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Senior usually has the connotation of the older, especially
denoting the older of two persons having the same name, as father
and son. It can also mean above others in rank or length of
service. We however, have attached another meaning by adding the
word citizen.
The term "Senior Citizen" has had an age attached to it. Usually
at age 62 or 65 this title is bestowed, and some stores may
provide discounts or other privileges when you have reached that
magic number. AARP allows you to join at age 50. You can start
collecting Social Security at 62, and many places have mandatory
retirement at age 75. I find the term "Senior Citizen" however,
somewhat demeaning. It somehow implies that someone is aged and
infirm.
Don't get me wrong. Some of the benefits attached are worth the
title. But most of the people I know in that age group, are not
aged and infirm. Most are vibrant and alive, and after retiring
from their "world of work" are ready for a new challenge. Some
may continue as a consultant in their former line of work, others
may choose something completely unrelated, or some may choose to
do nothing at all.
Some may be fortunate enough to have the financial wherewithal to
travel and visit exotic places. Others may take up a hobby.
Those who choose nothing at all will most likely join the small
percentage of the aged and infirm.
Today, our Seniors have an opportunity that previous generations
did not. The wonderful world of the web provides something those
who went before, didn't even dream about. It can range from
something as simplistic as a hobby to an exciting business.
You can travel vicariously to any place in the world. We
traveled to Spain a few years ago and believe it or not, I
learned more about what we saw there when we returned home, and
started researching things of interest we had seen on the web. If
you're planning a trip, you can find places of interest to visit,
make travel arrangements, rent a car, or find accommodations.
Are you a frustrated author? Why not consider writing as your
hobby. You can submit your work to hundreds of online Ezines, or
if you wish, start your own.
I know a chap who was always interested in post card collecting.
Now he can not only pursue this hobby, but has found many others
online who have similar interests. They have developed quite a
group of people who trade back and forth.
More than half of Americans over age 60 say that computers and
the Internet are making life better for them. Now that many are
retired, they have the time to spend that they may not have had
when working. Many use the Internet simply to keep in touch with
friends and relatives. Some, who live far apart, can actually
shop online at a local store where their friend lives. It also
gives the "snowbirds" an ideal way to keep in touch.
If you have always wanted your own business, but didn't have the
capital to invest, the web might just provide that chance. For a
modest investment you can start your own business, and possibly
change that hobby into a money making proposition. But, like any
business, you must use "due diligence" before jumping in with
both feet.
There are a lot of get rich quick scams on the web, and many
promise extraordinary earnings in a short time. Most of these
should simply be trashed with a click of your delete key. Many
people might fall prey to an MLM or affiliate program. Even
industry giants like Rexall have problems - see
Rexall for an example.
I know another person whose hobby is gardening. She grows herbs
and markets several products online. She has found a niche
business that pays, and is now in the process of putting up her
own web site.
The ranks of the seniors are growing rapidly, and that fact is not
being overlooked by business. Many companies are actively wooing
this age group. So, if you are retired, or about to, use this
wonderful tool to not only make your life richer, but help keep
you young and vibrant.
It is never too early to get involved, or too late. If you're
only using minimal features of your computer, why not expand your
horizons? You may be surprised at what you find.
About The Author: Bob publishes the free weekly "Your Business" Newsletter
Visit his Web Site at adv-marketing to
subscribe. As a bonus, get 40,000 FREE E-Books from
Larry Dotson, when you visit ldpublishing.com
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