What's in a name?

Our members range in age from 55 to over 100.  This is a huge range of ages and experiences.  And needs.

Ever since I've belonged to LVSA, there's been talk of changing the name to attract new members in the lower age range.  Some people want to get rid of that pesky word 'seniors'!  We go back and forth, talking and talking in circles until we come back to the same place we started.  And we stay there.

Now, I don't know if it's necessary or not.  I know a lot of people my age ( <65) who wouldn't dream of walking through the door of any place that offered seniors' activities.  I also know a few folks who are well over 80 who feel exactly the same way.  My father lived in a 55+ apartment building for a few years before he died.  He was so not interested in any mention of a program or event that might be age-appropriate.  He always complained that every one was 'old'.  I get that he needed a lot of life around him.  Life doesn't always mean kids.  In fact, they can be pretty darned exhausting with their energy and wild ideas.

Why don't I feel that way?  Well, I think words can't hurt me.  I know who I am and what I can and want to do.  I would rather join than stand on the sidelines and just watch because the group's name didn't fit with my image of myself.  The group won't make me 'old'.  Only I can do that.  Old is a state of mind - not a group of people.  I know some pretty hip and happening seniors who can run rings around me.  I say leave the word alone...I'm rollin' towards it.

So, what do you think?  If you have an opinion, take part in the little poll I've created to the right of this post.  It'll be open until next Tuesday.