“Diapers” No More

Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence) is a medical condition that often comes with shame, embarrassment and sometimes denial. The stigma attached to this condition often makes it difficult for people to seek the help needed, possibly putting them into a more embarrassing situation (such as having unprotected accidents in public, smelling of urine or feces, or isolating themselves).  Part of this problem has to do with the fact that "babies wear diapers", and we continue to use the word “diapers” for adult products.

If you live long enough, there is a chance that you may need to wear a continence management product that keeps you dry and dignified.  Statistics show that 1 in 5 older adults experience problems with bladder and/or bowel control.  Some medical conditions can be treated with surgery, medications or exercises (like Kegels).  Some conditions need to be managed with products.

The term “diaper” is used to refer to absorbent products that are used for babies and children that are not able to control their urine flow and/or bowels. This is a developmental issue that eventually the child will grow out of.   When adults have problems with their bladder or bowels, it is usually due to a medical problem or a problem with their cognition.  Although children and adults use a similar type of product, it’s important to change the language when referring to adults.

What I want to bring to your attention here is that although many people who are older still recognize and use the term “diapers”, there is a cultural shift that is discouraging this word, as it can be offensive to some.  The following terms are more acceptable and encouraged.

Instead of using the word "diapers", considering the following alternatives:

• Briefs
• Incontinent pads (also used in the UK)
• Incontinence products
• Adult incontinent products
• Absorbent products
• Disposable products
• Protective undergarments
• Disposable incontinent pads
• Underwear (for those who are cognitively impaired)

Sometimes it’s helpful to use one of the above words, with “adult diaper” as a qualifier if the person does not quite understand what you are talking about.  The word “incontinence” is only understood by half of the population.  It’s helpful to let the person know that we don’t use the term “diaper” for adults anymore.  Adults are not big babies.  We want to provide them with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

When I asked the company that sells DEPEND absorbent products what language they use and find acceptable, they replied with:

         

          “…we try to refer to all our products by their name. 

          Or we may use the terms ‘pull on’ vs. ‘open at the

          sides’.”

Let’s all do our part in ensuring dignity, respect and appropriate language when talking about products used for adults.  After all, those with medical conditions deserve respect, and avoiding embarrassment with such a sensitive topic is the least we can do.

Go to this link, to learn more about the facts: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/archive/public/age/info-exchange/incontinence/incontinence1-eng.php

Regards,

- Angela Gentile

Language and Terms for People who are Past Middle Age

There are many terms used for people who are in the 60-ish plus age category.  Those who move from that undefined "middle age" into the next age category don't want to be labeled with a negative term that makes them sound "old".  Sometimes I wonder when did "old" become a bad word?  The majority of today's older people are remaining quite active and longevity is challenging our beliefs about the ways in which we refer to our older population. Words such as elderly, seniors and senior citizens often conjure up negative connotations.  Political correctness, and acceptable language is helping to eradicate ageism and help people in their later years (and others) look at their stage of life in a positive light.  Here's what I've found in my research in terms of language:

Thumbs down to:
Seniors (now considered passé to the Baby Boomers) 
Senior Citizens
Elderly (associated with the term geriatric or those who live with senility) 
Old
Seasoned
Aged

Thumbs up to:
Older adults
Third age (the age of personal fulfillment termed by the late Peter Laslett) 
Active agers
Elders (Very different from elderly.  Adopted from the First Nations community in Canada.  Elders are revered for their wisdom and life experience and the title Elder is a compliment in First Nations communities) 
Active Older Adults
Baby Boomers or Boomers (those born between the years 1946-1964)
Retirees (if in fact they are retired)
A person aged _______ (fill in the blank with their age with no other label)
People aged _______ (fill in the bland with an age-range with no other label)

Maybe:
Pensioners (mainly a U.K. term)
Older people
Older person
Mature-aged

If you're really struggling :)

Old = Chronologically gifted or experientially advanced
Old person = Gerontologically advanced

Just as we would call someone a child, a teenager, or an adult, I think it's most acceptable to use the term "older adult" when speaking about those who are in the 60-ish plus age category.  Middle age can span many years, and that magical time when one becomes an older adult is quite individual and undefined.  In Canada, one receives the "Old Age" Pension when they are 65.  Is this the magical age then?  Not world-wide that's for sure.  There is a more definitive breakdown from there - the young-old, the old-old, very old and the oldest old. 

Remember the old saying, "To Me, Old Age is Always 15 Years Older Than I Am", Bernard M. Baruch.

Whatever term you decide to use is okay as long as you do it with good intentions in mind.  It is never okay to refer to older adults in a negative manner as this perpetuates ageism and puts our views of aging in a negative light.

Age well,
Angela Gentile