Featured Post from Retire with Equity

Are you a Senior, Seasoned Citizen or "Seenager"?

Exploring the difference: Are you old, wise, or rebelliously both?

Nov 14, 2024

4 min

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Summary: The article humorously explores the different identities associated with aging: Seniors, Seasoned Citizens, and "Seenagers." Seniors embrace relaxation and nostalgia, Seasoned Citizens exude wisdom with style, and Seenagers live rebelliously youthful lives. Each group showcases the joy of aging uniquely, proving that growing older can be fabulous and fun.


The aging mindset and associated vocabulary


Aging: the thing we can't avoid, no matter how many anti-wrinkle creams or kale smoothies we try. But hold on! Getting older doesn’t have to be all about orthopedic shoes and early bedtimes. Sometimes, we can be intentional about how we age.  Bring to life the old saying, "You are only as old as you feel," or in this case, "only as old as we think. "


Aging comes with its own vocabulary these days—like a senior high school class, except your class ring is arthritis-friendly. Your mindset will determine how you behave, and your behaviour will determine what label you fall under.


Let’s dive into three hot buzzwords (labels) making waves in the grey hair community: Senior, Seasoned Citizen, and the fabulous Seenager. Buckle up your seatbelt (or your compression socks) because we’re about to break down what makes each term hilariously unique. Spoiler alert: the ability to laugh at yourself will help keep you young!


The Senior: Official Member of the Blue-Haired Special Club


Ah, Senior. It's the classic, the OG (Old Gangster) of aging terms. This one paints a picture of someone “past their prime” (which could mean they just don’t remember how Netflix works). Seniors have earned the right to relax, avoid emails, tell stories that start with "Back in my day…." and yell at the character on the TV to "speak up!"

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But let’s not sugarcoat it—being called a senior can sometimes feel like being handed a ticket to the Rest-and-Retirement Express with a Has-Been Hangover. And if you’ve ever wondered why seniors are so good at discussing the weather, it's because everyone assumes their Wi-Fi password is “sunshine.”


Historically, seniors are seen as a little out of touch, like trying to send a text from a rotary phone. But here’s the twist: while the term “senior” may suggest slowing down, many secretly download TikTok tutorials and know more about memes than they let on.


The Seasoned Citizen: Aged Like Fine Wine, Not Expired Milk


If Senior sounds too much like a countdown clock, I'd like to introduce you to Seasoned Citizen. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? Seasoned citizens aren’t just “old”—they’re marinated in life, baby! They’re wiser than your smartphone autocorrect and have more knowledge than an entire season of Jeopardy. "I'll take Guru for $1,000, Alex!"


Seasoned citizens have been there, done that, and have the wrinkles to prove it—but in the coolest way possible. They’re like that hip grandparent who can teach you life lessons and how to win at poker. They’re the Yoda’s of society, doling out advice with just the right amount of sass.


But don’t get it twisted. While they might be experts in wisdom, seasoned citizens know they’ve already done their share of life’s heavy lifting. They’re likelier to give great advice from the sidelines than participating in the next CrossFit challenge. And why shouldn’t they? With all that life seasoning, they’ve earned their spot as society’s wise sanseis.


The Seenager: 70 Going on 17, and Loving Every Minute of It


Then there’s the Seenager—aka the fun aunt of aging. This term combines “senior” and “teenager,” and that’s exactly how it sounds: older folks acting like rebellious teens with more fabulous cars and better credit scores.


Seenagers know how to throw a wrinkle cream party,
hit a Zumba class in the same evening
(and still be home by 9 pm).


Forget bingo; Seenagers are out here gaming on their consoles, posting selfies on social media, and flexing their fashion sense like it’s senior prom all over again. The Golden Bachelor, anyone? And don’t be surprised if they’re showing you how to work your smartphone because they’ve already FaceTimed the grandkids from halfway around the world.


Seenagers are here to remind us that age is just a number that occasionally needs reading glasses. They defy the stereotype that aging means slowing down; instead, they speed up, engage in spontaneous activities, and sometimes wear questionable amounts of leather. They’re aging rebels, shaking their fists at society’s rules like, “No, I will have dessert for dinner, thank you very much!”


What Kind of Fabulous Oldie Are You?

So, there you have it: whether you're a Senior, a Seasoned Citizen, or a Seenager, each term brings its flavour of fabulous to the aging process. Seniors take life slow and steady; Seasoned Citizens throw wisdom around like confetti, and Seenagers party like it’s 1959 all over again (but with fewer sideburns and more disposable income).


No matter which camp you fall into, one thing’s sure: getting older is a journey full of choices. You can nap through it, sprinkle sage advice everywhere, or rock that Seenager spirit with a fresh pair of Prada sneakers. The choice, dear friend, is yours—don’t forget your reading glasses!


Don't Retire---Re-Wire!


Sue


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Source: TransUnion Canada - Credit Score Factors Utilization: More Credit, Used Sparingly = Better Score Yes, it’s weird—but true: someone with five credit cards and a $50,000 limit who uses only $2,000 will likely have a better score than someone with a single $2,000 credit card which is nearly maxed out. Why? Utilization is calculated as a percentage. The more room you leave untouched, the more responsible you appear. Ghosts & Abstainers: No Credit is a Red Flag So, back to the Marketplace story we mentioned earlier. As we consider all the factors involved in credit scoring, is it surprising that this man in Calgary, who paid cash for everything, had his score drop to zero after a long period of inactivity? Not really. Credit bureaus don’t reward abstinence—they penalize it. If you haven’t borrowed in a while, you may be “credit invisible.” It’s like trying to get hired without a resume. No record? No offers. 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However, your credit will reflect an R7 status for 3 years after your final payment or 6 years after you sign the contract, whichever comes first. Pro Tip: Credit counseling is the more noble route, but remember that it still significantly affects your score.  (Source: Credit Counselling Canada) What If There’s an Error—or You’ve Been Hacked? If you spot a mistake on your report—or worse, see signs of identity theft—don’t panic. Here’s what to do: 1. Request a copy of your report from Equifax and TransUnion. 2. Highlight the error and contact the bureau to initiate a dispute. 3. Provide supporting documents. 4. Follow up regularly—bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If you’re a victim of identity theft: • Contact your bank and credit card issuers immediately. • File a police report. • Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file. Here are important links with more details on how to work with both <Equifax> and <TransUnion> The final statement (get it?) 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9 min

The Retirement Games

Have you ever dreamed of being an Olympic athlete? Perhaps you have wondered what it would feel like to stand on that podium in front of the world as your national anthem plays. For most Olympic athletes, the journey begins very early in life. But imagine what it would be like if you started training for this event in your 60s? Read on if you want an edge to discover how to win the Retirement Games and still pass the drug test (let’s face it, peeing is not an issue for many at that age)! Here is your chance to get on the podium at the most crucial game of your life. On Your Marks, Get Set, Ready, Go! Retirement was more like a coffee break five decades ago—brief, predictable, and over before your muffin cooled. In 1975, the average Canadian could expect to live about 73.53 years. Fast forward to 2025; we're clocking in at nearly 83.26 years. Even juicier? The lastest research shows half of today's 20-year-olds in Canada are expected to live past 90.  That’s why we need to think of retirement these days, not as a sprint; instead, it’s an ultramarathon with hills, potholes, and the occasional pulled hamstring. Most of us never expected to be training for it in our sixties, but here we are—so pull up your compression socks and move. The starter's pistol is about to fire, whether you're ready or not! Surprise! You're Retired While you may dream of selecting your retirement date like a fine wine, many face the reality of a boxed kind instead. Approximately 6 in 10 Americans retire earlier than they planned. Research from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that many individuals experience unexpected early retirement due to personal health issues, employer discretion, or family-related circumstances. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-age-in-america-62-claiming-social-security-early/ Sometimes, it's a health scare, a loved one’s illness, or a harsh employer downsizing. Nobody whispers the term "ageism," but when companies replace senior employees with younger, more affordable talent (or AI bots), it’s not subtle—it’s math.As Morgan Housel reminds us in his bestseller, The Psychology of Money, "The most important part of every plan is planning for your plan, not going according to plan." Expect the unexpected. Train as if retirement could sneak up on you—because it just might. Get Fit, Stay Sharp: Health is the First Leg of the Race Physical and mental health are the fuel for your retirement. The rest doesn’t matter without them; we’re not just talking about lifting weights. (Though, yes, lift some weights.) Regular physical activity provides numerous benefits for older adults, including a reduced risk of dementia and enhanced cognitive function. Exercise can help maintain brain health, reduce mental decline, and even reverse some age-related brain shrinkage. Additionally, physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance balance and coordination, leading to a better quality of life. • Strength training enhances bone density, metabolism, and mental health. (Source: Mayo Clinic) • Flexibility and balance? Try yoga or tai chi. Harvard Health says they reduce pain and stiffness. • Mental fitness? Cue up Wordle, Canuckle (the Canadian cousin), or Sudoku. • Dancing? It's beneficial for your brain and your swagger  • Listening to music or playing an instrument can reduce stress and boost memory. Gold Medal Tip: Motivation is overrated; action is everything. Don’t be a couch potato. A new study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine shows that older adults who spend more time sedentary — such as sitting or lying down — may be at a higher risk for lower cognition and in areas linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, no matter how much they exercise! So make sure you show up, move, and the motivation will catch up. Wealth Training: Stop Hoping, Start Budgeting Here's a shocker: Retirement doesn't mean your expenses magically disappear. According to Steve Willems' podcast “10 Retirement Myths You May Not Want to Believe,” most retirees don’t spend less. Aside from the mortgage, spending remains surprisingly consistent, especially during the Go-Go years (ages 55-75)”. We like what we like: groceries, entertainment, travel, and stylish or comfortable clothes are still on our shopping lists. That’s why many of us in retirement will need to pay more attention to spending and budgeting. Check Obligation Spending Retirement is the perfect time to reevaluate expenses from obligation rather than genuine need or joy. Here's a thoughtful way to frame that idea: Retirement is the season of freedom, so why are you still paying for things that feel like a burden? Now that you’re no longer earning a regular paycheck, every dollar matters more than ever. This means it’s time to take a closer look at obligatory expenses. These might include: • Helping adult children financially (even when it stretches your budget) • Donating to every fundraiser or cause just because someone asked • Hosting large family gatherings that leave you exhausted and over budget • Maintaining memberships, subscriptions, or traditions that no longer bring you joy. (We talk a lot more about this in a previous post What’s your Retirement Plan B While generosity is admirable, it shouldn’t jeopardize your financial security or peace of mind. Retirement should focus on investing in what truly matters to you now, rather than keeping up appearances or adhering to outdated expectations. Here’s a gentle mantra to adopt: “I’ve earned the right to say no with love and confidence.” Freeing yourself from obligation spending doesn’t mean becoming stingy; it means becoming intentional. Give where your heart feels full, not where your guilt feels heavy. After all, you didn’t work all those years to keep writing checks out of habit. Balance Beam- Budget What’s your plan when overtime isn’t an option and the budget doesn’t balance? Start with a good old-fashioned reality check: • Write down ALL expenses. • Tally up your income. • Look for a surplus (yay, trip!) or a shortfall (boo, time to pivot). Look at Canadian Government Pensions • Here's the math.  Old Age Security (OAS): Max is about $713/month or $8,556/year. And don’t forget the dreaded government clawback (formally known as the Old Age Security Pension Recovery Tax which starts at ~$90,997. • Canada Pension Plan (CPP): The average monthly payment is $758, while the maximum is $1,364 per month or $16,368 per year. So with these two programs combined, provided you meet requirements, as a senior, you're looking at somewhere between $17,000–$25,000/year before tax. If your lifestyle needs a bit more jazz hands, here’s how to bridge the gap:   DIY Income Builders: • Slash debt. Every dollar you don't spend is one you keep. • Downsize and bank the equity. • Buy or build an ADU and rent it. I have written more about ADU's here. • HELOC or Reverse mortgage (borrow strategically). • Withdraw from investments (4% rule). • Monetize your skills: consulting, tutoring, or writing that novel you started in 1993. Gold Medal Tip: Track your joy per dollar. If you’re going to spend, make it worth it. Rewire, Don’t Retire: Finding Purpose The biggest myth of retirement? That doing nothing feels good forever. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.) Passion is your GPS. It guides you towards what fills your heart. Whether you write poetry, walk dogs, or paint birds wearing tiny hats, your joy matters. And legacy? That’s just purpose with staying power. There’s science to support the benefits of this lesson. A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with a sense of purpose had a lower risk of mortality and disability  Purpose-Driven Paths: • Volunteer: Look for a cause that fires you up. • Get a part-time job: Perhaps you can fill in at a local bookstore, garden center or be a barista? • Hobbies: Take up painting, pottery, or poetry. • Go Back to School: Many Universities such as The University of Toronto offer free, non-credit courses through programs as part of their community outreach.  Seniors (over 60) enrolled at York University may have all or part of their academic fees waived at the domestic fee rate for York University degree credit courses as part of their mature student program. • Spend real time with people you love, maybe your grandkids or elderly parents. • Reconnect with old friends – not just on Facebook, but in person • Get out of your backyard and see the world Gold Medal Tip: You're never too young (or too old) to chase what lights you up. Start a business, get that degree you always wanted, and write that book. Go. For. It. Support: No One Trains Alone Retirement can be lonely. As we age, friends pass, routines fade, and isolation creeps in. That’s why your squad matters more than ever. Find Your Pod: • Family & Friends: Set expectations. Ask for help. Host Sunday dinners. Stay connected. • Fitness & Social Clubs: Join a walking group or participate in a gym class, followed by regular post-sweat coffee. • Faith Communities: Spirituality and structure in one. Sing in the choir. Serve at events. • Third Places: As sociologist Ray Oldenburg says, these are neutral hangouts like libraries, community centers, or your local café. They’re tied to lower loneliness and better mental health. Think of Cheers: “Where everyone knows your name!” Gold Medal Tip: Your local pickleball court or knitting circle might just be your new training ground. Attitude Training: Stop Acting Your Age Here’s a radical thought: Maybe we feel old because we act old. Want to stay young? Stay curious, try new things. Try line dancing, pickleball, bird watching, improv, or learning to code. Yes, code. What was the worst advice our mothers gave us? “Act your age.” Nonsense! Whoever said, “You’re only as old as you feel” was on to something – but let’s take it up a notch: How about you’re only as old as your playlist! The Power of a Youthful Attitude in Retirement A successful retirement isn’t just about savings accounts and spreadsheets — it’s about mindset. A positive, youthful attitude is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) assets you can carry into retirement. Even if you don’t feel youthful or optimistic, “fake it ‘til you make it” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a strategy. The goal isn't to accurately describe your aches, fears, or fatigue but to set yourself up for success! Science backs it up: a positive outlook boosts health, sharpens cognition, and increases longevity. From a practical perspective, optimism makes it easier to try new things, adapt to change, and enjoy the present—all essential in retirement. So, if the voice in your head says, “I’m too old for that,” try responding with, “This is my time.” You begin to build because what you tell yourself matters, as does what you believe. Retirement is your reward. Approach it like the vibrant, capable, unstoppable human you are because attitude, not age, sets the tone. Gold Medal Tip: You’re only as old as the last thing you tried for the first time. Try something ridiculous, I double dare you! Final Stretch The Retirement Games are here, and let me be crystal clear: this isn’t amateur hour. This is your Olympic moment, with medals awarded for stamina, strategy, and a solid sense of humour. Whether you're rounding the first turn at 45 or doing your victory lap at 75, now is the time to train. You’ve built strength, stretched your budget, flexed your purpose muscle, assembled your dream team, and rebooted your mindset. Now it’s time to lace up, lean in, and live life to the fullest. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation. You won’t achieve a podium finish through wishful thinking; you’ll attain it through action, adaptation, and a great deal of repetition. So, put on your metaphorical tracksuit (or actual tracksuit if it's laundry day) and begin training with determination. The gold medal retirement isn’t just possible—it’s within reach. Cue the confetti cannon. You’re not just aging—you’re advancing. And champions, as we know, don’t retire… they rewire, recharge, and rewrite the playbook. On Your Marks, Get Set, THRIVE! Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue

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