The relationship between language, the metaphorical representation of language, and the process of aging is explored within a semiotic framework. A background discussion of the treatment of older adults in the US is followed by a definition and description of cognitive linguistics. The ways in which issues involving older Americans are affected by metaphorical constructs are then discussed. A series of gerontological and geriatric metaphorical constructs of aging is discussed and some recommendations are made regarding how to address these "ageist" metaphors in gerontology and geriatrics programs. (LLBA, B. Annesser Murray, Accession Number 9503794, (c) CSA [1994]. All rights reserved.)