Yes penguin....it seemed to me as if someone was trying too hard and missed the point. Yes, we need to be sympathetic to people as they grow older, be a little more patient when behind someone at the till who cannot bag as quickly as the till person thinks they should etc (and I include myself in that).
However, the whole pastel cardigan walking aid grey perm combo does no one any favours. No one wants to be classed as 'elderly' we just want to be seen as the person we are whether that is feisty or friendly, artistic or practical, nice or nasty even, but now with perhaps the odd mobility problem or slower reactions etc.
There are some far better 'Granny' themed books around, seem to remember a lovely children's one about Grandma being a retired agent or something who rode a motorbike still.....a much better take on getting older.