Old, Older, Elder, Senior… The People Have Spoken
Responses came via Facebook…
@ElijahTyre I enjoy the perks that come with being a senior citizen. I also refer to myself as an old dude. In fact, I plan to make some purchases from “Old Guys Rule” tee and sweatshirt collection.
@ElderJourney Crone, hag, queen, elder, senior, old timer, boomer, grandma… it’s all good.
@Geezer I’ll give you one guess, sonnyboy.
@Leslie Grollman In Portland, Oregon, we are called ‘honored citizens’ by the transit system…AND we get that discount!
@Georgia Klay I prefer Elder. It speaks of respect for age.
See more 24 more Facebook responses
... and Twitter (where most commenters were not seniors):
@SilverySage I’m SAGE
@TheLightHasCome I prefer older adult, because in the context of a culture that often infantalizes the aged, ADULT adds a needed specificity.
@Siobhan_Odwyer What interests me more is how the male terms imply eccentricity, while the female ones imply frailty. (Good point)
People commented on Senior Planet
Wendi in NYC says: This is a great subject. I don’t care for “senior” much because it reminds me of high school (shudder). I like Elder because it’s elegant and sorta Spanish (“El Der!”)
Linda says: We call the older generation in our family “Golden Oldies,” and I like the respect it implies.
Ashton Applewhite says: I nominate “olders” as a noun – a simpler version of “older adult,” the only acceptable term. It’s short, non-value-laden, and emphasizes that age is a spectrum.
165 answers came via our poll
Which name won the poll?
Our unscientific survey produced a clear winner: “Senior” led the pack – not surprising, maybe, on a site called Senior Planet.
But way up there with “senior,” the second most popular choice was “Other.” If you’re looking for a new label, read on:
Most popular “other”
- Mature
- Oldie
- Geezer (really!)
There were many version of “Don’t label me.” Some of our favorites:
- Just call me by my name I personally think it is “despicable” to be labeled with any name!”
- I don’t like being labeled except when i’m in line for a “senior discount”!!
And almost as many versions of “Wise”:
- Wise Old Woman (WOW)
- A wise woman of a certain age ( with a wink)
- Wisdom Keeper
Among the rest, here are some of our picks:
Funniest
- Wisdomee
- An old youngster
- Granmdragon
- Well-trained
Most attitude
- 64-and-hey-deal-with-it
- I do not give a shit
- Fabulous
Best euphemism
- Persons of age
Other “others”
“Getting up there ;)” “an old dyke,” “old girl,” “Seasoned Senior,” “almost old ,” “a boomer .”
The poll remains open; please weigh in by clicking here. And please share your favorites in the comments below.
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Comments
My grandfather always said, “You can call me anything you like – just don’t call me late for supper!” :-)
I really dislike ‘senior.’