the good life

This article is encouraging me to reassess the terms I use to describe and refer to people aged 65 and older. I typically use the terms “elder” and “senior”, always having felt these are most respectful, but it is clear that there is no win since the names that will please some will offend others. I think it is important to remember how we are saying the names. Are there notes of condescension, infantilism, unworthiness or impatience in our voices? Of course, this is difficult to translate through text. As this article notes, it certainly speaks to our youth-centric culture that the naming of our aging population can easily become a highly emotional debate. If we were each inherently valued at every age would it be such a sticking point? Sincerely, Mary

So, the terms that were good enough for the boomers' parents and grandparents are disparaging when applied to boomers? Right now I'm middle aged, and I aspire to being 'old' in a decade or two :-)

How 'bout "The Whiniest Generation"?

Ms. Read, you've asked the wrong question. The real issue is how do you convince editors to give you a little extra print space to describe groups with objective terms in order to avoid insulting them. The irony is that your question "what to call the aging generation" IS ageist and insensitive.

Well put, sarahdance. My sentiments exactly!

A few weeks back there was a story on the news about a woman that was a victim of a purse snatching in a parking lot. The reporter said, “A 60 year old woman….”. I immediately said what the H does her age have to do with this story? They report it as if she was some decrepit old lady that could barely walk. Why was her age even mentioned? Report age if it has some relevance to the story otherwise leave it out. That would cure half the problem of categorizing anyone.

Coincidentally I just read a story entitled, “Dakota County Woman, 76, run over while crossing road”. Why is her age mentioned? Is the paper implying that a 50 year old woman could have dodged the car that hit her? Are they implying that she must have been senile which lead to her being hit? The unnecessary use of a person’s age in media stories all the time should stop. You don’t need a name for an “Aging generation”. Treat us the same.