I once overheard someone clearly in her late 50’s emphatically decline an offer of a senior citizen discount at a restaurant. NO THANK YOU! And don’t call me a senior.
Then Yesterday, I was sharing about my business and how I help seniors have active laptop businesses and she firmly responded… I would not be attracted to anything advertising to seniors. I AM NOT A SENIOR – even though she is in her mid-50’s.
I resisted that. I wanted to laugh, question, debate… but then I thought, hey, maybe she’s right. I’m sixty but do I feel like a senior? Hell no! I am planning the next 30 years of my life right now and I’m a never-going-to-retire person. If you look up senior images on google, most of them are silver-haired and seem much older than I am. And even some of THEM don’t consider themselves seniors because they are active.
So, is it time for a new category of people between 50 – 70 who are old enough to live in an adult community and get discounts, yet they prefer not to? You know, the active, and vital who want to feel young forever? Those who look timeless and are living larger the older they get? Well, I think so.
I’d like your help in renaming this community. I for one would love NOT to offend and perhaps attract those living active and adventurous lives. What would you like to be called?
Let’s face it, I can’t say HEY YOU, I need a way to address you where it suits your youthfulness.
I prefer not to go with some of the typical names. They are so overused. and I am looking for something more evergreen.
So when choosing the appropriate name take note of some of the existing common terms for active seniors (used by journalists, media and ‘the kids’):
- Grown-ups
- Baby Boomers
- Senagers
- Elders
- Older people
- Mid-lifers
- Active Adults
- Old hippies
While some of these names are cute, the term chosen should be fun, and those who fit into that category should be proud to be that. Don’t you think?
Would you like to play along?
If so, I propose an all-out contest… starting NOW
RULES:
Rules? We don’t need no stinkin rules! (Ok, maybe a few)
- The first rule is always to have FUN
- You can enter as many times as you like, preferably inside the same comment but there will be no comment police
- No negative comments on other’s posts – NONE
- The only prize is that your term may go viral and become eternal.
- I promise to steal it if I like it and so will millions of others – but it will be documented here with the date you created it!
Are you in?
Ok, here is what you do:
- Comment below on the new name for active adults who are over 50 and up to any age.
- If you see someone’s post and you like their choice, then comment LIKE.
- When we get enough entries, I will create a poll where we can all vote, so make sure you sign up to receive updates to this blog
I promised myself at a very young age that I was going to grow old like the actress Ruth Gordon, who stayed playful well into her 80’s.
I love to play and have fun, thanks for playing along.
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About the Author-
Fran Asaro is an active senior and never-going-to-retire entrepreneur who consults virtually as she motivates and inspires other seniors. She offers laptop lifestyle opportunities to seniors interested in earning supplemental income with age appropriateness. Her philosophy is Work like you WANT to, not like you HAVE to.
Find out more about what Fran does at Thrive Any Way
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Today’s seniors are more active, creative and productive. I suggest that regarding your contest the new modern word for the 50+ demographic should be ‘Seniorpreneurs’. Thanks for the opportunity! Joe W.
Thanks Joe, that’s one I use often. I wonder if it’s widely recognized. I really want people to know it’s them I am talking to. Thanks for participating.
I’m going to say “endlessprenuers” if it lands Fran it requires no further explanation !
Wow, Dee, thank you! That’s awesome! I will definitely steal that one! It works for active seniors who stay working and that is who I work with. Now… what if they are active and don’t work? Since you are so fantastic at this, I will ask you for yet another … (PS. I will definitely give you credit for this one … at first)
Join the discussion…Thank you Fran…… for those who don’t yet work what about “extendedpreneurs” oxford dictionary definition : lasting longer than expected or is usual – prolonged. All others are very age related however I also like “timelesspreneurs” for me that also hit the spot but it depends on how its perceived by the reader?
Sorry I meant to add as long as its reflected in the tag line for example: “Timelesspreneurs” – dreams without end! or Extendedpreneurs – goals for life Endlesspreneurs living without limits! 🙂
Ahhh, you even provide tag lines. Someone is going to hire you Dee! LOL Thanks!
Dee, Thank you for these great words. I think you are offering up a library of choices for the individual to choose. They are all great.
Just saw the word “vintage.” Maybe we could be Vintage adults, or New Antiques. 🙂
I love this contest idea. I struggle with the same thing. We have teenagers, young adults, middle aged, and then the rest of us. I hate referring to us as older or senior. Most recently I used “life experienced,” but I’m not fond of it either. I think I like Senagers By the way, I have no issue with accepting the senior discount. Hey, saving money is saving money.
Hi Nita, I know, we need a category and the more I am researching this, the more I realize how many people don’t like being called a senior. The closest ‘friendly’ term in boomer but that will be outdated so we do need one that is timeless. I like the vintage and new antiques, let’s see if anyone else ‘likes’ it and it will be put in the poll (if we have enough responses) I have one friend who has been on a mission all night texting friends to contribute. I will have to add their responses here as well. Thank you for playing Nita! ~ enthusiastically, Fran
My 91-year-old mom lives with me, so she keeps me feeling young. I hate pigeon-holing people with a name, but hey if it gets a discount, that’s okay. How about bloomers? Kind of like boomer, which I technically am, but this way it confuses people into wondering if we are wearing bloomers or what will happen when our petals fall off. In an lot of ways, I feel like I am blooming with less family responsibility. That gives me a little more time to pursue my own agenda and interests.
Bonnie, that’s cute and has a significant message. (beyond the panty comment LOL) It could mean that a bloomer is a boomer who is still out there learning and growing. I like that. Thank you for your entry.