All ‘seniors’ shouldn’t be lumped together

By Helen Hirsh SpenceContributor

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the significance of how language has framed our views about aging. It occurred to me that much of the problem has to do with the lack of vocabulary to describe the various stages of life following teenagehood.

Granted, reference is made to “young adults” and being in one’s “prime,” but then our vocabulary falters at “middle age.” Even fewer terms exist to differentiate any age after 65. Unfortunately, the word “senior” has become synonymous with being frail, vulnerable, declining mental capacity and limited ability to learn.

Read Helen’s full article in the Toronto Star. 

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