As others see us?

I went to a different salon last week to get a manicure (previous salon owner now on maternity leave). I was looking through their leaflet listing treatments and prices to make my next appointment when I noticed ‘Mondays and Tuesdays we offer a 15% discount for OAPs’. That’ll do me I thought. When my girl returned I enquired about this and she said ‘oh no, you have to be over 65 for that’.

Made my day. I’m 70.

How I see myself? Sometimes okay in a flattering light if I’ve got some lippy on. Other days, makeup free or when I’m anxious? I’m kidding myself. And at parties? I’m wallpaper. Not that I mind! I’ve had my ‘time in the sun’.

Gdd1 very kindly told me not long ago that I could get rid of my wrinkles by using one of the ‘miracle’ products so often advertised on the TV.
It was a shame to have to disillusion her!

I still have my hair coloured by the hairdresser, which I think makes me look younger. But I see I have developed a bit of a stoop, so maybe not. This past year I am beginning to feel older. I am 78. Nothing specifically wrong but I don't have the energy or stamina that I used to have ( or am I just lazy?)

I have a friend who is 2 and a half years older than me, whose health is much worse than mine, and she often puts me in the same category as her, which I don’t like. Mind over matter is important, but so is being sensible and not taking silly risks eg with stepladders.

I am a young granny anyway. But my dils say myself and DH are sooo young.
Cant really see it myself., but will take it anyway.

It probably does help that neither of us have very grey hair yet?

I think the key denominator is health. If you are in good health then you exude an aliveness and buzz and people respond to this. It also, of course depends on your age. There is a very big gap, for instance between 60 and 90.

I hate it, hate it, hate it, when people think it is a compliment to tell me I do not look my age. I do look my age. It is just that the person talking to m has some fixed stereotype about what a woman my age (81) should look like - and I do not look like the stereotype.

But there is no stereotype of what someone looks like at any age. And older people are far more diverse than younger people.

I am whom I am and look like I do and other people can like it or lump it, I really do not care.

Our children certainly don't think of us as old - they are more likely to ask us to help them than to ask if we need any help.

I’m approaching 72.

Still reasonably trim and active, I go to aquacise several times a week and feel I put more into it than some there who are probably half my age.

I try and eat healthily, I let my hair go grey several years ago, never wear make up, but my skin isn’t bad, not saggy or wrinkled (yet).

Am sure if I did wear make up, I could look younger, but not that bothered.

Think our adult children see us as ‘old’, but compared to many of their friends’ parents, I don’t think we do badly.

My age came up when talking to a young woman last week and I was pleased when she exclaimed “72? My mum’s 72 and she’s really old!”

I’ve been feeling quite pleased with myself since!

Last week I was being interviewed by medical students and one asked my age.

When I said I was sixty nine, the student responded that she she couldn't believe it, I look so much younger.
The GP intervened with She looks so well, doesn't she? You would never know how unwell she is..
That made my day!

My mother looked like an old woman in her forties and I made a decision not to look like an old woman.

My family and friends probably see me as determined strong minded very vocal and direct but still young at heart.
My hair is still curly but white now but people recognise me still. I’m not so fast on my feet now and my joints have certainly let me down but that’s life.
I agree your personality shines through no matter what you look or feel like as you age.

When I was a young mum late 20s I was mistaken as my babies grandma, twice, and as the mother of my OLDER friend by a woman working in m and s. That knocked my confidence.

Now I have been told by a number of people I can’t possibly be as old as I am as I look a fair bit younger.
So what is that about?

I'm not sure how others, including family members, see me.
The dogs seem to think I'm young and fit enough to walk/run from Rock to Daymer Bay this morning, 3.8 miles. Youthfully dressed, wearing jeans, trainers, sweatshirt!!

Attitude of mind is everything. Think old and you will look old ,
So, dress smartly and up to date; keep moving with exercise or walking and do not slump in a chair for longer than an hour; even if you get up to do a few jobs then collapse again.

Do not talk about your ailments. Be careful of asking old people how they are for, my God, they will tell you. So do not moan; very.very ageing.

If possible, keep company with younger people.

I guess how one looks and feels whilst getting older is a result of a mixture of things - some things one can (try to) control (looking after oneself), some just happen (illnesses). As you say, how others perceive us affects us too. Sadly, with the state of the NHS, having quite a bit of money can help - private hip and knee op’s, for instance. But the bottom line is probably a positive attitude, and a continuing interest in life.

I'm 75. No beige for me. Mother Nature hasn't been kind to me - hair loss, teeth loss. I have fought back as best I can. This is me (sort of) at a party last Saturday.

I've not see you for a while (must rectify that) but i hope i look as good as you.

Someone who is exactly 6 months younger that I am and who I have known since we were 3 has many health issues - seems very unfair.

A recent big operation knocked the stuffing out of me and I had a foretaste of what real old age felt like. My DC fussing round me (and thankful for it).
Normally, they see me as a Joan Collins type (without her good looks). The Dulux cans close to hand, so always wearing makeup and dressed up.
I’m looking forward to feeling more like myself and intend to ‘go down fighting’.

I know I'm less mobile.

I am older than I really want to be, a bit more wobbly when on rough terrain and feel more vulnerable when doing more awkward jobs (up ladders, between bushes, lugging things about).
My children show me this is truely me now by preventing me doing things and by being super-helpful!

I do love having family do some of the jobs that have always have fallen to me in the past (putting up shelves and curtain rails/poles for example) - but I'm pretty picky so it's best if one particular son-in-law helps as he is very picky too!
😍

My little 9 year old certainly thinks I’m old - when his little brother asked me to go up stairs with him to get my spare iPad, the 9 year old said - “go and get it yourself - Nan’s old - she can’t climb stairs all the time.” 😂- I then knew I was really old !

I see myself as someone who is 'growing' old, not getting old. I have had to modify my clothing choices, as I was never a slave to fashion anyway, but I still believe in looking like 'me.'

I think people would like to think I'm less capable than I was but I resist it and look to much older role-models who still live active and inspiring lives.

Therefore I don't really care or give much thought to what others think of me but no change there. I think those that love me still see me being myself and long may that continue.