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How old is elderly?

(75 Posts)
whitewave Tue 13-Oct-15 12:19:17

Someone on the Falling over thread suggested that we are elderly which sort of made me think.

I think of my Mum as elderly at 97, not sure what I am at nearly 70? Late middle agegrin

Alea Tue 13-Oct-15 12:27:31

At least 15 years older than oneself.

Katek Tue 13-Oct-15 12:28:08

Chest consultant said yesterday that I'd 'reached a good age' (65). What does that mean? My Fil at 88 is a good age to me.

Nonnie Tue 13-Oct-15 12:59:06

Totally agree with Alea, definitely not me but on the other hand if I wanted the AA to come out to my car I just might be....................... Actually did use it to get British Gas out to the heating.

MiniMouse Tue 13-Oct-15 13:00:33

Good grief Katek 65 'a good age' shock Perhaps he based that on the fact that a lot of his patients have such serious health issues that they don't make it to that age?

Leticia Tue 13-Oct-15 13:01:04

My mother is elderly at over 90 yrs. She wasn't elderly until somewhere between 85 and 87yrs.
I agree with Alea.

MiniMouse Tue 13-Oct-15 13:01:04

Nonnie tut tut wink

Leticia Tue 13-Oct-15 13:10:37

I think I would be very terse with anyone who called 65yrs 'a good age'!

Charleygirl Tue 13-Oct-15 13:14:38

I would consider myself to be elderly if I was forever falling, was frail and could no longer cope. Maybe I am scraping by aged 72, living on my own and still driving?

varian Tue 13-Oct-15 14:01:21

When my mum was leading a very active life and still driving at 94, I didn't think of her as elderly and she certainly didn't but then she had a fall, and had to give up driving and slow down quite a bit. I think even she would admit to being elderly now.

Charleygirl Tue 13-Oct-15 14:04:31

Age is just a number- a lot depends on how one feels.

Anya Tue 13-Oct-15 14:14:54

70

thatbags Tue 13-Oct-15 14:16:40

I frequently have what are sometimes called senior moments. When I was twelve I had what my mum called scatty moments.

ninathenana Tue 13-Oct-15 15:00:52

I have just returned from an assessment on my shoulder.
The lovely lady said "my more mature patients". I'm 61 I would not be happy to be called elderly

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 13-Oct-15 15:16:28

97 is old! I think elderly is about 68 or 70 onwards. What's wrong with calling a spade a spade?

whitewave Tue 13-Oct-15 15:20:14

Because I don't want to be jing, Next stop - death!

Nelliemoser Tue 13-Oct-15 15:22:39

I'm not elderly but my body is sure acting like it is.

Leticia Tue 13-Oct-15 15:23:04

68 or 70 used to be elderly in my grandmother's day -but not now.

It depends on your health and mental state.

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 13-Oct-15 15:23:09

No! After 'elderly' you get 'old'.

Just don't rush things. smile

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 13-Oct-15 15:24:42

Don't you believe it Leticia. 70 is 70. And so's 80 and 90. Always was, always will be.

Leticia Tue 13-Oct-15 15:27:55

Well I am 64 and have been for a run before breakfast, done an hour's Zumba, walked to town and back (20 mins each way) have done some cooking and gardening and am about to do my volunteering job - (25 min walk each way) My grandmother sure didn't do that at 64yrs!
It is quite different.

Lona Tue 13-Oct-15 15:28:42

I wouldn't like to be called elderly, but I don't mind being called old. Which I am to my four yr old dgd!
grin

Leticia Tue 13-Oct-15 15:38:18

My grandmother also wasn't sleeping out on a Lake District fell to see the sunrise aged 81 like a woman I know! 80 is not the same!

M0nica Tue 13-Oct-15 15:43:00

Elderly isn't an age, it is a state of mind.

jinglbellsfrocks Tue 13-Oct-15 15:44:17

Well done Leticia. I can't remember when it all started going downhill a bit with me. But go it certainly did.

Good luck though. Long may you continue with your slightly frenzied life. smile