Positive and Negative Language
When I was growing up, a senior was someone in their last year of high school or college. We would never have dreamed of calling our elders "seniors." It just wasn't appropriate. Over the years, however, the word "senior" has become synonymous with "elder" (usually meaning anyone over the age of 55). Well, folks, I'm over 55 and I really resent the negative images that come with the current usage of that word. No, I'm not ready for a retirement home. No, I don't want to move into a gated 55+ community where the only sign of life is the occasional car on the street.