Do you like being called a "senior" or senior citizen?

[Llep]

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!

[StealthRabbit]

"Old codger" if fine

It's the truth

[Sand&Salt]

Originally Posted by Llep

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!

[Daisy Grey]

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+)

I wouldn't mind being called a "Bronze Bombshell"

[mrs.cool]

Originally Posted by Daisy Grey

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+)

I wouldn't mind being called a "Bronze Bombshell"

I like it!