One of my colleagues shared a story in the lunchroom this week that unfortunately is all too common, about a visit to the doctor with her mum. She wouldn’t normally go, but her mother was receiving some test results and was a bit anxious.

I was saddened to hear the doctor spoke primarily to my colleague to discuss her mum’s health barely acknowledging his patient or her anxiety — and when he did, he spoke to her like a child.

While her mum’s hearing isn’t as great as it used to be, her mind is still sharp. And being excluded from the conversation as an adult really upset her.

This is what we refer to as “elderspeak.” Elderspeak can often sound like baby talk and is generally perceived as patronising by the older person. It’s speaking to older adults in a manner similar to a child, inapp

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