In recent literature on aging and the changing demographics of American society, the term Senior Orphan is seen more frequently. As a nurse, advocate, navigator and care manager, this term and concept are very distressing.
The dictionary defines an orphan as someone whose parents are dead. While it is likely factual that in most cases the parents of seniors are deceased, they are not orphans. A senior who has had a full life and outlived all of their peers is NOT an orphan. This is another example of infantilizing individuals as we age.
Seniors have acquaintances that may have preceded them in death or who have disabilities and are no longer able to be productive members of society. That in itself does not make the senior an orphan and without a social infrastructure. Perhaps the senior never married and dedicated their life to their profession. Perhaps the senior was widowed early in life. Perhaps the senior was a loner and did not wish to have a significant other in their life. There are many reasons an individual is alone in all stages and ages of life, and this does not make them an orphan.
While it is true that there are deaths that we must face as we age because of the impact of the aging process on the human body. That loss of companionship from lifelong friends does not indicate a loss of social life and connections. We continue to develop relationships throughout our lives, and some follow us for decades and others are a flash in the pan. All of these relationships are important and make us who we are. Loss of some of them does not make us an isolated, lonely, alone and unhappy being. Those losses make us stronger and more vibrant because we understand how precious these individuals were to your lives.
Please help advocate for those who are aging and who will continue to age. One of the fastest growing segments of American society is those over 100. They are not orphans. They are sage members of our community and continue to bring their wisdom and life experience to anyone who may take the time to listen. Seniors are not ORPHANS!