Question

Some people speak to the elderly as if they are small children or animals, an approach referred to as A. majority speech. B. infantilization. C. dementia speech. D. patronspeak.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct response is Option B: infantilization.

Explanation:

Infantilization occurs when someone treats an adult as if they were a child. An example of this kind of behavior is when parents treat their young adult children as if they cannot make their own decisions or when adult children treat their elderly parents and grandparents as if they are unable to have autonomy or to take care of themselves and make their own decisions. Infantilization is a problem because it can feel demeaning to the other party, and it can affect the independence and competence of young adult children for example. It also goes against the basic rights of the elderly and it can be problematic if adult children try to manipulate power and autonomy from their elders in terms of financial decisions, for example. It can leave the elderly vulnerable to unscrupulous family members who try to take control of their resources.