Elderly

So, we're not elderly!

We've just got back from a wildlife spotting 'holiday' in Borneo. As it involved rather long flights we arranged a taxi to take us to and from Heathrow. The chap who collected us told us he'd asked our outward bound driver what we looked like. "Both wearing glasses and in their mid to late 60's" (I'm nearly 72, DH is 75). It made our day - until, having been told how old we actually are, said "That's about right"! It had taken nearly 24 hours of travelling with little sleep to get back and we weren't looking our best so we were still quite chuffed.

I am 65, I don't feel elderly and until recently I looked much younger than my chronological age. However, just recently I can see shop assistants, receptionists, etc treating me as elderly which is disconcerting to say the least.

I am heartily cheered by this thread, especially those of you in your 80s who don't feel or see yourselves as elderly. Thank you!

At 67 I’m not yet elderly just older or senior. I think we are far too happy to stick labels on everything

I have just had the flu jab for the elderly. Feel fitter now than I have for years ☹️

I'm old (74yrs 7months) but you can call me anything you like.
I'm content to be the age I am but would love do the whole 36 'mummy' years again.

Menopause I think that is respectful of you and your staff to refer to older people as Seniors and not oap or elderly, however, if you are old you are old, no getting around it, I don't mind what I am called be it elderly, oap, old dear, or whatever

Well I’m not elderly as only in sixties but to be honest if I was in eighties I would probably still say I’m not elderly if I’m lucky enough to reach that age, you are as young as you feel or as young as the man you feel lol and I’m married to a toy boy so I’m happy

I do really believe it’s mind set I don’t class myself as elderly I’m 63. But some do.

My DM decided she was an old lady the day she retired - aged 58! She had always been quite fit and active but stopped trying and sat on her bum eating cream cakes for the next 30 years! I’m 65 and wouldn’t dream of thinking I was elderly never mind old.

Why do people seem to think that being old is somehow insulting? Something that must never be admitted to?

If you are over 75 you are elderly or old. The two words mean the same thing.

Oh my goodness, if it's 75 according to the registrar then I haven't got long! I'd better hurry up and make the most of it!

I run a hairdressers & won’t have my girls use oap or elderly we say Senior because I think Senior is more respectful. I have to have a different title for pricing as my Senior prices are of course cheaper

This describes my husband. He’s 71 and thinks he’s old. I’m 69 and definitely disagree. Mind you, he still does 500 sit ups each day and runs and/ or walks 5 miles daily. It’s either that he genuinely does think 70 is old or he’s fishing for compliments about how fit he is for his age. I just ignore him!

My late granny had a saying that she wasn't old she was OLDER !
As I get closer to 50 I often open my mouth and she comes flying out ! (We lost her the day after boxing day last year at the age of 91 !)

Well I am much more active than I used to be, in my 20s or 30s. Manage my 10000 steps every day and I'm a 65 plus.

I know I am not young anymore as I am 73, but I fell in love three years ago which has definitely given me a bit of a sparkle! Having done the 'three score years and ten' bit, anything now is bonus and my life is in a very good place. I currently have my health, a family that I love, and am more happy than I deserve. Elderly is just a word - some may think it applies to me, I don't!!

I am in my seventies, fit and active, but I do consider myself elderly

I hate "elderly" and would prefer "old" but at 74 don't feel I am either.

I used to look after a wonderful neighbour who was 78 years. Housebound because of a dodgy hip,the doctor thought it would do her good to go to a local day care centre.
She wasn't sure but said she'd give it a go. When she arrived home I said "did you have a nice time" she said "it was ok,but I don't think I'll go again" I said "oh why's that". "It's full of "old people"was her reply!!

I am elderly. Old. Past my sell by date

People will insist on putting themselves into boxes! I'll be 68 next birthday and I'm about to attempt my 5th dan karate grading (5th level black belt). I'm training hard to get stronger for it so I'm at the gym twice a week for personal training. There's no quarter given there and they know my age. I'm not elderly. Some people younger than I am are elderly though. Unless you have a medical condition or injury, it's a state of mind.

I don’t consider myself elderly (I am nearly 75), but I have younger friends who seem to think hitting 70 is the beginning of the end.

I'm another 69 year old who is definitely not elderly although I seem to be on the scammers' phone list for the elderly and vulnerable. They soon realise their mistake!

I am 77 later this week and still line dancing! However 77 does seem a lot older than 76!!!! Think I’ll start counting backwards.