Where Do I Fit In?

By Donna Ryan

Lately I feel like I am on a scavenger hunt trying to find clues about exactly where I fit in. I’m a boomer, but at 57 I’m not ready to be called a senior! Am I the only one who feels this way?

As far as I’m concerned, the word senior can be used by people over 80 who choose to be called it. If they want, they can wear that title proudly. They are our inspirational teachers, and I hope to be as wise when I get to their age. But personally, I don’t think I’ve traveled the road long enough to merit the title.

When my husband and I moved from New York to Georgia, it was suggested that we try renting in a 55-plus community, because we might have more in common with the people there. I love activity and typically communities like these offer classes, trips and parties.

I do not type this to offend anyone, so please forgive me if I do: upon taking the tour, there were no residents near my age. They were the boomers’ parents, not the boomers. We felt out of place.

My sister and I experienced the same thing when we joined the 55-plus group at church. Once again, we were the youngest people there. They didn’t know where to sit us; everyone was in their usual spot. After the group got over the shock of seeing us, they began calling us cute!

Don’t misunderstand me; I love spending time with people of all ages. I just wish I could find more who are my own age. The title “55 plus” is too broad for me!

I am proud of being almost 58, and I would be lying if I said I did not appreciate receiving a discount on Tuesdays at the supermarket and nail salon. I would totally understand if the stores decided to make the age older, but if it’s available to me I will take it.

Every age should act and feel young as long as they can. I know that it’s healthy for older adults to be around younger people, and I think it’s important for younger people to be around older adults. It’s also important to have friends your own age, the people who had the experiences you did when growing up.

I hope I can find a group like that. In the meantime, I’m going to remember that even if someone calls me a senior, a word cannot change what I am inside. And that’s true for everybody, no matter what their age.