Careful when using the words ‘senior moment’

Too many people have used the words “SENIOR MOMENTS” too often, too loosely and too offensively. They say them not knowing how demeaning, degrading and very callousing it sounds.

Really, what the hell are they implying? Are they illfully saying and crushingly suggestling that seniors are too old, too forgetful and too senile? And are they also saying that seniors are too stupid and dumb? Truthfully, why not use words like “Juvenile Senility” or “Kids moments?”

If you’ agree with me or not, those who forget what those words mean could be those who are probably too young or, for the lack of a word, stupid, and are probably too full of nothingness. My assessments about the young are that they may have constipated brains and diarrhea mouths, because they do not think before saying anything that is not positive.

And, believe it or not, I know and have come across kids not knowing how to wipe themselves after doing their things. And they have the guts to use those valuable words, “Senior Moments,” in vulgar and very-disparaging ways. Phooey to you, then. I guess we shouldn’t only blame the young, but also to those who cannot understand what the words do mean. I am talking to you, the so-called middle-class people.

Words can hurt, and they can and probably cause riots. Don’t believe me? Think of what things transpired since the Floyd incident. People have become too sensitive and too touchy that they begin to question what some words would mean, and should be removed.

In the Filipino language, people have used the phrase to mean, “oh heck, darn it, dammit, sorry SOB,” or something in the same context, because it is a phrase oftentimes used in disgust. In reality, the phrase that they just used just cut down their mothers in the most vulgar and worst ways. I’d like to say it, but it’s too profane. Ask me what it is. These words, “Senior Moments,” though not as bad, could be applied in the same way.

People should be proud of being and having those senior moments. The seniors have earned the right for the title Senior Moments for their accomplishment throughout their years.

Why and how, you may ask? Let me try to explain and give you my version, probably not accurate or true, but maybe close to the truth of why I feel this way, and why everyone should also show respect, be proud of, not be ashamed, but honor the words, “Senior Moments,” at their highest values. It shouldn’t be said in malice, but should be said in the most dignified way to praise all seniors. Did you know that “Senior Moments” means “Wisdom?”

Yes, all of their lives, seniors have had their moments. They’ve all worked hard, endlessly and tirelessly, with one or two jobs. Probably not the very best jobs, but they were able to stick to their primary jobs for long periods of time, and until they retired.

They were able to raise families, feed and clothe their kids, send their kids to college, and still put aside some savings for rainy days. Probably not all, but most of them. They’ve struggled, but they persevered and became successful in their own ways. Their lives are impeccable and paramount. Yes. Seniors have had their Senior Moments. So when you use those words, smile and think of what and how you’ve said them.

And all of you, who still live with your parents, still wondering how and what you will do with your lives, still supported by them at 26 years old (?), and not working, or who, you all, may have once upon a time worked, but sadly enough, were not able to hold to the jobs for long periods of time because they were too hard, too early in the morning to go to work, or weren’t getting the $50 an/hour pay they hoped for, or whatever dumb reasons they may have.

Like most kids who think they are smart and educated, who would normally tell their parents how to live, make their lives better, or what they should do with their lives, but can’t, because they all haven’t done anything in their lifetime yet.

But the seniors can, to you what seems like, or could be reasons they are forgetful or are forgetting, would be that they are trying to forget what they’ve already done and accomplished throughout their years, while you are all still learning and doing how to become self -sufficient, responsible and, maybe, make something with your lives. You, the ones using those precious words like “senior moments,” still cannot fend for yourselves, but certainly and still want the support and help from them. Shame on you. They’ve done everything that you haven’t, and yet you used those wonderful words, “senior moments,” like it’s funny.

And you other seniors who use those “seniors moments” phrases, should instead be honored, proud and not to degrade yourselves and those seniors and their valued moments. You shouldn’t be ashamed just for being a senior. You should stand up proudly and shout out, “I am a senior, and I am very proud of it.”

So if you forget anything, because you were unconscious, don’t say that you have a case of the senior moments. Say that you had the case of the “juvenile or kids moments.” You don’t deserve to utter those two words if you haven’t done anything the seniors have already done. If you do say those words, say them with dignity, compassion and with love. Don’t say them derogatorily, but say them knowing what those words mean and represent.

So what’s the big deal? Simple. Words can be harmful and destructive when used in the worst possible ways. Be mindful in how you say those two words, “SENIOR MOMENTS.” Capice? Whatever that means. Amen.

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Ray Domingo is a resident of Lihu‘e.