...Becca Levy

http://www.caring.com/interviews/interview-with-becca-levy-about-her-study-of-television-exposure

Becca Levy speaks about the demoralizing effects of belittling speech and pedantic treatment specifically in elderly populations. The way elderly people are viewed in our culture affects the way elderly people view themselves, which affects their self-esteem, feelings of competence, mental decline and lifespan.

I imagine belittling behavior affects all age groups the same way, though--to different extents.

Becca rocks not only because she thought to study and publicize this problem... but also because of her positive, solution-oriented way of talking about it and her own honestly about her past experience in elder care. She focuses on finding ways to empower people, and offers solutions for people who still want to use "sweetie" and other potentially belittling terms of endearment.

Good heart.