Retiring the word "Seniors"

It is clear that Baby boomers are not going to stand for the old way of describing themselves. The word "baby boomer" and the word "senior" were created by a previous generation. The act of creating new terminology is revealing itself now. I have always peered out into the inky void of the future and felt that "when I get older things will be cooler".

In my 50's now I look at men and women who are in their 60's and beyond. Those individuals that defy description of their age.Physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually those older adults that defy the little story book picture of little old people.

If they have had a bit of plastic surgery without the physical smears of a rabid evangelist cosmetic surgeon or three cheers if they have not. It has been interesting to meet those individuals who know how to take care of their bodies through exercise, their minds through mediation and their bodies through steps like eating locally. Their ability to maintain the "curious" for their mental interests.

Most recently I met a 91 year old who worked on splitting the atom in the 1940's. You'd swear he was in his late 70's except from the limp he had from hip repair surgery. He had just drove up to his girlfriend's house, she's 83. And his girl friend seemed like a version of someone in their late 60's. The intellectual discussion that proceeded that evening with them and my girlfriend was like being in combination of a Ray Bradbury short story and new fangled Norman Rockwell painting. Mind bending. Not your typical boring get together chats. Wow. I said to them "I want to be like you when I grow up." Their reply was "We never grew up".

There's hope out there if you choose to take it. There's a strong future out there if you choose to see it. Yes, the word "Senior" sounds like a package ready for its expiration date. No there's a better word and I am on the hunt for it.