What is a septuagenarian? The official term explained
The word septuagenarian is the formal, Latin-based term for a person in their seventies, meaning someone who is between 70 and 79 years of age. The word's roots can be traced back to the Latin term septuageni, meaning "seventy each". This word is part of a larger pattern of terms derived from Latin to denote decades of life:
- Denarian: 10-19
- Vicenarian: 20-29
- Tricenarian: 30-39
- Quadragenarian: 40-49
- Quinquagenarian: 50-59
- Sexagenarian: 60-69
- Septuagenarian: 70-79
- Octogenarian: 80-89
- Nonagenarian: 90-99
- Centenarian: 100 or more
While these terms are scientifically and formally correct, they are rarely used in casual conversation. They are more likely to be found in academic writing, medical contexts, or journalistic reporting to add a touch of formal flair.
Polite and common alternatives for everyday use
In most social situations, using an individual's name is the most respectful and personal way to address them. However, if a label is necessary, there are several polite and widely accepted alternatives to consider. The most important factor is understanding the context and the person's own preferences.
- Retiree: If the person has retired from their career, this is a functional and positive term.
- Older adult: As suggested by some sources, this is a neutral and acceptable term that avoids negative connotations.
- Seventy-something: A more casual and friendly alternative to the formal "septuagenarian".
- Their name: Calling someone by their first name or an honorific like "Mr. Smith" or "Ms. Jones" is almost always the best option, as it is both respectful and personal.
- Senior/Senior citizen: These terms are often used, especially in a professional context like offering a discount. However, attitudes toward these labels can vary, with some finding them outdated.
Comparison of terms: Formal vs. casual vs. personal
| Term | Usage | Connotation | When to Use | When to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Septuagenarian | Formal, technical | Educated, precise | Academic writing, medical journals, specific reporting | Casual conversation, direct address to a person |
| Seventy-something | Casual, informal | Friendly, conversational | Everyday conversation, lighthearted contexts | Formal writing, official documents |
| Older Adult | Neutral, respectful | Contemporary, non-judgmental | General address for a group, professional settings | Directly addressing an individual who finds it too generic |
| Senior/Senior Citizen | Common, institutional | Varies (sometimes outdated) | Offering discounts, official government contexts | If you suspect the person finds the term old-fashioned or insulting |
| Individual's Name | Personal, direct | Respectful, familiar | Always appropriate in direct conversation | When you don't know the person's name or are talking about a large, anonymous group |
| Retiree | Functional | Positive, based on life stage | Describing a person who is no longer working | When the person is still working or is not defined by their retirement |
How to choose the right term for the situation
Choosing the right term depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the individual. In most cases, politeness and familiarity should guide your choice. For example, you would address a family member by their given name, and you might use a general term like "older adult" when discussing demographics. It is generally best to avoid terms that could be seen as condescending or overly clinical unless the situation strictly calls for it.
Consider the person’s own perspective on aging. Modern septuagenarians are often active and full of life, with many still working, traveling, and pursuing new hobbies. Labeling someone primarily by their age can feel limiting and inaccurate to their experience. This is especially true for those who have spent their lives as accomplished individuals, such as the numerous famous septuagenarians like Helen Mirren or Harrison Ford who continue to defy ageist stereotypes. The best practice is always to lead with respect and to prioritize the person over the label.
The platinum anniversary: A different kind of 70
In the context of marriage, the 70th anniversary is known as the Platinum Anniversary. This tradition associates the milestone with the precious and enduring metal, symbolizing the strength and longevity of a seventy-year partnership. This is a completely different usage of the number 70 and should not be confused with the age of a person. However, it's an interesting tidbit of knowledge that highlights another way the number 70 is celebrated as a significant milestone.
Conclusion: Prioritizing respect over labels
The short and formal answer to what do you call someone who is turning 70? is a septuagenarian. However, for nearly all real-world applications, this is not the most appropriate or polite term. A person's identity is far more complex and interesting than their age decade. When in doubt, it is always safest and most respectful to address someone by their name or a polite, general term like "older adult," while focusing on their personality, accomplishments, and who they are as a person. As society redefines aging, the language we use should also evolve to reflect a more nuanced and respectful understanding of people in their seventies and beyond.
The cultural shift in perceiving age
The way society views aging is undergoing a significant shift. Modern medicine and lifestyle changes have allowed people to live longer, healthier, and more active lives than in previous generations. This societal evolution means that traditional labels for age groups may feel out of place. Many people in their 70s today do not see themselves as "old" in the traditional sense, and as such, using outdated terminology can feel disrespectful. The movement towards using more neutral terms like "older adult" reflects a growing recognition that age is just one aspect of a person's identity and not their defining characteristic. This cultural change encourages focusing on the individual's abilities, experiences, and contributions rather than simply their chronological age.
