grey power

noun

grey power

noun
1

Australia, Canada, UK, Idiomatic The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.

  • The outstanding example of grey power in action is the AARP—once known as the American Association of Retired Persons. This is probably the most influential lobbying set-up in the world.2002 September 15, Luke Johnson, “The silver revolution is here”, in Telegraph, UK, retrieved 28 Jul 2015:
  • Grey power is increasing its influence over the world's tourism industry—and with a new nickname. If you're over 60 and have the time, the inclination and the funds to travel, you're now a "bloomer", according to a British holiday company.2004 March 20, “Late 'bloomers' catch travel bug”, in Illawarra Mercury, Australia, retrieved 28 Jul 2015:
1 more example
  • If you needed any proof that grey power rules Maritime politics, check out the party platforms in the Nova Scotia provincial election. . . . Sure, dead people don’t vote, the party reasons. But pensioners do.2009 May 21, “It’s 1 a.m. Do you know where your kids are?”, in Macleans magazine, Canada, retrieved 28 Jul 2015:
Related terms
gray energy

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.