Background The initial interaction between an older person and a nurse, and how the older person interprets this interaction, is important and sometimes overlooked. Evidence suggests that the way healthcare workers speak to older people can negatively affect older people’s well-being.

Aim To interview community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years who had recently held a conversation with a healthcare worker and to understand the meanings older people attributed to these conversations.

Method Ten community-dwelling older people were recruited and interviewed. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was informed by narrative methods.

Findings Participants freely and readily interpreted their conversations with healthcare workers in terms of the values and attitudes conveyed. Their preferences for forms of address ranged from formal to informal. They were sensitive to a range of contextual factors shaping the use of language. While they were generally tolerant of forms of address that did not match their personal preferences, some inferred disrespect from the unthinking use of first names and some resented assumptions being made based on age.

Conclusion Nurses are encouraged to be skilful and sensitive when speaking to older people. It is advisable to follow older people’s preferences regarding forms of address, as these are important markers of dignity and respect.