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Description
One of the problems encountered by the elderly is how people talk to and about them: condescending speech or ''baby'' talk that deprives them of their dignity and individual identity. This problem is termed elderspeak or in Polish dziadurzenie or gerontomowa. An analysis conducted by the 4th of June Forum Association (Stowarzyszenie Forum 4 Czerwca) has revealed that the main reasons for elderspeak are stereotypical treatment of the elderly, lack of awareness of the harm and discrimination caused by elderspeak, and the inability on the part of the elderly to react assertively to language of which they do not approve. The project will be implemented in seven municipalities in the Łódzkie Voivodship (Drzewica, Opoczno, Żarnów, Inowłódz, Łask, Łowicz, Uniejów). The project envisages awareness-raising workshops on discriminatory speech - elderspeak - and on how to react to speech of that kind for a group of more than 170 elderly persons and persons who work with the elderly in institutional conditions and in formal relationships. A local social campaign will be held, involving ambassadors (leaflets, spots, meetings with the local community). Under the project, a network will be formed of local institutions, organizations, and people of authority working to reduce elderspeak and making this a term commonly used in Polish. The project is intended to make people who work with the elderly in organizations, institutions, and care facilities more aware of the harm done by elderspeak, learn non-discriminatory forms of speech, and react assertively to baby talk and condescending speech. Under the project, a network will be formed of local organizations and institutions that work to combat elderspeak. Information packs will also be produced for other organizations or institutions to use in future, to combat elderspeak in their communities.
Summary of project results
One of the problems affecting the elderly is the way we speak to and about them: condescending or infantilizing language that takes away dignity and subjectivity. This phenomenon has its own name "elderspeak" (English), in Polish "dziadurzenie". It manifests itself, among other things, in addressing an elderly person as "grandpa/grandma," addressing them as "you" (without asking permission) or impersonally, using infantilizing phrases. Knitting is a manifestation of discrimination against the elderly, but it also reinforces it, normalizing the subjective treatment of the elderly and weakening their self-esteem. Studies indicate that grandparenting has a strong impact on the condition of the elderly, manifesting itself in, among other things, reduced social relationships, self-stereotyping, less confidence in one''s own communication competence, a sense of reduced control over one''s own life, and a reduced sense of agency.
As part of the project, educational workshops were held on discrimination in language and how to respond to it for 146 people 60+ and 122 people working with seniors in various institutions (including day care centers). A local public awareness campaign was conducted entitled "Your Words. My Dignity" raising awareness of what elderspeak is, the negative consequences it brings, what other non-discriminatory forms of language can be used and how to respond assertively to them. Through the self-advocacy workshop, ambassadors for the social campaign were selected, who then appeared in spots and conducted meetings with local groups. A network of local institutions, organizations and individuals working to reduce elderspeak and spread the term in Polish was also established. The project also produced various materials and tools, including workshop scenarios for the elderly and those working with the elderly, as well as information and promotional materials (educational videos, a flyer, poster and handbook). The project was implemented in 7 municipalities in Lodz province.
Thanks to the project, the term „dziadurzenie” was popularized, and public awareness of the phenomenon increased. Senior citizens have been empowered and learned how to respond assertively to discriminatory language. The sensitivity of those working with seniors in organizations, institutions and nursing homes was also raised, and they declared, among other things, that they would promote and implement new standards for communicating with the elderly in their workplaces.