Seniors Ministries

Terminology

The term "senior" describes a broad spectrum of the human population. Some find it an affirming term--a sign of having reached an age of wisdom, experience, and faith. Others find the term is used to discount or marginalize them--a veiled form of ageism to exclude the needs and concerns of the older members of the faith community. How do you feel when you are referred to as a senior? Are there other terms that are more affirming?

A review of recent literature offers these terms for those past fifty-five years: wisdom years; Jubilee years; third age; young old, old old, oldest old; the frisky, the frail, and the fragile; second half of midlife; and sages.

Do any of these terms resonate with you?

Please let us know as we seek to support you in your journey of faith.