Active Aging: Let SASC help you to reimagine what the word ‘senior’ means
by Dana Blaszkowski
In education, “senior” is used to specify a higher level of knowledge and growth and reserved to designate the highest classes for those in high school and college. In the corporate world, “senior” signifies advanced experience and expertise and is often considered a career goal, as in “senior executive.” Likewise, I use this word to refer to my beloved older sister who is “eleven years my senior.” In each case, the word “senior” conjures up wisdom, positivity, respect and even reverence.
But when used to describe the older-adult age group, “senior” tends to conjure up a different connotation—one that is sometimes negative. To some folks, the word “senior,” automatically brings to mind people who are elderly, frail, out of touch, over the hill, dull, tired, and used up.
It’s interesting, isn’t it? As a society we have an overall aversion to getting older. Birthdays go from highly anticipated and celebrated to dreaded for some.
Many of us go to great lengths to maintain our youthful appearance. Market shelves offer all sorts of hair color options to hide our gray, not to mention the demand for wrinkle creams and chemicals to tighten or plump our skin. We strive to appear youthful as long as possible, because somehow, when it comes to age, “senior” is no longer something we yearn for, not like when we were in school or at work. We too often associate physical beauty only with youth.
While it’s true that we sometimes battle the inevitable, unpleasant signs of aging like deteriorating eyesight or hearing, achy joints, and ailments in general, in many ways “senior” citizens have got it made over their younger counterparts.
Socially, many older adults report having supportive relationships, developed over many years, that have added to the fun and love in their lives.
Those of us who have reached the age to qualify for AARP, often find ourselves with a greater sense of community. We take pride in our homes and feel safe and comfortable where we live and in our surroundings. At this life stage, many have reached financial security, and no longer feel the need to pursue material things that we may have prioritized when we were younger.
Don’t be fooled by the stereotype of “seniors” being feeble. Many older adults are in great physical health and have plenty of energy to enjoy life and get things done each day. There is also a peace that comes with reaching maturity. Some seniors say they are more comfortable in their own skin, knowing who they are in life and having a clearer perspective on their values as they age.
It’s always been a bit of a mystery, this perception in our culture that growing older, having birthdays, is a bad thing. Instead, we should try to think of each year as a privilege. The longer we live, the better!
Seniors in our community have the honor and joy that comes with spending a considerable amount of time at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. Older adults who take advantage of this community resource are anything but dull, decrepit, weak, frail, dilapidated or haggard. Many of our members are exactly the opposite; they are lively, energetic, robust, vibrant and spirited. Seniors in our SASC community are knowledgeable, wise, and thoughtful, fortified by life’s many experiences. These fine folks are kind, considerate, helpful, patient and often quite humorous.
Remember, age is more a mindset than a reflection of the number of years that have passed since our birth certificate was issued.
Misconceptions abound about senior centers, perhaps largely due to the name “senior” center. You owe it to yourself to come by and spend a little time with our area’s most experienced citizens. See for yourself the fun and energy oozing through the walls at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center at 219 W. Elm Street in Stockbridge. You’ll be welcomed with a smile and introduced to all of our fun friends!
Dana Blaszkowski is a supporter of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC), a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480-0353 for information.
Misconceptions abound about senior centers. See for yourself the fun and energy oozing through the walls at the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. Photo credit: Tobias Tullias on unsplash.com
Don’t be fooled by the stereotype of “seniors” being feeble. Many older adults are in great physical health and have plenty of energy to enjoy life. Photo credit: Anupam Mahapatra on unsplash.com
