Sick of being called a ‘senior’? How about being a ‘super-adult’?

It’s well known that lots of Baby Boomers don’t see themselves as ‘old’ and don’t like to be regarded as seniors, retirees, oldies or other terms that suggest that they’re past it.

We all think that the date on our birth certificate is wrong and we’re 10 to 20 years younger than that!

But while there’s plenty of research showing what Baby Boomers don’t like to be called, there’s no consensus on a term that’s generally acceptable. 

A new entry which shows lots of promise is ‘super-adults’.  This description appears to have been coined in England and is now generating  some attention in America.  The time is certainly right to replace the descriptions that were used during the second half of the last century, when many people who retired at 65  really were ‘old’ and looking for a quiet life.

In the 21^st century, it’s different! Most people who leave full time work intend to live busy, active lives for as long as they can. Baby Boomers in their 60s and 70s are the new 40s and 50s and they want to be taken seriously and treated with respect.

Unfortunately, many in the media haven’t woken up to this fact and last century’s stereotypes still abound.

Super-adults sounds a lot sexier than seniors or retirees and in many ways, it’s more appropriate.

Super-adults have made it to their 60s or early 70s, while many of their friends have not. They have experienced the ups and downs of life.  They have adapted to huge changes. They have tasted victories and defeats and hopefully learned from both. Many have reached maturity and gained some wisdom from the journey, while others are still searching.

While people in their 60s and 70s may not be as strong and physically attractive as they were 30 to 40 years ago (though that’s a matter of opinion!), they have traded youth and beauty for experience and wisdom.  If wiser heads now sit on less ‘beautiful’ bodies, that’s a great achievement which should be respected by the community.

A good way to acknowledge these more experienced people is to see them as super-adults.

Would you rather be known as a super-adult? Is there any term you’d like to see used for your age group?