What Do We Call You in Midlife?
Posted on 12. Nov, 2007 by Karen in Misc
What do you think of the term "baby boomer"? I’m not sure I want to be called "baby" anything and "boomer" sounds like the nickname of some big guy who plays contact sports. I understand how the name came up but it just doesn’t work for me. Besides the baby boom was when we were born not where we are now.
As for the term "senior"—well I’m not there yet. When I reach age 65, I’ll claim that title with dignity but am not ready to do that in the middle of midlife where I am now. So when you’re in the middle, what do we call you?
Recently I read an interesting report recently by William H. Frey of the Brookings Institution. According to his research in "Mapping the Growth of Older America". Download mapolderamerica.pdf. Frey found that the largest growing segment of the American population is that of the middle midlifers–those of us ages 55-64.
He says we are the "senior tsunami" and calls us "pre-seniors". It reminds me of the days when I was called a preteen but what do you think pre-senior as the name of the category for middle midlifers? Do you have another suggestion?
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Madeleine Phillips
12. Nov, 2007
Dear Karen:
You probably know me by now–I can’t resist a challenge. Even though I have happily reached the dignified age of 65 and can now be considered a “true senior,” I want to offer my recommendations for a suitable term to use rather than “baby boomer” to identify those from 59-64. Of course, none of the words I offer would ever be confused with humility! So here you are: “The inextinguishable” is my first offering. Followed closely are these: indomitable, industrious and unyielding. Finally, since we are all so conscious of “being green” these days, how about evergreen?
Love,
Madeleine
Karen
13. Nov, 2007
Madeleine–
Something about being considered evergreen makes me giggle in an ever youthful way. If age is just a number and we don’t let it bother us, then we can be what ever we want to be–evergreen, everyoung.
Karen
Sarah Kittle
19. Dec, 2007
Karen,
What about “sophomores?” Not yet seniors, far from freshman–and “junior” is already in use. Give me some time, and I may be able to come up with a few more suggestions…
Sarah