To ask how you talk to the elderly?

[malificent7]

Do you talk to them gently using language like ' dear', 'lovely', or do you talk to them. "normally " as you would to an adult of your own age? Does this change if they are infirm? Cannot elaborate as outing.

I'd avoid the "I did a research essay" bit, as it can come across as if you know it all in theory not in practice. A gentle query of managers whether the people in question would be happy with this would do.

I talk to elderly people by phone everyday as my job involves follow up calls after hearing aids fitted. I speak to them normally (though sometimes louder) always use their correct title and surname. Some want to chat especially since March, some don't which is fine. I'm always respectful, the person who trained me was so patronising it made me cringe!

Normally! If you baby talked my mother she would be not impressed!

@Sundaypolodog your mum sounds brilliant.

The way I speak to my mother, if I don't want her to tear me a new one. Respectfully, in a friendly fashion, and clearly. I do not call anyone outside of my immediate family 'love', 'dear', 'my lovely', unless I know them well and know that they would not find such endearments like nails down a blackboard.

[quote Somanysocks]@Sundaypolodog your mum sounds brilliant.[/quote]
She is, she's a real fighter

I think because my grandad is quite deaf and I shout at him I find myself inadvertently raising my voice at elderley people. It wasn't until a woman said "why are you shouting at me?" A few years ago that I realised I did it I consciously try not to

It is all cooing where I am...sets my teeth on edge!

Define “the elderly”. When do “the middle aged” become “the elderly”? This kind of terminology gives me the rage. When I advocated for my parents I was referred to as “the daughter”, that gave me the rage too. It’s so fucking rude.

I talk to them as normal but with my clients I would be more likely to use Mr/Mrs Surname than First Name.

I used to work in care with older adults ( hate elderly, so patronising). I always spoke to them normally, and asked what they preferred to be called.

Isn't it about treating people with respect and valuing them regardless of age?

@Leaannb

I own a care agency. I talk to them normally like any other colleague. To do otherwise would be patronizing and rude.

This with bells on.

I speak to them normally. Unless I know they are hard of hearing then I speak normally but a bit louder and clearer.

I interact with a lot of elderly people and I’ve never come across anyone speaking differently to them.

Wtf is elder speak. Good God that is a really patronising and bloody awful term!

"The Elderly"?

I'm getting older and I find that some people use words when talking to me like sweetie love duckie etc far more than they ever did 5 years ago. For example I recently had a hospital appointment for a shoulder problem and I counted the number of sweeties, darlings and loves - I wanted say "I'm not your sweetie etc"

@PortiasPlumUpduffedPudding

Wtf is elder speak. Good God that is a really patronising and bloody awful term!

Sweetie,darling and honey...It basically returns them to the toddler stage

I’d talk to them normally but I know a few colleagues that call everyone ‘Lovey’ regardless of age.

@GlummyMcGlummerson

I think because my grandad is quite deaf and I shout at him I find myself inadvertently raising my voice at elderley people. It wasn't until a woman said "why are you shouting at me?" A few years ago that I realised I did it I consciously try not to

I am horrible with that. We have a hoh family member basically deaf to the point where hearing aids are ineffective. To the point the speaker volume is at 100 and subtitles are on. To speak to this individual you have to scream at her.. So our home is extremely loud. So between her and most of my clients are hoh I'm extremely loud to everyone.

Interestingly though when my Gran was alive she became very hard of hearing and struggled to hear us women even if we were shouting but could hear men better, maybe a pitch thing? Not sure

@missyB1

some young woman called me love last week. So rude

In some areas everyone calls everyone love. Nothing to do with age. In my hometown everyone says “duck” as in “alright duck? Want a cup of tea duck?” Doesn’t matter if you are 10 or 90!

You must live near me . It's not patronising and is irrespective of age here.

@Sundaypolodog

I'm getting older and I find that some people use words when talking to me like sweetie love duckie etc far more than they ever did 5 years ago. For example I recently had a hospital appointment for a shoulder problem and I counted the number of sweeties, darlings and loves - I wanted say "I'm not your sweetie etc"

I changed hairdressers for “my lovely”. I’m not your lovely, I’m your client.

@NewYearNewPlumbing

Can you give an indication of when 'elderly' starts?

According to the WHO around 60 to 65

@CaptainMyCaptain...Its just rude