Respectful Language resources
The way we speak about and with older people matters. Language can influence attitudes, reinforce or challenge age-related stereotypes, and affect dignity, inclusion and person-centred care. As part of its commitment to promoting high-quality care for older people, PROGRAMMING developed complementary resources to raise awareness of ageist language and encourage more respectful and inclusive communication in healthcare and related settings.
These resources combine an accessible awareness-raising video with a scientific article exploring how language can contribute to ageism and how more thoughtful communication can help promote dignity and respect for older people.
Video – Respectful Language in PROGRAMMING CA21122
A short awareness-raising video highlighting the importance of using inclusive and respectful language when communicating with and about older people.
Article – Challenging ageist language: promoting dignity and respect in healthcare communication
An article by PROGRAMMING members examining how ageist language can emerge in healthcare communication and discussing ways to foster greater dignity and respect for older people. Published in European Geriatric Medicine in 2025.
What is it?
A set of complementary PROGRAMMING resources addressing respectful communication with and about older people, with particular attention to recognising and avoiding ageist language and promoting dignity, inclusion and person-centred care.
Who is it for?
Healthcare professionals, students, educators, researchers, professional organisations and other stakeholders communicating with or about older people.
What can it be used for?
Awareness-raising, education and training; stimulating discussion about ageism in healthcare; supporting reflection on professional communication; and promoting more respectful and inclusive language in clinical, educational, scientific and organisational settings.
What is included?
Two complementary resources: a short awareness-raising video and a scientific article (see above).
How to use it
The video can be used as a short standalone awareness-raising resource or as a starting point for discussion during teaching sessions, workshops, team meetings or professional development activities. The accompanying article provides further context and can support more in-depth reflection, discussion or educational activities. The two resources can be used independently or together.
Use and acknowledgement requirements
When sharing or referring to these resources, their PROGRAMMING origin should be acknowledged. The scientific article should be cited using the original publication reference and remains subject to the publisher’s applicable copyright and reuse conditions. Reproduction or modification of the video or other original PROGRAMMING material should follow the applicable permissions and acknowledgement requirements.
Adaptation and secondary use
The resources may be linked to and used to support educational and awareness-raising activities. Substantial reproduction, editing or incorporation into new derivative materials should respect the copyright and permissions applicable to each resource.
