Is the term "SENIORS" overused and condescending?

[DawnCt1]

The word that has crept into our lexicon and has stayed there awhile has been the word "seniors" or "senior citizens" to refer to those over a particular age. (I am not sure what that age is). Anyway, I hear it a lot but there is one bank in particular that is encouraging the use of "reverse mortgages" and the word "senior" is used in every sentence. So, I don't know if I am getting "word fatigue" or the word just rubs me the wrong way as condescending. Any thoughts or is it just me?

 

[scubamouse]

reverse mortgages are a senior citizen product. they're a way to create an income stream out of the equity in your home.

my parents seem to embrace their senior status.

 

[Bob Slydell]

reverse mortgages are a senior citizen product. they're a way to create an income stream out of the equity in your home.

How else are people supposed to refer to folks about a certain age? Extra-mature adults?

 

[NMAmy]

I asked my mom about that and this is what she told me, "They can call me whatever they want as long as I get a discount. And I like it better than someone referring to me as OLD or ELDERLY." I'd say she was a feisty old broad but if she found out about it, she'd smack me.

 

[GEM]

Last Christmas, DH and I saw a sign in front of IHOP that said, "Senior Citizens - Buy One Get One Free".

We were thinking of getting some extras as Christmas gifts.

 

[Beth76]

I think maybe you're harboring some older connotations of what seniors are. A few years ago "seniors" were old and elderly. But, they were the same age as they are today. More people stay active and energetic a lot longer now, so while they are technically "seniors" they are not the same old, frail senior citizens of years past.

 

[horseshowmom]

Last Christmas, DH and I saw a sign in front of IHOP that said, "Senior Citizens - Buy One Get One Free".

We were thinking of getting some extras as Christmas gifts.

 

[horseshowmom]

I asked my mom about that and this is what she told me, "They can call me whatever they want as long as I get a discount.

That's my parents too! DH is 49, and I'm already looking forward to signing him up for AARP when he turns 50, so I can get some of those discounts too! LOL

 

[castleview]

Seniors are the new 30! (Does that make sense?)

 

[Crankyshank]

How else should you refer to that age group? Old people? Q-Tips? I know my 70yr old grandmother would smack me with a wooden spoon if I called her elderly.

 

[Mariposa]

Last Christmas, DH and I saw a sign in front of IHOP that said, "Senior Citizens - Buy One Get One Free".

We were thinking of getting some extras as Christmas gifts.

Oh, I love bad wording choices.

 

[Galahad]

my parents seem to embrace their senior status.

Sure beats the alternative.

 

[Galahad]

Seniors are the new 30! (Does that make sense?)

With all of us boomers becoming seniors, I think this is becoming true. We are a bit of a self absorbed bunch afterall. I'm sure we'll hear how nobodies ever had a more stressful retirement than us boomers!

 

[DawnCt1]

How else should you refer to that age group? Old people? Q-Tips? I know my 70yr old grandmother would smack me with a wooden spoon if I called her elderly.

I know, its a dilemma. I don't know if we should call them anything except not calling them anything would make advertising problematic.

 

[Kitty 34]

I want to know at 51 what I am. Am I still middle age? Is 55 the magic number to become a senior vs middle ager?

....and how long will my 25 yr old son be considered a "young" adult. Is that 30 now?

 

[DawnCt1]

I want to know at 51 what I am. Am I still middle age? Is 55 the magic number to become a senior vs middle ager?

....and how long will my 25 yr old son be considered a "young" adult. Is that 30 now?

I consider myself "middle aged". DH said, "you're awfully optimistic, aren't you"?
Frankly, if we have to use the term "senior" and I can't figure out another term to use, 80 seems like a good time to start.

 

[Galahad]

I consider myself "middle aged". DH said, "you're awfully optimistic, aren't you"?
Frankly, if we have to use the term "senior" and I can't figure out another term to use, 80 seems like a good time to start.

If there's a discount - I'm a senior. Otherwise I'm middle aged. How's that?

 

[Galahad]

....and how long will my 25 yr old son be considered a "young" adult. Is that 30 now?

At least. My 23 year old son is barely an "old teenager" let alone a "young adult".

 

[susan1]

I asked my mom about that and this is what she told me, "They can call me whatever they want as long as I get a discount. And I like it better than someone referring to me as OLD or ELDERLY." I'd say she was a feisty old broad but if she found out about it, she'd smack me.

hi
agree fully, also senior is better than being called pensioner. how i hate that word!

 

[Kitty 34]

I consider myself "middle aged". DH said, "you're awfully optimistic, aren't you"?
Frankly, if we have to use the term "senior" and I can't figure out another term to use, 80 seems like a good time to start.

Let's go with 80 then!!! I'm using this smilie because I certainly won't be standing by then!!!

Galahad.......I'm lovin' that old teenager term. I shared that with my sister!! We both SO agree!!!