Becoming a Senior Citizen used to be a simple matter. At least, I assumed it did; I really didn't pay any attention, since I didn't figure it would affect me. My assumption was, when I retired from my job and began receiving a Social Security check, then I would officially be a senior citizen.
Well, I have retired; I do receive a pension check, but I am still a long way from applying for Social Security. Actually, I am looking at starting a new career, so even though I may have retired, I am far from spending my days sitting in the pasture. As I collect a few gray hairs, I find myself in a gray area of society.
Am I a Senior Citizen? Depends where I am. Some businesses considered me a Senior Citizen as soon as I turned 50. Others won't offer me any 'consideration' until I hit 65. It's embarrassing to go into a restaurant, see a sign that offers a discount to seniors, and have to ask, "What constitutes a senior for your business?" But I am on a fixed income right now, so I swallow my pride and ask. A few pennies here, a dime or two there … it adds up. Still, if I were a gung-ho conspiracy therorist, I'd be sure this is a deliberate attempt to belittle people who have the audacity to live past their 'prime.' Keep us off balance, keep us 'in our place'.
Frankly, I don't feel like a senior citizen. I didn't wake up on the day I turned 50 and tell myself, "Well, that's it, now I'm old." Yes, I have a few aches and pains; a couple medical conditions have become long-term. So what? Plenty of younger people have chronic medical problems, and they get along just fine. So when I get my new career off the ground, maybe I won't bother to ask for the senior discount. Or maybe I'm just so thrifty that I will.
As for those parking stalls near the store door marked 'For Senior Citizens', do I use them or not? Depends on how much I ache that day.
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