Grandma Doesn’t Want to Be Called Grandma: The Future of Aging

Aging with Confidence, Not Labels

Times are changing, and so is the way older adults perceive themselves. Gone are the days when reaching a certain age automatically meant accepting labels like “elderly” or “senior citizen.” Many people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond are redefining what it means to grow older—and they’re doing it on their own terms..

Whether it’s preferring “Nana” over “Grandma,” rejecting terms like “senior discount,” or embracing a vibrant, active lifestyle that defies stereotypes, one thing is clear: aging is not what it used to be.

So why do so many older adults resist traditional labels? And what does this shift mean for how we talk about aging, healthcare, and independence?

Words Matter: Why Older Adults Reject Traditional Labels

Language shapes perception, and for older adults, words like "senior," "elderly," and even "grandma" can carry unintended connotations. While these terms might seem harmless, they often come loaded with stereotypes of frailty, decline, or dependence—images that don’t match the reality for many people over 60 today.

According to the Pew Research Center, the term "elderly" is increasingly viewed as outdated and even offensive, with many older adults preferring descriptors like "older adult" or simply "experienced" or "seasoned."

Aging expert and gerontologist Dr. Becca Levy from Yale University has conducted extensive research showing that negative perceptions of aging can actually impact health outcomes. Older adults who associate aging with decline tend to experience more health issues, while those with a positive outlook on aging live longer and healthier lives.

Grandparents Are Rewriting the Rules

One of the most visible shifts is happening in family dynamics. Many grandparents today are actively involved in careers, travel, fitness, and social activism, making the image of a "rocking chair grandma" feel outdated.

Rather than embracing the traditional “Grandma” or “Grandpa” titles, many are opting for more modern, personalized alternatives like:

• Gigi, Nana, Mimi or Coco

• Papa, Poppy, or Big G

• Lola, Abuela, or Yaya (culturally influenced alternatives)

• First names (some skip grandparent labels entirely!)

  
  

For many, these updated names reflect a desire to maintain individuality while still embracing their role as a grandparent.

Marketing and the “Senior” Stigma

Beyond family labels, the language around aging in marketing and healthcare also plays a role in shaping perceptions. Boomers and Gen Xers—many of whom are now entering their senior years—are rejecting traditional "senior citizen" branding.

• A 2022 AARP study found that more than 60% of adults over 50 dislike being called "seniors" because it makes them feel dismissed.

• Brands like Apple, Peloton, and Athleta are shifting their messaging to focus on vitality and empowerment rather than age-based marketing.

• The fitness industry has also adapted, with “active aging” programs replacing “senior exercise classes.”

  
  

Even in healthcare settings, terms like “frail” or “geriatric” can create unintended biases, making older adults feel like they are being treated as a problem rather than as individuals with full, independent lives.

Aging with Purpose: How Language Shapes Healthcare

At GeriatRx, we understand that words matter, especially when it comes to healthcare.

Older adults should feel empowered, not sidelined, when making decisions about their medications, treatment plans, and lifestyle choices. That’s why our deprescribing approach focuses on personalized, patient-centered care—not one-size-fits-all solutions based on outdated age labels.

Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers:

1. Use Age-Inclusive Language – Instead of “elderly patient,” say “older adult”or simply refer to the person by name.

2. Avoid Stereotypes – Not every older adult is frail, retired, or uninterested in technology. Recognize individual lifestyles.

3. Emphasize Strength and Independence – Many older adults are still working, traveling, and actively involved in their communities.

   
   

What This Means for the Future of Aging

The way we talk about aging is evolving, and that’s a good thing. Rejecting outdated labels doesn’t mean rejecting age—it means embracing it without limits or pre-set expectations.

Whether it’s preferring a new grandparent name, advocating for better representation in healthcare, or choosing a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness over medication, today’s older adults are proving that aging is just another chapter—not a decline.

Final Thought: It’s About Respect

At the end of the day, what people want most—regardless of age—is to be seen, heard, and respected.

So if Grandma wants to be called Nana, or if Grandpa prefers his first name, listen to them. If an older adult resists being called a “senior,” respect their preference. The language we use shapes how we see ourselves—and it’s time for a more empowering, inclusive conversation about aging.