grey power

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

• Audio (AUS)

  (file)

Alternative forms

• gray power (chiefly US)

Noun

grey power (uncountable)

1. (chiefly UK, Canada, Australia, idiomatic) The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.
   • 2002 Sep. 15, Luke Johnson, "The silver revolution is here," Telegraph (UK) (retrieved 28 July 2015):

     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.

   • 2004 March 20, "Late 'bloomers' catch travel bug," Illawarra Mercury (Australia) (retrieved 28 July 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.

   • 2009 May 21, "It’s 1 a.m. Do you know where your kids are?," Macleans magazine (Canada) (retrieved 28 July 2015):

     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.

Further reading

• “grey power”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
• “gray power”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.