Okay, first of all, let me start out by saying I refuse to be called a senior. I don’t feel like one (most days) and I don’t think I look my age (most days).  Also, let me preface by saying the below myths are ones I believed when I was in my twenties. (So be prepared young’ins, your day is coming too).

  • Your hair is blue or purple gray
    • Mine is brown and will stay that way for a long time
    • I do have friends embracing their gray but without the blue or purple tint
  • You’re a senior at 50 years old  – The age of a senior varies on who you ask…
    • Social Security says 67
    • AARP says 50
    • Medicare says 65
    • DMV says 79
    • 401k/IRA says 70
    • Denny’s says 55
    • I personally think it’s a state of mind – Although a discount helps!
  • You become a senior when you have grandchildren
    • I have friends in their late 30’s and early 40’s become grandparents. I doubt they will want to be called seniors at that age
    • I have senior friends that are still parents (of school age children) and not grandparents yet
  • Seniors take a lot of medicine and only talk about their doctor’s appointments
    • I only take 1 pill.  And I know younger folk taking way more meds than I do.
    • I rarely have doctor’s appointments
  • It’s the “Golden Years”
    • I’m not sure what that’s supposed to even mean. If they’re referring to lots of gold for my retirement, I assure you, I have no gold and have not planned to retire at this rate
  • You’re as young as you feel
    • My brain tells me I’m still 25 years old but some days my body disagrees
    • When I feel 25, do I look 25?
  • You’re children will take care of you
    • We all know that happens for a few folks but reality is most of us are on our own – in the planning and in the paying.
    • Many children don’t even visit their parents in later years – claiming their too busy, etc.
  • Retirement is the best time of your life
    • I think that depends on how much money you have, how good your health is, and whether you enjoy gardening (yuck to the gardening!)
    • I know many who find retirement lonely and boring. I highly doubt it’s the best time of their lives
  • When you’re a senior, others’ opinions don’t matter
    • I think if others’ opinions bothered you when you were younger, they probably still will. Stop worrying about others’ opinions while you’re young. It’s wasted energy!
  • Seniors bird watch
    • Ah, no…at least not all of them. I will not be bird watching!
  • Seniors sit around talking about the good ‘ole days
    • There’s really no point. Youngsters don’t believe us when we tell them there were 4 channels on TV, no microwaves, no cell phones and no computers.
    • Our oldies music is 70’s and 80’s. I’m sorry but that doesn’t seem that long ago and those old dudes are still concert touring.
  • You’ve developed patience
    • Ah, nope! I think I have less. I just don’t feel like I have the time to deal with stupid people!
  • You’re an empty nester
    • I have friends who had children late in life and still have school age children living with them
    • Your older children come back home
    • Your grandchildren come to live with you

If you’re a “Senior”, are there any myths I missed? What are your thoughts? Please share on the comment button above!