in an emotional tone, often over-explaining concepts.
Using diminutives such as “honey,” “dear,” and “sweetie” with older people can be seen as overly familiar and disrespectful. This language is offensive to those on the receiving end, often interpreted as patronizing and condescending. Infantilization might appear to be caring or nurturing behavior, but it can be interpreted as degrading and humiliating.
This behavior can lead to social responses such as depression, loss of identity and withdrawal. Some people may begin to internalize these ideas, turning what was communicated into a self-fulfilling prophecy; leading to childlike behaviors.
This form of talking is common in family settings, health care staffing in hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as in various institutional settings and media portrayals. Infantilization often arises from ageist stereotypes, assumptions about cognitive and physical decline or well-intentioned but misguided attempts to show care.
Infantilization is not limited to verbal communication; it can also be behavioral and environmental, such as loss of autonomy, privacy or ageappropriate activities in institutions like nursing homes or adult day care centers when they are still capable of certain functions. In some instances, this loss occurs as certain progressing conditions could lead to themselves, or others, being hurt or neglected.
These practices can create a “second childhood” effect, where older adults are perceived as losing their developmental maturity despite a lifetime of experience.
Psychology Today reports that the effects of infantilization are psychologically and socially harmful. Older adults may feel disrespected, patronized, or devalued, which can reduce self-esteem, autonomy, and social interaction.
Research suggests that infantilizing behaviors in institutions can lower social engagement and limit friendships, reducing their opportunities for meaningful participation. In some cases, infantilization may even contribute to cognitive decline or reinforce perceptions of incapacity, particularly in institutionalized elders.
Age should have no bearing on human dignity and respect. To counter infantilization, it is important to use respectful, age-appropriate language and ask adults how they prefer to be addressed–“Do you prefer that I call you “Dan” or “Daniel?”
We must encourage autonomy and decision-making when addressing elderly situations by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement in activities.
We must educate caregivers and staff about ageism and the negative effects of infantilization. The elderly and disabled members of our community deserve to be treated with consideration, respect and full recognition of their personal dignity.
Let’s expect to speak the best of people of any age; anything else is unacceptable.
Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a writer and speaker. He can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net, LifeWithDan.blog. He is available to speak to groups or employees about this essential issue. Call 419-787-2036 for more information. ✲
Age should have no bearing on human dignity and respect.
