A conversation in a Restaurant

I was born old. Suits me. I don't care how others perceive my appearance.

My late MIL was often heard referring to (for example) "getting delayed by old people" (they did a few coach holidays per year). She was in her early 80s then (but still quite lively and agile) and when FIL pointed out "aren't you old too?" got a "certainly not" fired back!

The first time someone offered me a seat on the Tube (we only visit London occasionally) I had to resist the temptation to say "No thanks -- do I look old" as I just about realised in time that the obvious and uncomfortable answer was "well, um, yes".

Now if shop assistants make comments about being old (I don't look frail or doddery, at least, I don't think so . . .) I try and make some little joke about easily forgetting things, perhaps.

If I get an "aw, bless" from them, as someone said, I have to resist the temptation to get cross!

I bet it was a woman saying that. We are the worse critics .

I love it and always have, if anyone gives up their seat for me or helps in any way, and don’t mind being called ‘my dear’ either.

Aldom

I'm several years older than the 78 year old, 'poor old soul'. I doubt very much if it would occur to anyone to refer to me that way. OP, you are still young, don't think old.
My granddaughter once said of me... 'Grandma doesn't thinkold.'
My mother thought old from her 40's onwards. She was ten years younger than I am now when she died. My adult children say they never remember their grandmother being 'young'.

Here’s the thing tho Aldom we never know what others think of us age wise unless we overhear something or they tell us to our face.😲

I'm 71 and feel younger. At the hairdressers the other day I mentioned going on holiday. As I left she shouted "make sure you wear a sunhat". I felt she was pointing out my thin hair so I felt old.

Recently I watched an old black and white film with a very young David McCallum in which a 60 year old man had been murdered. He was referred to in the film as a "poor old man" and in the newspapers in the film as "elderly". I had to laugh. How times change!

Perhaps the person was frail, ill and they were commiserating about her circumstances rather than her age.

This is interesting because I’ve often found myself wondering what age various GNetters are, some I imagine to be “young” eg Callistemon and GermanShepherdsMum and RosiesMaw others not so much! I’m clinging on to my sixties for the next month but I only feel old when people call me “m’dear” and a younger friend says “bless you” (and not when I’ve sneezed!).

Also at the other end of the scale, with younger pupils l will sometimes say: "of course, I'm very old." One little boy replied with:"yes you are. You must be at least 27!" He made my day.

I find all too often that characters in books are described as frail and elderly in their sixties! My husband is 65 and I am 59 and I like to think we both have a long way to go before we sink into decrepitude.

I'm 94 soon and I quite enjoy being treated like a VIP by some people. I appreciate being helped and doors held open for me. Old age is a privilege not granted to everyone. If you're fairly healthy , fairly solvent, with some family and/or friends.....consider yourself fortunate and SMILE!

Whiff it is strange the response you get when using a stick. I was crossing the road outside my house yesterday when a neighbour rushed up to me to help me across. I am afraid I was a little short with her having safely crossed that road hundreds or times and pointed out I was not blind the stick was not white!

I’m 60 and I tell my family I’m old to get out of doing things and make life easier when they’re around! However I would be mortified to be described as old by anyone else ☺️

My mom always said older never old. I have been told I don't look my age I am 66. But remember when I was 54 a man said to the little boy let the old lady by . I looked behind me then realised he meant me. Turned out he was older than me as the boy told me it was his grandad and how old he was. I have walked with a stick since I was 29. Seemed using a stick made me old.

I shall be 74 in a couple of weeks and I have just spent the last month setting up a new publishing business with DH and DS so feel very much go-go-go-girl. My latest book is nearly finished too. Wish I didn't keep dozing off after lunch ...

My mother once snapped at the assistant in a shop that she wasn’t “his dear!” She was sorry later and went back to apologise and he said “That’s all right DEAR!” How we all laughed.

I remember a few years ago being mortally offended when a young man -early 20s?-on the crowded tube offered me his seat. I somewhat churlishly declined. I thought about it as I got pushed and shoved and hung on for dear life for the journey. Fortunately we got off at the same station and I apologised to the young man and thanked him for his consideration. He was with his mum and I explained it was the first time it had ever happened and was a bit of a shock because of course in my head I am still 25😂. They were actually going to a rock concert. Same one as me 😂

My DS has been known to pat me on the head - does that mean he sees me as a poor old soul?

That made me smile!

The late queen once said when asked how she was”It isn’t difficult to get old- you just have to live long enough!” Wise words.

I am 79, and I know I look and sound much younger (that can be a problem at times), and yesterday a 59 year-old man told me I looked 59 (and no, he wasn't flirting; he was genuine). He had been shocked when told him how old I was, but after not really speaking to anyone for some time now, I was really cheered up.

When people say "dear" to me it annoys me intensely. I cut an 80ft lawn, walk three mile a day, attend to my garden, cook and bake at 83 years of age. I guess some youngsters don't do that.

Yesterday, I was struggling to walk and a young man offered to come and help me into my car.
It was so kind of him, but I did feel like an old lady and I am not old!

GrandmaKT

My 92 year old aunt apologised for being late meeting me for lunch. She said "I got stuck behind an old biddy in the post office!" I couldn't help wondering how old the old biddy was!

The mind boggles!