Redefining Aging: What is a Senior?

This photo was captured by Rose Pierce for her '50 over 50' project - https://www.rosepierce.com/50-over-50.

Women can be sexy at any age - if they want!

Update 12/12/25

'They' say Senior like it’s a limitation.

I like to reframe Senior as:

Sensual

Enlightened

Navigating life with wisdom

In my power

Owned experience

Resilient

What this journey has reinforced for me—whether in community leadership, public service, or cannabis/sex education—is that age is not the limitation; mindset is. Yes, there are different challenges that come with each stage of life, but we’ve been dealing with them for decades—adapting, problem-solving, and moving forward. Across Redondo Beach and beyond, I continue to meet engaged, curious, physically active, and purpose-driven adults who reject outdated stereotypes of “senior” living. We are working, learning, leading, starting businesses, caring for families, and demanding better information so we can make informed choices about our health and our communities. The narrative around aging is finally catching up to reality: longevity paired with vitality is not the exception, it’s the expectation. And just like every chapter before it, this one is about showing up fully!

Update 02/11/25

You may have read that I'm running for Mayor of Redondo Beach - it's been an interesting journey and not always pleasant. I was shocked that one of the first attacks against me was focused on my age. Yes, I'm 76 years YOUNG and I'm still going strong.

If you have read my posts, you know that I love data. Well, Yale Professor Becca Levy has done research about aging and has proof that if we don't buy into the aging message that we can live an additional and healthier 7.5 years. Her book 'Breaking the Age Code' discusses the details of her research. I asked Becca to recommend a video that summarized her findings; this is what she suggested - https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/how-positive-age-beliefs-can-support-positive-health-outcomes-becca.

PROOF THAT BABY BOOMERS CAN STILL ROCK!

-----------------------------

 02/15/24

The reaction is almost too predictable. Whenever I mention that I conduct Cannabis Education classes for Seniors, well-meaning suggestions to reach out to assisted living or memory care facilities quickly follow (see below). It's at this point I find myself clarifying with the term "Active Seniors." But this interaction always brings me back to a fundamental question:

What exactly defines a senior?

The definition of "senior" varies greatly depending on whom you ask:

• AARP's View: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) embraces a broad definition, considering anyone aged 50 or older as a senior. I use this for my marketing efforts.

• A Nuanced Perspective: Then, there's a more nuanced understanding of a senior, recognizing the diversity in aging based on biological, psychological, social, and chronological factors: - Young–old: Age 65 to 84 - Older-old: Age 85 to 99 - Centenarians: Age 100 and beyond

Plus, the US Census Bureau estimates that people over 65 will make up 21.6% of the US population in 2040, up from 16% in 2019. 

These definitions and statistics open up a broader conversation about aging, one that transcends the simplistic and often misleading stereotypes. They highlight the richness of the senior years, characterized not just by age, but by experiences, health, vitality, and contributions to society.

The time has come to adopt a more inclusive and positive view of seniors, recognizing us as a dynamic and valuable market segment. The Baby Boomers have been changing stereotypes for decades and show no signs of stopping.

WE STILL ROCK!

BTW Cannabis may help with Dementia  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjPOK8AbxcA