Funny, in past years, defining someone, elderly, would mean, "old."

Again, the question is paramount, what is, "old?"  Ask any 16 year old,

"anyone past the age of 40," most often the answer.  The same question

given to an individual in their 30's, without much thought, answer," 60."

Therefore, I gave myself the assignment; determine within

what demographic "Elderly," fall.  My research and fact finding

may surprise you. My mission writing, issue sound, helpful, and

fact based information to my audience.  Interesting, my reader's will be

determined by the outcome of the answer.

    Reading articles, data, facts, and figures from many internet

sites, I have determined the following.  The U.S. Census, models the

demographic group over the age of 65 as "Elderly."  Included in

the same study, "Baby Boomer," has been classified as those

after age 42, but before 60.

    On Dictionary.com, the following definition for the word is given,

someone old; of or pertaining to persons in later life.  Well, that

surely answers the question. At least my baby boomer status is

correct for the moment. But where do I fall between 61 and 65?

    http://www.wikipedia.org was good to define my current age

grouping as, "old age."  Old age, according to our U.S. Census,

again, is 55+.  My research resembled an onion. The more I looked,

the more information was forth coming, but confusing. I also note

the published book by, Erik Erikson titled, "Eight Stages of

Life."  His theory of elderly, defined by a period of, "Integrity vs. Despair."

What?

   In fairness to old, senior, or elderly, I issue you a challenge.

Decide which demographic group I personally belong? This is a small look

inside my lifestyle and personality, adding a few characteristics.

I was born in 1950. Active, play golf, scuba dive, garden, and

walk, as physical activity. I work in the real estate industry,

busy full-time.  Blessed, family life, including a grown married daughter, with

a grandson, 11, and about to be 3 time grandmother with twin

girls, joining our family in the Fall. Writing, publishing short stories, and

children's books, keep my mind busy and hopefully, sharp. From the

medical view, I do take medication for blood pressure, fat in my blood,

as well I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Additionally, it is

heartbreaking to say, my mother is in stage 4, Alzheimers. Oh,

important, if "squatting," I have to have help getting up.

You tell me, am I, "elderly?"

It does surprise me, however, I do not know why, when our elected

officials forget, their own age. As I am aware of the outstanding medical

care options and pensions which go along with these people, truly they

must be old enough to "forget," they too, are "elderly," Americans. With

each and every decision, bill, and conclusion, these elected to govern

our business make, I think I must be living on another planet.