A senior citizen is a social demographic based on age. In the United States, the age of a senior citizen differs according to the source. According to Medicare, a senior is sixty-five years old or older. However, Social Security benefits are eligible for seniors starting at sixty-two, even though the Social Security Office reports that sixty-seven is the age of retirement. Generally, though, you enter the senior age demographic once you turn fifty-five.

A senior citizen can be defined in other various ways (according to Jeff Hoyt of Senior Living. Org):

• Culturally, you are a senior citizen if you are slowing down in your life. Generally, you have accomplished monumental feats in your adult life like raising a family or having a career.
• Economically, you are a senior if you require financial support. Since a senior citizen can no longer work, they are often dependent on others for their welfare. Financial support can come in the form of retirement funds or savings or with the support of a caregiver.
• Medically, you are a senior citizen if you are more apt to have age-related health problems. This can include loss of mobility, hearing, and vision. Also, you are more likely to suffer chronic pain and illnesses that require aid and support.

There are specific milestones that signify you have reached this special age, as listed by Jennifer Lageman of Forbes Health. They can be considered as the benefits of being a senior citizen.

· Accessing Medicare Benefits

Three months before turning sixty-five, you can enroll in Medicare for the first time. Most are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A while you can choose to enroll in Medicare Part B. Once a person is enrolled in both, you can also decide whether if you want additional coverage via Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement.

· Social Security Eligibility

When you turn sixty-two and meet the eligibility criteria, you can start receiving Social Security benefits.

To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must have accumulated at least forty work credits (earned by working and paying taxes into Social Security during one’s period of employment).

· Receiving Senior Discounts

Older adults can receive discounts in a variety of places simply due to their age. Many restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, cruise lines, and phone companies offer senior discounts.

· Reaching Retirement

According to Gallup’s 2022 Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average retirement age in the US is now sixty-one. Although there are various circumstances that may force some people to stop working earlier or later than planned.

There are also intangible benefits of being a senior citizen as well. According to Jennifer Leardi, a social gerontologist and community educator, the following are the emotional benefits of reaching the later stage of life:

• You learn how to optimize your to-dos. You work smarter rather than harder.
• You are better at regulating your emotions.
• Able to survive a number of setbacks, you tend to be happier and you no longer sweat the small stuff.

Reaching senior citizen status does come with many benefits. Apparently, as with wine, life gets better with age.

Sources:

Hoyt, Jeff, “The Most Common Questions Senior Citizens Have,” Last modified May 21, 2024. https://www.seniorliving.org/life/senior-citizen/.

Lagemann, Jennifer. “At What Age Do You Become a Senior Citizen.” Last modified October 1, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/senior-citizen-age/.

Senior Services of America. “What Are the Available Benefits  for Seniors over 65.” Accessed July 14, 2024. https://seniorservicesofamerica.com/blog/what-are-the-available-benefits-for-seniors-over-65/.