Whether 'older' or 'senior,' those past 65 are staying involved

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

-- William Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet"

After meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens 44 years ago this month, President John F. Kennedy declared May 1963 as "Senior Citizens Month," asking the nation to pay tribute in some way to older people across the country.

That's the way it was until 1980, when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed a change to "Older Americans Month," designating May as a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and fairs.

And, that's the way it continues today.

But which is correct? Are the years beyond the traditional 65 retirement age -- itself in need of refinement or elimination -- a time for celebrating "older Americans" through "ceremonies, events and fairs,"?or a time to remain engaged in society, as in true "senior citizens"?

Let's look at some of the facts provided by the U.S. Census Bureau:

* Some 9 million people age 65 or older are military veterans.

* 5.3 million were in the labor force in 2005, and that's expected to reach 8.7 million by 2014.

* 72 pecent have at least a high school diploma, 18 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher and 7.2 million are taking adult education courses.

* 69,000 people 65 or older were enrolled in a regular high school or college as of October 2005.

* 79 percent of citizens 65 and older were registered to vote in the 2004 presidential election, and 71 percent of citizens in this age group said they actually voted.

* 41 percent of all the votes in the 2040 presidential election are projected to be cast by people 65 and older, something sure to catch the attention of those with political ambitions. Already, by the 2004 election, people 65 and older accounted for 19 percent of the votes.

* 81 percent of householders 65 and older in 2006 owned their homes, compared to 43 percent of people younger than 35.

* And, 11 percent of the nation's business owners are 65 and older.

According to the figures, plenty of us beyond the traditional retirement age are far from sitting around doing nothing. We're working, learning and staying involved in our communities.

Adding it all up, this age group certainly looks like "senior citizens" to us.