Age awareness

lilac_lady

Errata wrote: »

So what word should be used for people who are past middle age? I prefer older person, but there may be objections to that.

Not sure but I hope it's not "The Past Its" ....:D

reddevilled

For me I've always thought of elderley as being the age my grandparents are. So growing up 50 + was elderley to me, now its when you're in your mid 80s!

Savvy_Sue

Some of you have already spotted a poll from MSE about possibly changing the name of this board, which has been a side topic within this discussion. If you'd like to vote, please see here.

marklv

lilac_lady wrote: »

I read an article about a 63 year old woman and it described her as "elderly." 18 year olds would probably think "ancient". :rolleyes: As we're on an over 50s forum, what age do you classify as elderly?

In my opinion 'elderly' means over 75 - I would certainly not consider a 63 year old person elderly in this day and age. Traditionally the age of being elderly was always 65, the age of the OAP, but this seems a very outdated concept given that so many people live well into their 90s.

marklv

jessilu1 wrote: »

To me ''elderly'' is not about age, more about attitude!

I have several neighbours who are over 80 and are very sprightly, still walking smartly, keeping their own households, and have active social lives.

My husband on the other hand is 49 and like an old man. He huffs and puffs after a days' work like he was a hundred , dragging himself around, does no exercise, never wants to go out and just sits on his PC after work and keeps talking about ''how old he feels'',!!:(...now that's elderly in my book!

Well your poor husband has to work for a living instead of relying on some golden pension. Maybe your 80 year old neighbours should do the same as they clearly have so much energy to spare.

marklv

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I was going to say 80, but I know a man, a retired church minister, hale and spry at almost 80, who still travels regularly around the world giving guest 'preaches'.

So no, age is an attitude of mind.

Not in my opinion. Age is a biological fact, not an 'attitude of mind'. Just because many people live to 100 these days doesn't stop the fact that they age just as quickly as they ever did. Certainly, a stress-free lifestyle on a guaranteed pension, not having to work for a living and modern, centrally heated (maybe overheated) homes, together with ready access to modern healthcare undoubtedly does help to extend lifespans. In the 1950s and earlier most people smoked and worked very long hours in arduous, often dangerous conditions. Only a few of the richest sector of society enjoyed central heating in their homes, and similarly for double glazing. Things have changed.

Errata

I'm away to the hospital tomorrow for a long session of tests. I hope they treat me as an elderly person - which I am - because if expect middle aged behaviour from me they will be sorely disappointed

consultant31

marklv wrote: »

Not in my opinion. Age is a biological fact, not an 'attitude of mind'. Just because many people live to 100 these days doesn't stop the fact that they age just as quickly as they ever did. Certainly, a stress-free lifestyle on a guaranteed pension, not having to work for a living and modern, centrally heated (maybe overheated) homes, together with ready access to modern healthcare undoubtedly does help to extend lifespans. In the 1950s and earlier most people smoked and worked very long hours in arduous, often dangerous conditions. Only a few of the richest sector of society enjoyed central heating in their homes, and similarly for double glazing. Things have changed.

Of course age is a biological fact, but the way we respond to our age is definitely an attitude of mind.

Many people seem to fade into old age as soon as they hit their 50s whereas amny others (myself included) have no ontention of growing old (or elderly) for a good while yet despite the fact that I am in my 60s.

With regard to your reply to Jessilu's post - one presumes that her neighbours worked until they were well past her husbands age and able to collect their "golden pension". Doing a days work really shouldn't make a 49 year old into an old man!

Lost2

Age is just a number so long as you can look after yourself your doing OK

oldsam

Forever 18 why ? its age that you judge quality by not quantity , Next Question Please! And will you join me in a malt for my nightcap and raise your glass to
Mabel a Great Aunt aged 105 years - My youngest grandson Joe a mere 7 year old he was very proud to make this known to one and all - Mabel put her clogs under the bed last year 2009 . she use to make a right good Sunday lunch at 100 year old .