Don’t use the word “elder” when you’re speaking to or about me. Please!
Yes, I know some cultures respect and revere their elders. But I didn’t grow up in one of those cultures.
To me, that word creaks and groans. It makes me cringe. It makes me feel old. Horrors!
The same goes for “senior” so you can skip that one too.
What do I want to be called? I don’t know.
Maybe we can make up a word. Any ideas?
I’d love to hear how you feel about these words. Extra points for making up new words. Click on Comments, scroll down, and write away.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I was going to try “seasoned” but my wife said it sounded like I had been barbecued. So I’m going with “rewound”, which is not artful but is descriptive of my plan. As I approach 60 soon, I am rewinding like we did with VCR tapes to play them again, re-evaluating how I spend my time and establishing new priorities. It has made me really look forward to “the 60′s” even if the Beatles won’t be there this time.
I kinda like seasoned; it implies wisdom and experience to me; we season cast iron skillets; seasoned travelers are experienced. But I know what you mean about the B-B-Q thing. There is C.R.O.N.E. as in Creative Researcher Of New Experiences (from a bumper sticker I have on my car.) There is Wisdom-Keeper; Redefined; I’m sure I can come up with more if I think for a minute!
Howard, I always enjoy your wit & perspective. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Re-evaluating and setting new priorities sounds like a great strategy for approaching 60.
Ruth, I hadn’t heard C.R.O.N.E. Crone, of course, I have heard of. Never liked that either. Perhaps I just can’t be pleased about this.
I actually hate the whole idea of labels for anyone. Why can’t we just be human beings? Isn’t that what we all are? I have never been one to fit in someone else’s ‘box’ and I try not to put other people in ‘boxes’ either. It’s a difficult thing; how should we describe people other than as people?