Saturday, 07 June 2025

Incontinent but Not Incompetent: Why ‘Elderspeak’ Causes a Downward Spiral

One of the most important things to remember when caring for a senior is that just because he or she reverts to nappies as a result of incontinence, does not mean that he or she has reverted to being an infant or child – nor should he or she be spoken to in that manner. Unfortunately, it is common for caregivers to subconsciously start using ‘elderspeak’, which is the practice of speaking to seniors as if they were children. While the intentions behind this practice are rarely negative, according to research, ‘elderspeak’ can have a horrible effect on the senior from both a mental and a physical health perspective.

Why is ‘elderspeak’ not a good idea?

First and foremost, 'elderspeak' instantly makes the senior feel incompetent, frustrated, and humiliated, and this can cause a steady decline in self-esteem, as well as social withdrawal from the caregiver and others. Many seniors may also begin to show signs of depression.

Secondly, ‘elderspeak’ is also known to create a poor perception of ageing within the mind of the senior and this has been proven to negatively affect elders’ functional health over time.

According to a study conducted in 2002, seniors who have a more positive outlook when it comes to getting older can expect to live up to 7.5 years longer than those who felt negatively about ageing.

How best to communicate with elders

It's important to speak to a senior in a normal tone and using normal language – just as you would speak to any other adult.

Instead of using terms of endearment like ‘dear’ or ‘sweetie’, it's always better to address or refer to the senior using their name. Keep in mind that body language is critical too, so try to speak to them at eye level and maintain eye contact whenever possible. Avoid standing over them as this can make them feel intimidated.

If you are not the sole caregiver, it is best to chat to the other caregivers involved to make sure that everyone is on the same page in terms of steering clear of ‘elderspeak’ and helping the senior to feel strong and empowered for a long time to come!

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