Elder-blogger Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By wrote a recent post in which she shared her letter to editor Arthur S. Brisbane of the New York Times requesting that the newpaper change some of the language it uses when referring to older people. She’s particularly annoyed by the use of the term “elderly” which she says implies infirmity and sometimes cognitive impairment, two conditions that do not apply to every person over a certain age.
There’s concern on the part of many older people that the term “senior” is no longer useful or appropriate either because it has so many negative stereotypes associated with it. So what word would work? Click here to read an “In My Experience” commentary from our 4/9/09 “Experience Talks” radio show in which Cynthia Friedlob, EngAGE’s Website & Social Media Manager, shared her observations.
What do you think older people should be called, both in the press and in conversation? Please let us know in the comments below.
A CELEBRATORY NOTE: This is our 250th blog post on the EngAGE Blog! We hope you enjoy reading it.
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In other related news, a Madison Children’s Museum program’s monthly sessions use crafts to help people suffering from memory loss. “SPARK!” is a cultural arts program designed for people with memory loss. A sample lesson: “A discussion on collage, followed by a start on a ‘memory box,’ which each participant decorates with pictures and clippings from magazines.” The museum’s arts coordinator “also is trying to bring in more young people to work one-on-one with the seniors. In October, six fourth-graders from Randall Elementary’s Girl Scout Troop 2307 visited SPARK! to help complete the seniors’ memory boxes.” The creative environment of the museum seems to make a positive difference in the responses from seniors. Read more 
We enjoy Ari Seth Cohen’s blog, Advanced Style, because it helps redefine what older people look like. Take a look at 
Yes, after a seventeen year hiatus from the music scene, 88-year-old Doris Day has recorded and released a new album. From The Detroit News: “My Heart,” which was released Friday, has induced Day to edge back to public attention. The CD includes 13 previously unreleased tracks recorded over a 40-year span, including covers of Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Daydream” and a handful of standards. All proceeds go to Day’s longtime cause, animal welfare.
Although this article in the New York Times is not new — 
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