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Honey, Sweetie, Dearie: The Perils of Elderspeak - KFF Health News

KFF Health News
Summary
Nutrition label

82% Informative

Study: Elderly speech is communication to older adults that sounds like baby talk.

It arises from an ageist assumption of frailty, incompetence, and dependence.

Elderlypeakers employ a louder volume, shorter sentences, or simple words intoned slowly.

They may adopt an exaggerated, singsong vocal quality more suited to preschoolers, along with words like “ potty ’s.

In long-term care, families and residents may worry correcting the way staff members speak could create antagonism.

Carol Fahy was fuming about the way aides at an assisted living facility treated her mother, who was blind.

Fahy considered discussing her objections with the aides, but "I didn't want them to retaliate".

VR Score

84

Informative language

82

Neutral language

72

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

46

Offensive language

possibly offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

medium-lived

Affiliate links

no affiliate links