Over 60s regularly patronised by younger generation, bless them

‘Our members are not the stereotypes represented by these words’

STICKS and stones may break their bones, but words such as “old fogey” might just hurt them.

Despite the old children’s rhyme that words are innocuous, research has revealed that over-60s face a barrage of name- calling with “fuddy duddy”, “codger” and “over the hill” making the top 10 most patronising terms.

Over-60s were asked by a charity to report the most demeaning terms they have been called. More than 1,000 people aged 60 and over responded to the request by charity u3a (University of the Third Age) and rated “geriatric” the number one most patronising word used to describe them, while “past it” and “fuddy duddy” also made the top three.

The anonymous respondents were invited to share their stories and views regarding the language and most were less than pleased. One woman told researchers: “I hate being called ‘young lady’ when I am 86 years old!”

Another said: “In a shop

I was addressed by an assistant who asked ‘How are we doing so far today?’ as if I were lucky to have made it to midday.”

While a third said: “I often get the comment ‘ bless you’ when talking to people, giving the impression it is amazing I still have opinions.”

The charity also quizzed the wider public and found 53 per cent of them admitted using words which older people see as patronising.

But the research revealed that younger generations don’t view the tongue-in-cheek terms as insults. Those surveyed said their reason for namecalling was that “it’s just banter”, they are using it “to be friendly”, or simply because “it’s widely used language”.

Many older Britons who took part in the research said they do not feel old enough to have the terms thrown at them and almost a third described the terms as outdated.

The poll showed the most common reason for taking umbrage was the belief the sayings were not an accurate representation of older people today.

The research revealed older people are often insulted in person, with 63 per cent saying they had been called these names in public. But they also reported them as being commonplace in television programmes, social media and even used by members of their family.

Sam Mauger, CEO of u3a, said: “Our members are not the stereotypes represented by these words.

“This isn’t about placing blame; it’s about highlighting how our language can inadvertently serve to exclude people. We want to challenge the preconceptions around ageing.”