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Original query from Mary Ann Cobb, Academy
for Retired Professionals, Emory University, GA
One of the questions newcomers raise is the issue that people over 50 don't
like to be called seniors, and they don't like the word "retired." Statistics
show that the Baby Boomers are on their way. What do we do to serve this
immense new audience?
From Tom Holloway,
U3A Organization, UK
This reminds me of the 'terminology wars' of the 1990s, when everyone objected
to everything. I was very involved in 'special education' for years and
eventually became weary of the twists and turns of language that we were
constantly exhorted to use. What's wrong with 'old'? Is it to become a term
of abuse like so many others? 'Seniors' is a problem - I get lots of letters
from 'Seniors' asking me to help them with their school WW2 assignments
- but over there you seem to use it at both ends of the age spectrum (or
have I misunderstood something?). Organisations in the UK have now settled
on 'older person'. When I'm feeling *really* old and cantankerous I point
out that my 15-year-old son is 'older' since he has a sister of 13. It's
all a moving target this terminology thing . No matter what word you
settle on - someone is bound to object sooner or later.
From
Lenora Plothow, Utah Valley Elder Quest, Utah Valley State College, UT
Hi! The terminology issue has been discussed by Elderhostel for several
years, and continues to be an issue. However, since Elderhostel has become
somewhat of a household word I would hesitate to change it. Our ILR is very
proud of the name they selected at our "conception" which is Utah Valley
Elder Quest (Elder Quest for short). Baby boomers are not affiliating; however,
I don't believe the name has anything to do with that. We are now attracting
many Boomers to our Elderhostel programs, especially the active outdoor
programs. I tend to believe the subject matter being provided is key to
the success of both organizations. Just my feelings.
From
Jean Dettman, LIRA, UMass Lowell, MA
In response to the query from Mary Ann Cobb, I would suggest that more use
be made of the term "Third Age," which seems to be commonly employed by
Europeans in our age stage. It has a positive connotation, suggestive of
great possibilities as this mature and productive phase of life unfolds.
I suppose though that "Third Agers" might not be a popular term either,
although I would prefer it myself.
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May 13, 2008
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