Babyboomers.com

When will Boomers be called Seniors? Probably never if they have their way.

Calling someone a Boomer is a polite way of avoiding the fact that they are aging. One of the most defining traits of the generation born between 1946 and 1964 may be the inability to acknowledge that they may actually be getting old. So I think eventually those of a certain age will either remain Boomers, which will define their social/political philosophy. Those who opt to be called Seniors will be considered to have a different set of views. Like Liberals vs Conservatives.

In olden days they called you a pensioner, elderly, or just plain old. You were a Senior if you were really really old.

For example, this piece from the Canadian newspaper The Manitoba Free Press, October 1930:

“Today, friends of ‘Dad’ Quick, Vancouver’s senior citizen, congratulated him on the attainment of his 110th birthday.”

Then in 1938, it all changed. Several newspapers reported the ‘Thirty Thursday’ plan by the Commonwealth Party’s candidate for governor, Robert Noble:

“On Nov. 8, the people of California will vote on the scheme as a proposed amendment to the state constitution. If passed, the retirement life payment plan, as it is called, promises to pay $30 a week for life in state script to every “senior” citizen, man or woman, 50 years of age or over.”

When life expectancy was 61, of course, anyone who made it to 50 was a Senior.

What does any of this have to do with quality dental care and saving money in Panama (www.panamdentaltours.com)? They have a a pensionado program there, open to all residents (including ex-pats).

Now, you may be thinking: “Pensioner? Retiree? That leaves me out.”

Not necessarily. The rules for becoming a “pensioner” and qualifying for this visa program in Panama are probably not what you’d expect.

Anyone over the age of 18 may apply and can qualify as a pensionado in Panama. Another defiunition of pensioner! All you need is a guaranteed pension income. And look at the goodies you get:

* 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events, etc.)
* 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
* 25% off airline tickets
* 50% off hotel stays Monday through Thursday, 30% off Friday through Sunday
* 25% off restaurant meals
* 15% off at fast-food restaurants
* 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)
* 10% off prescription medicines
* 20% off doctors’ consultations
* 15% off dental and eye exams
* 20% off professional and technical services
* 50% off closing costs for home loans and more

Panama has the best of both worlds: being a pensioner and young enough to enjoy it.