When you reach the age of 62 or older, you may be considered a senior. The term is frequently used to describe experienced or elderly people. Senior citizens may get discounts or special deals that their age affords them. There may be differences in the age of a senior citizen; the Florida Senate defines a "senior citizen" as a person who is 60 years of age or older. The term, "senior" may also have other meanings that don't apply to age.
On the other hand, the term, "senior" may also refer to someone with a higher ranking, such as a senior in high school or college. It might refer to someone in a higher grade, ready to graduate as the next step. A person older than someone else might also be their senior. One example would be: "He is the senior of the twins, being born one hour earlier than his brother."
Competitors over a certain age or of high status may be considered seniors in sports. In this case, age does not determine use of the term. You might be a senior tennis player or a senior swimmer with abundant experience.
Age might matter, however. Florida senior citizens may sometimes receive benefits beginning at age 55. In this state, there are housing benefits and medical transportation services, as well as nursing and assisted living communities. The Senior Community Service Employment Program, or SCSEP, helps people over the age of 55 find jobs.
There may be senior living assistance to help older adults with everyday activities, companionship or special care for chronic diseases. In-home care services are offered to seniors, as well as help with transportation. Senior Helpers is an organization that has locations around the country.
Senior-friendly vehicles might be a good choice for some older adults, especially those who have issues getting in and out of their smaller cars. An SUV is higher off the ground and is often a better choice for older adults. With more room for cargo space as well, the taller profile of an SUV may be preferred over a sedan.
Although there are many services and help for a senior, there are also a number of scams that the National Council on Aging has encountered. These scams often happen over the phone. Abuse centers on finances and can happen to every senior, not just the wealthy and financially comfortable. Medicare scams are part of this; perpetrators pose as Medicare representatives to get financial information. They might even send a false bill for reimbursement by Medicare. Internet fraud, telemarketing scams, investment schemes and more target older adults.
Heat can be harmful to the senior as the weather changes. Temperatures may climb to 100 degrees or 110 degrees Fahreheit as a "feels like" measure of the heat. As you age, response to heat becomes more of a problem, according to the National Institute of Health [NIH].
The term "senior" can have advantages and disadvantages. It can mean an older adult as well as one who is more experienced.