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The harmful terms used to describe aging and ageism are often overlooked when describing the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or class. The term ageism was initially introduced in 1969 by physician, gerontologist, and psychiatrist Robert N. Butler, who served as the first Director of the National Institute of Aging. Although Butler, and many others who succeeded him in the field of gerontology, have generated greater awareness that a person's talents and abilities should not be restricted by age many of deep-seated biases and long-held perceptions continue to shape societal views about aging, and influence thought patterns, speech, and writings. Schlesinger Library’s legacy finding aids and other public facing documents sometimes reflect these biases, which can include outdated and harmful terminology. Fortunately, as a special collections repository that documents women’s history and activism, many of our personal papers and organizational records highlight efforts to counteract the stigma of ageism through material support and advocacy.
cfm-footnote an.spaceKey Proceed id rogf3n58kj text Examples of collections in our holdings that promote the aging process:
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Age and Ageism: Report of a Study on Ageism Experienced by Older Women, ca.1975. Papers of Marjory Collins, 1904-1985, MC 682; T-391, 5.37., Box: 5. https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/c/sch01351c00083/
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catalog Matilda White Riley Papers, 1844-2019: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01620/
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catalog Lucile Schuck Longview Papers, 1927-2010: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01469/
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catalog Jane Dewey Heald Papers, 1920-2011: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01576/
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catalog Desert Years, at KPFA, Berkeley, California. April 28, 1990. Audiotape collection of Cynthia Rich and Barbara Macdonald, 1973-1990, T-338, 13., Audiotape: 01. https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/c/sch01246c00009/
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Definition and background
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3) institutional practices and policies which, often without malice, perpetuate stereotypical beliefs about older adults, reduce their opportunities for a satisfactory life, and undermine their personal dignity.
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Current studies by several age-focused organizations, including AARP and the umbrella organization Leaders of Aging Organizations (LAO), conclude that outdated terms such as “seniors,” “the elderly,” and “the aged,” reinforce stereotypical attitudes that equate aging with decline, isolation, depression, illness, and other physical limitations. Which in turn perpetuates the view of older adults as “others.”
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In the following examples from our holdings, our current methods, and future strategies for remediating outdated terminology in archival finding aids, photograph captions, and Library of Congress subject headings are described. Exceptions to remediation include titles of organizations, institutions, geographical locations, or descriptions provided by the donor. Alternatives to these exceptions are included under Recommendations
Issues
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and examples
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Finding aids
Many of our legacy finding aids contain outdated language used to describe the aging process. Collections related to institutional care of older adults offer specific examples of how this language has changed over time. Donated in the late 1970s and processed in the early 1980s. Many of these finding aids contain outdated terms such as “Old age,” “Aged,” and “Old Age Homes.”
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The resources consulted for this guide and noted below, suggest many preferred terms for individuals who are 65 years or older as well as describing older adults by specific age range. Other suggestions include avoiding terms that valorize longevity or describe a medical condition as if it were part of an individual’s identity. Examples include afflicted, suffering, stricken. Using the term “diagnosed with” offers a more accurate and people first description. Other examples include the term senile, which is widely considered outdated and should be replaced with “dementia” or “dementia” due to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Euphemisms, which some would argue are less offensive, are often used to describe older adults. Examples include “golden years,” “senior citizen,” etc. Unless advised otherwise by donors of collections, people first language should be the first choice when using descriptive language. Sub-division by ethnic group, location, or chronological data helps add specificity for researchers.
In instances where titles of collections, publications, etc., contain outdated terms, we recommend using a processing note, or a footnote to provide context and rationale for leaving the term as is.
cfm-footnote an.spaceKey Proceed id roax53210w text See for example Houghton Library’s processing note which they graciously shared with our Library: https://hu.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/RAD_Schles/EYTMk2oasw5HjXzij-jkCMABj2nsQWoRt-6FFFRSvw5OYQ?email=emilyn_brown%40radcliffe.harvard.edu&e=4%3ATOtiJA&at=9&CID=F8A15228-0307-4A98-A5C6-B3CCE6B143FA&wdLOR=c78800587-6C4F-45CF-B7F7-
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As emphasized throughout this guide, archivists, catalogers, and others involved in descriptive practices should solicit the opinion of donors and use their preferences.
Recommendations
- Avoid using terms that equate aging with decline, isolation, depression, illness, and other physical limitations.
- We generally recommend the use of people first descriptions in all public facing documents.
- The language preference or self-identity used by donors should take precedence over other terms.
- Retaining outdated or harmful language in archival description can be considered under the following circumstances: The term 1) is part of an organization name or title; 2) reflects meaningful historical and/or contextual value; 3) aligns with the preferences of the creator or donor and/or; 4) facilitates discovery and access. Archivists will add contextual notes to the finding aid to explain why they may be keeping this type of terminology in the description.
Resources:
Age-inclusive language: Are you using it in your writing and everyday speech?
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Gerontological Society on Aging: Age Inclusive Language: https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/1/2391/files/2022/02/Age-Inclusive-Language-Guidelines-2022.pdf
Footnotes:
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