Generally, the term Senior Citizens is a polite way of referring to older folk who have reached the age of retirement or 65 years. In most western countries, retirees are then eligible to receive full social welfare benefits or a pension. People who adopt a different Lifestyle or social status can also be referred to as Senior Citizens. This can occur when people become grand parents, change their work habits or their hobby and sporting interest, and so, enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.

Senior Citizens  are an ever increasing population these days, as the average adult life span increases. This situation has been brought about by the many medical advancements, improved health facilities and the discovery of new and improved drugs that have been made during the past half century. Added to this the fact that the mortality rate of infants has fallen sharply thus increasing the number of newborns that reach adulthood. Senior Citizens therefore, are better equipped to fend off diseases and afflictions than their antecedents, because of the improved and affordable health care services that are available today.

Public opinion of Senior Citizens has altered dramatically in recent decades, rather than considering the elderly as a liability, the public has come to value the many contributions that Senior Citizens make to our society. Seniors are staying in the workforce longer passing on their skills to others and training young people. Many retirees volunteer their services to charitable institutions in order to remain active members of the community by assisting those who are less fortunate. In certain cases, volunteer organisations could not exist without the participation and efforts of Senior Citizens.

As the aging population increases, new products and services have been created to cater for their special needs. Senior Citizens are contributing to the economy as new marketing trends develop to promote the various niche markets created by their very existence. Just consider the number of promotions that are aimed at Seniors; Seniors housing, Seniors insurance, Seniors gym, anti-aging products, the list is seemingly endless.

Senior Citizens have escaped from the past images of groups of old codgers sitting in a park playing chess or struggling along the sidewalk leaning on a cane. Today's Senior Citizens are far more active and have part of the economy depending on them for their expertise and business.

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