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What does the term senior citizen mean, and when exactly does an individual become one? The term first was coined during a 1938 political campaign as a euphemism for old person, and now enjoys widespread usage in the common vernacular, legislation, and business. Some dictionaries define senior citizen as a person over the age of 65. In everyday speech, the term is often shortened to senior.

In legislation, the term applies to the age at which pensions, social security or medical benefits for the elderly become available. In this country, traditionally people have been eligible to retire with full Social Security benefits at age 65. Additionally, one can retire early at age 62 and receive a portion of but not full retirement benefits. Because of increases in average life expectancy and stresses on the federal budget, however, Congress has passed legislation to gradually increase the full retirement age from 65 to 67 by 2027.

Many federally and state-funded programs also qualify individuals based on age. For example, Area Agencies on Aging across the state provide home-delivered meals and congregate meals to senior centers and apartment communities. To participate, an individual must be at least 60 years of age or the spouse of someone 60 years of age.


Happy 60th Birthday

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