Seenagers

Each generation gets a moniker. The latest it seems is the “seenager” generation. Seenagers can mean seniors who act like teenagers, but more and more it is being used for the young seniors. I’m not quite sure what age range qualifies as young when referring to seniors, but I’ve been told that it means seniors who feel they still haven’t crossed over to the senior group because of their approach to life. While being of retirement age, they don’t consider themselves seniors. Many are still working, while others make the most of their abilities, experience and time by reaching out to others in the community through volunteering or teaching. Some use their time to travel to far off countries, others go back to school to get a degree or to simply learn something new. The common denominator is that they keep active and involved.  

            A lady I know told me that for her it’s a great time of life. Unlike when she was a teenager, now she doesn’t need an ID to buy beer, she has no acne and isn’t worried about getting pregnant. And she added that she can take advantage of so many discounts available to her age group. Her involvement in the community is rather unique. From time to time she approaches the young people working the ticket booth in the movie theatre near her home and convinces them to ask a few “seenagers” seeking the senior discount that they need to provide ID. A lot of smiles follow as the movie goers proudly prove their age.

            The lady told me that it makes her so happy to see that those “seenagers” are invariably full of joy as they proceed inside the theatre. She is convinced that the good feeling lasts for some time. I’m tempted to agree. After all, who would not want to appear younger than their age? I certainly would. Unfortunately, no one has asked for my ID in a while!