I won two Trimble Hot Springs passes after bowling a strike at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kid’s Sake fundraiser. First and foremost, thanks to Trimble for supporting BBBS and I’m not complaining. However, I’m 63. The adult pass says it’s for those 13 to 61. Have I entered some sort of “post-adult” phase of life? Also, how can a 13-year-old teen be an adult but I’m not? I bet Trimble would admit me without checking ID. I just don’t want to get busted for sneaking in while technically being over-aged! First time writer, long time fan. – Debbie Kurz
It’s an age-old question. What age is old?
What’s the “trick” in geriatric?
Is “old” considered to be “senior?”
And that brings up an old-school conundrum: Would it be sophomoric for freshmen to sell Junior Mints to senior citizens?
We are admonished to act our age – yet you’re only as young as you feel.
At this point, many readers are wondering when Action Line will grow up.
Mrs. Action Line frequently asks that very same question.
Be that as it may, the official definition of “adult” is subject to wide interpretation.
At the Durango Stadium 9 movie theater, “adults” are anyone age 12 to 59. At Purgatory Resort, “adults” range from 18 to 64.
Colorado liquor and marijuana vendors, meanwhile, consider “adults” to be those age 21 and older.
As for “seniors,” the age range varies even more.
By the way, the term “senior citizen” was created during the 1938 political season as a euphemism for “old person.”
Some 81 years later, the phrase has aged gracefully, now generally referring to folks age 65 and older. Or maybe not.
Consider that the Durango/La Plata Senior Center used to be called the “55 Plus Center.”
And did you know you can join AARP at age 50?
Retired? At 50?
They should call it AAPWTTOBRIALWAMN – American Association of People Working Their Tail Off Because Retirement Is A Long Way Away Maybe Never.
Meanwhile, if “seniors” are defined as “retired,” Social Security’s “full retirement” age is 67 for anyone born after 1960. (You can get Social Security at age 62 but at reduced rates.)
On the other hand, you can withdraw from your 401(k) and IRA retirement savings accounts without penalty as early as at age 59 and six months.
So let’s review. An “adult” can be as young as 12 and a “senior” can be as young as 50.
But teenage “adults” can’t legally quaff an adult leisure beverage until 21, and 50-year-old “seniors” have to wait another almost a generation – 17 years – to enjoy the seniority of full retirement.
Given this confusing chronology, it’s time to relax and enjoy the moment – by immersing in the healing waters of Trimble Hot Springs.
Action Line called Trimble on your behalf, striking up a conversation about the strike-earned free passes.
Will you be in hot water for being post-adult? Heck yes!
“Absolutely, the adult passes will get you in to the hot springs no question,” said a nice person answering the phone at the Animas Valley landmark.
“It’s a great time to soak, and we don’t ‘card’ anyone for being over-age.”
Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 80301.
