Charity urges end of ageist language on Age Without Limits

A charity has called on the British public to stop using common phrases like "over the hill" and "dinosaur," arguing that such language entrenches ageism and harms people's confidence, health, and employment prospects. The Centre for Ageing Better issued the plea on Wednesday, coinciding with its "Age Without Limits Day," based on new survey research highlighting the prevalence of ageist language.

The survey of 4,000 UK adults, conducted in January, found that age-related stereotypes affect people from their 40s onward. Among respondents aged 45 to 54, one in ten reported being labelled "over the hill," while nearly a quarter said they had been told they were "stuck in their ways." Eight percent of that age group said they had been told "old dogs can't learn new tricks." The research also indicated that these attitudes persist for older demographics, with nine percent of people aged 65 and above saying they have been called a "dinosaur," and 13 percent of those over 75 told they are "past their sell-by date."

Furthermore, almost a fifth of all adults surveyed admitted to having used the phrase "mutton dressed as lamb" to describe an older person. Campaigners argue that this...