Most of us grasp the meaning of “old” but putting it into words can be challenging.  When it comes to people who might be old, there are plenty of euphemisms to choose from.  Senior, elderly and senior citizen come to mind, while terms like curmudgeon or geezer are available when appropriate.  According to Webster’s, old is something that dates from the distant past, is distinctly different from something similar of an earlier date, has existed for a specified period of time, is advanced in years or shows characteristics of age.  Old, it seems, is relative.

Rotary dial telephones are old technology, but at what point will smart phones be consigned to the “old” bin?  The same can be said for CRT displays, computer punch cards, vacuum tube radios, phonograph records, Video Cassette Recorders and so on – the replacements for all of these are also living on borrowed time.  New will always be fleeting, while old is permanent.

Often associated with older people, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) doesn’t require members to be retired, nor does it have an age limit.  McDonald’s offers “senior coffee” to those 60 and older, but no ID is required.  As long as you are willing to self-identity as old, you can save a few cents.  There are numerous venues, from public transportation to movie theaters and restaurants, which offer discounts to “seniors” and will also take your word for it.  Practically speaking, there are very few concise guidelines for membership in the “old” club.  <continue>