What
are “elder words?” Words that are old like old sayings, ancient poetry,
scripture?
Are “elder words” words of wisdom to be imparted to recipients
of wisdom like “be kind to dogs, you might come back as one?”
Or are these the words used to describe old people? In that
case, there are many. Let me count the ways.
1. Seniors—Takes
me right back to high school.
2. Senior
Citizens—Since I don’t care much for the citizenship I have, I prefer to think
of myself as a citizen of the Land of Serendipity and one is never a senior
citizen there.
3. Elders—Sounds
like being kicked upstairs to the House of Lords or some such esteemed but
useless position where one can be honored and ignored.
4. Old—‘Cause
that’s what we are.
5. Old
Farts—‘Cause that’s what we are.
6. Dotage—If
that’s not where we are, it’s probably where we’re headed.
7. Curmudgeon—What
some of us aspire to.
8. Retiree—I
sometimes hesitate but I am really not the retiring kind.
9. Parasite
living off Social Security—Well, finally!
10.
Third Age—From the French Le troisieme age which I think refers to
the period in life after childhood and adulthood. The French have some respect
for their elders since they’re the ones who know how to cook.
11.
Here is my favorite and how I prefer to be
labeled: Post-Adulthood. This means you can take what you want from childhood,
adolescence, adulthood and old age and make of it what you wish. It’s a time
for whimsy, play, new responsibilities, delayed major projects, naps, your true
life’s work, re-decorating the kitchen, whatever you wish. You get to decide
now.
About the Author
Nicholas grew up in
Cleveland, then grew up in San Francisco, and is now growing up in Denver. He
retired from work with non-profits in 2009 and now bicycles, gardens, cooks,
does yoga, writes stories, and loves to go out for coffee.
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