060 Chapter 5 Impact of the age awareness workshop I have become very aware of how I address every person I meet. I address every person by their preferred name and have stopped using [terms of] endearment. [I’m] changing the way I talk about age – where I previously thought it was a positive thing to say, ‘You're so independent for your age’ to clients over 90. I have changed the language I use when talking about and talking to older clients. Elderspeak – this is something I see and hear all the time. [It’s] time to make a change and influence others to stop and focus on respect. [I will] review our policy, procedure, and induction process to make sure we clearly identify ‘elderspeak’ as unacceptable. I have become more aware of ‘elderspeak’ when I see it. I have spoken about the things I learned with my colleagues, including ‘elderspeak’. —Survey responses Similarly, in the post-workshop focus groups, many participants discussed changing the way they communicate with older adults since the age awareness workshop. This included changing their language, style of speech, and how they address their clients. I reflected on how I speak. Saying things louder and slower can be insulting. —Participant, mixed age group I was more mindful with my language … and the impact it may have. —Participant, age <40 For me, even just using different language, it’s been really helpful. [The workshop] made me check myself and think about what’s coming out of my mouth. —Participant, age 52–60 I think about, ‘How would you like somebody to be remarking on your ability because of what their perception [of your age] is?’ —Participant, age 52–60 The fact that I never thought about asking [my older clients how they prefer to be addressed] is kind of upsetting now. You should always ask anyone what they would like to be called. —Participant, age 25 I’ve double-checked the social media posts from [my workplace] to make sure the language is appropriate … I make sure we’re double-checking the language before they’re [posted] on the website. —Participant, age 40–51