Definitions of "Super Senior"

Super senior is a term with different meanings depending on the context. Here are the primary uses:

In Education

• High School: A super senior is a student who remains enrolled in high school for more than the standard four years, typically taking a fifth year to complete graduation requirements. This can happen due to missing credits, academic challenges, personal circumstances, or a desire to take extra courses or explore different educational opportunities. Being a super senior is not inherently negative; it simply means the student needed additional time to finish high school

• College/University: In higher education, a super senior refers to a student who continues taking classes beyond the typical four years required to earn a degree. This can be due to changing majors, needing to retake courses, or pursuing double majors or minors. The term is used for students who have not graduated within the expected timeframe

In Aging and Demographics

• Older Adults: In the context of aging, a super senior is generally defined as an individual aged 80 years or older. This group is sometimes called the “oldest old” and is recognized for their longevity, resilience, and life experience. Super seniors often maintain a higher level of independence and health compared to traditional seniors, thanks to advances in healthcare and an emphasis on active aging. The term helps distinguish between seniors (65+), super seniors (80+), and centenarians (100+)

Summary Table

Context| Definition
---|---
High School| Student in a fifth (or more) year, finishing graduation requirements89
College/University| Student taking longer than four years to complete a degree9
Aging/Demographics| Person aged 80 years or older, often with notable independence7

Additional Notes

• The term "super senior" can also be used informally or as slang in workplaces, referring to someone who has been with a company for a long time and has significant experience

• On social media and in casual conversation, "super senior" is often used to describe someone who is still in school or college after their peers have graduated, sometimes with a humorous or teasing tone

In all contexts, being a super senior simply means exceeding the typical time or age expected for a group, whether in education or life.