The Guardian

"No matter how flattering the designation may be intended to be," Hugh Cabot, executive director, stated in making known the findings of the opinion poll, "People dislike any label which makes age their chief characteristic."

Members of the Age Center, who range from 50 to 90 years, were polled on such widely used names as "Senior Citizen," "Golden Ager" and "oldster." All appellations were seen as unnecessarily discriminatory by both the men and the women polled.

Typical of the opinions expressed was that of a still active business man of 73 years who said: "Imagine referring to Winston Churchill or Herbert Hoover as 'senior citizen' or 'oldster.' People should be known for their personal characteristics and achievements, not for the accident of their having lived longer than the people who dream up the labels."

Numbering more than 300, Age Center members are taking part in a study, backed by local business and industry, which will determine the hows and whys of successful aging.

Representing a broad socio-economic and educational range, membership is open to anyone interested in discovering new answers for himself or for the benefit of the community.

The Center hours are 9 to 5 p.m. daily and 9 to noon on Saturday.