Do you like being called a "senior" or senior citizen?
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I'm "only" 54 (middle aged if I live to 108!?) and haven't been labeled by anyone yet. I had to label myself last week while buying some insurance when the question of what type work I did came up. I am in denial about being retired so I blurted out "unemployed"! And then said "currently retired". A little awkward. I live in an apartment complex with a lot of young people and I am routinely called "sir" which both makes me feel older but also impresses me with the politeness of my new neighbors in my new city.
This thread also reminded me of a time "way back when" when my then 62 year old mother was involved in a robbery spree targeting older folks. It was a big enough deal to make the paper who referred to mom and the other victims as elderly, which distressed her more than the inconvenience of replacing the stolen items!
I'm "only" 54 (middle aged if I live to 108!?) and haven't been labeled by anyone yet. I had to label myself last week while buying some insurance when the question of what type work I did came up. I am in denial about being retired so I blurted out "unemployed"! And then said "currently retired". A little awkward. I live in an apartment complex with a lot of young people and I am routinely called "sir" which both makes me feel older but also impresses me with the politeness of my new neighbors in my new city.
This thread also reminded me of a time "way back when" when my then 62 year old mother was involved in a robbery spree targeting older folks. It was a big enough deal to make the paper who referred to mom and the other victims as elderly, which distressed her more than the inconvenience of replacing the stolen items!
I can relate. When I lived in TX, all the younger people called me ma'am. That was a first. But I really don't like the label "senior citizen" though I have no other labeling ideas. We need another category maybe.
When I was in my 30's I referred to a 55-yr-old hiker as "elderly"--- (not to his face). I feel awful about it still today!
I just remembered that where I live now (So. America) this age is referred to as "The Third Age" and we get all kinds of perks. Cut to the front of any line, half-price airline tickets and bus fares, and so on. Can't wait for 65!
I didn't read through the entire thread so there may be similar opinions, but I do agree that the term "senior" no longer cuts it.
So you've got "senior"--and then what--the "frail elderly?" What the heck does that mean? I'm sure we all know 80+ year olds that could run circles around 60 year olds. I'm 65 years old (going on 18) and it's a little disconcerting to be lumped in with my 84 year old aunt, although I must concede that she's sharp as a tack, and some days is more mentally "with it" than I am.
I like the idea of a "3rd age"--or subcategories like bronze (55-69), silver (70-84), golden (85-99)--AND if you're lucky--DIAMOND (100+)
So you've got "senior"--and then what--the "frail elderly?" What the heck does that mean? I'm sure we all know 80+ year olds that could run circles around 60 year olds. I'm 65 years old (going on 18) and it's a little disconcerting to be lumped in with my 84 year old aunt, although I must concede that she's sharp as a tack, and some days is more mentally "with it" than I am.
I like the idea of a "3rd age"--or subcategories like bronze (55-69), silver (70-84), golden (85-99)--AND if you're lucky--DIAMOND (100+)
Seriously though, almost anything is better than "hey YOU!" or not being addressed at all. Some say women of a certain age just disappear into the background.
Last edited by Parnassia; 06-04-2024 at 05:04 PM..
Thanks for your posts and comments...I like discounts but I still don't like to be called a "senior" or "senior citizen." For some reason these terms really make me cringe...Maybe I just don't like to be set apart and put in a "box" or "category."...I like to interact with people of all ages....Being labeled a "senior" can really put up "walls" when it comes to how younger people may view me...I don't go around calling younger people "kids" and I don't like to be put into a "pen" and labeled a "senior" either...How do you feel about it? Thanks.....
Once, a long time ago, someone on here referred to us citizens, who have attained a certain number of years on this planet as Seasoned Citizens.
Perhaps you'd prefer that term?
Are you opposed to "Mature Adult? (that used to befuddle me...I understood that once a person had attained at least the age of 18, and definitely the age of 21, that they were "mature"!?!?
I'm also disabled. I'll be 61 later this year. So I'm a "tween senior"...I'm over 55 and I'm over 60, so in some cases I am a "senior", in some cases, because I'm not yet 62 and definitely not yet 65, I'm not a "senior".
But, all that said, I, with my gray, no, white beard, have no problem saying I'm a "disabled senior" when a 62+ and disabled gets me a cheaper parking rate. They never ask for ID.
I've dyed my beard...it's original color was orange/red, but then I'm not taken seriously as a senior! Why? Because it DOES make me look younger!
Same if I shave it off, I look younger...so since I like my beard (as a beard), I decided just to let it be it's natural white, neatly trimmed (though it has a nice kind of gorgeous "wavey flowing" look to it when I let it grow a bit longer in winter!).
Conversely, what's left of my head hair is still mostly it's original color with a few gray hairs...gray as opposed to white...that doesn't really show much. I only notice the gray hairs when I get a haircut.
Best to you as you decide HOW to "define yourself with your pronouns", lol.
Best
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(not to his face). I feel awful about it still today! 
