title: Assume nothing for me.
abstract: I have encountered a number of people recently who have used paternalistic language when referring to older people. It has made me consider how society views older people and how outdated views of ageing still dominate individual thinking. The image conjured up is of pleasant, passive and compliant older people waiting to be 'done too', in awe that someone in a uniform will make the right decision for them and pronounce their fate.
authors.affiliation: At the Department of Health, London.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sturdy