PhrasesHub

Senior citizen

    Definitions

      • age
        Refers to a person who is older, usually over the age of retirement

      • respect
        Used to show respect for elderly individuals, particularly in formal or official contexts

    Examples of Senior citizen

    • The park hosts a weekly exercise class specifically designed for senior citizens.

      This example highlights the use of "senior citizen" as a noun to refer to individuals who are retired or have reached a certain age (often 60 or above). It's important to note that the term "senior citizen" can sometimes be considered outdated or pejorative, so it's best to use alternatives like "older adults" or "people over 65" when possible.

    • Insurance companies often offer discounts to senior citizens due to their lower risk profiles.

      In this example, "senior citizen" is being used as an adjective to modify the noun "discounts". This usage can sometimes be misconstrued as implying that older adults are somehow less deserving of full-priced products or services, so it's important to always use "senior discounts" or "discounts for older adults" instead.

    • Many senior citizens choose to live in retirement communities that provide additional services and support as they age.

      In this example, "senior citizen" is being used as both an adjective (to modify "communities") and a noun (in the phrase "many senior citizens"). This usage can also be problematic, as it can perpetuate ageist assumptions that older adults are incapable of living independently. It's important to always use alternative phrasing that emphasizes the choice and agency of older adults, like "older adults who choose to live in retirement communities".

    • Some senior citizens report feeling isolated and disconnected from their communities due to factors like mobility issues and chronic illnesses.

      Here, "senior citizen" is being used as both a noun (to describe the individuals being discussed) and an adverb (to modify the verb "report"). This usage can be useful in emphasizing the unique experiences and perspectives of older adults, but it's important to always use alternative phrasing when possible in order to avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes about aging.

    • The retired couple enjoyed their senior citizen discount at the local theater.

      This is an example of using the idiom "senior citizen" to refer to elderly individuals who have stopped working and are now retired. In this context, the discount they received at the theater is a benefit provided to senior citizens as a gesture of appreciation for their lifetime achievements and contributions to society.

    • The library offers a variety of resources for senior citizens, including reading materials, assistive devices, and educational programs.

      Here, "senior citizen" is used to describe a specific group of individuals who require specialized resources due to their age and physical limitations. These resources are designed to help senior citizens maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle, despite any challenges they may face.

    • Senior citizens often face unique challenges, such as age-related diseases, mobility issues, and social isolation.

      This example demonstrates how "senior citizen" is used as a descriptive term to identify a group of people who share common characteristics, such as age-related health problems and social obstacles. It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges in order to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

    • The senior citizen center provided a supportive environment for my grandmother to connect with others her age and engage in meaningful activities.

      In this final example, "senior citizen" is used to refer to a specific community or organization designed to serve the needs of elderly individuals. The phrase "senior citizen center" describes a physical location where senior citizens can socialize, participate in educational and recreational programs, and receive relevant services and resources.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "senior citizen" is commonly used to refer to older individuals, particularly those who have reached retirement age and are considered elderly. It can also be used as a term of respect for older people in formal or official settings.

    Origin of "Senior citizen"

    The term "senior citizen" originated in the United States in the 1930s as part of the Social Security Act, which provided financial assistance to retired workers. The term was used to refer to individuals who were eligible for these benefits, typically those over the age of 65. Over time, it became a widely accepted and respectful way to refer to older people, both in the context of retirement benefits and in general. The term has since been adopted in many other countries and is commonly used to refer to older individuals around the world.