Campaigners call for people to stop saying 'over the hill' and other 'ageist' phrases

Age campaigners are urging people to stop using phrases such as "over the hill" and "stuck in their ways", saying they help "entrench ageism" in society.

Research from the Centre for Ageing Better, based on a survey of 4,000 adults, found that even people in their 40s and 50s have experienced this type of language.

One in 10 people from this age group said they had been branded "over the hill" on at least one occasion, while almost a quarter said they had been told they were "stuck in their ways", and 8% said they had been told "old dogs can't learn new tricks".

Among older age groups, 9% aged 65 and above said they had been called a dinosaur, while 13% of over-75s had been told they were "past their sell-by date".

When it comes to those who have used "ageist" language themselves, almost a fifth (18%) of all adults surveyed admitted having used the phrase "mutton dressed as lamb" about someone older.

Language like this can affect people's confidence as they age, campaigners argue.

'Have a more positive outlook'

Harriet Bailiss, co-lead of the age without limits campaign at the Centre for Ageing Better, said the research showed that "everyday ageist phrases are still very commonly used".

She continued: "We probably use these phrases without thinking, but their repeated use helps to entrench ageism within society, which can limit everybody's work, health, relationships, ambition and confidence as we grow older.

"Our society could have a more positive and less limiting outlook if these phrases were not so common and everyday, and that is why it's important we all try to stop using them – for the benefit of all of us."

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Katherine Crawshaw, also from the centre, added: "It may seem harmless, but it all feeds into an ever-present prejudice in our society which can mean people being overlooked for a job they desperately need simply because of their age or not being considered for the medical treatment they need."

Pollsters Opinium surveyed 4,000 UK adults online in January, the Centre for Ageing Better said.

(c) Sky News 2026: Campaigners call for people to stop saying 'over the hill' and other 'ageist' phrases