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being elderly and liking puzzle books

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petunia Wed 25-Mar-20 12:11:07

Today, someone locally asked on Facebook for donations to a local food bank and also puzzle books for the elderly during this national crisis.

Its been on my mind ever since. The notion that “the elderly” should like a puzzle book. The definition of elderly seems to include anyone over the age of 65. So from 65 to 105, you could find yourself defined as elderly.

That age group could include two generations of older adults whose interests and lifestyles are as varied as the “middle aged” or even “younger people”.

So it got me thinking. What does being elderly mean? Having a bus pass? Having the state pension? Skydiving? Walking sticks?Belonging to a ramblers group?

If being over 65 means elderly, where does that leave a good chunk of our politicians, the House of Lords? Rod Stewart?Roger Daltrey? Dolly Parton? Cher?

Its tricky.

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AGAA4 Thu 26-Mar-20 15:56:56

Only people over 20 years older than me!

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SalsaQueen Thu 26-Mar-20 16:22:56

I'm 60 (still working, albeit part-time), and I consider anyone of 80+ to be elderly.

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M0nica Thu 26-Mar-20 17:02:01

DH is 76 and still working, at the same professional level he worked at during his working life, again part time and from home. I am not completely convinced he would be happy to sit around and do puzzle books (neither would I)

DD in her 40s enjoys them confused

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sodapop Thu 26-Mar-20 17:25:49

Seems quite an outdated and patronising thing to put on FB although probably kindly meant. It's like the assumption that all of us over 60 sit in our old person's chair and sing songs from the war era.

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Elrel Thu 26-Mar-20 17:38:57

Presumably some older/vulnerable people were worrying that they would not longer be able to access puzzle books. They can be calming, a distraction from worry or pain and help the day (or night) pass more quickly.
My 93 year old neighbour is active both mentally and physically, lives alone and is sometimes disturbed by tv news. She finds it useful to have a word search book, large print, A5 size which is easier to hold than A4. The market stall which sells a wide range of such books is now, with the rest of the market, closed.
Man does not live by bread alone!

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GabriellaG54 Thu 26-Mar-20 17:49:59

My mum loved puzzle books and the nightly crossword in our local paper.
She started the 'habit' after my dad died, (they were both 45) and as she had my 3 yr old brother at home, she could hardly go out, nor did she want to.
She found peace in those troubled times with a cup of tea, puzzle books and gardening.
Miss u mum ?

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