My doctor called me 'An elderly Lady.'

Has anyone who ages found the ideal living arrangement. I do feel now this house and garden I could manage easily has become a chain around me. I would rather use my energy doing other things.

I am only 80 going on 9 years old, so of course elderly does not apply to me, but that woman I sometimes glimpse in shop windows hobbling about, now she is quite old. Still I consider myself as matching Gansta Granny when out and about on the yellow peril. It is only when I take ages to get off and back on that I might concede that I am a little older. Anyway , must dash off there will be good conkers to gather up before all the children are out of school. Must baggy a good couple at the ready!!

Traditionally over 65 is classed as elderly. I'm 68, definitely don't feel it, still think I'm in my 40s, but I wouldn't be offended if called elderly in a medical context.

trisher

I was an "elderly prima gravida" when I had my first child. As was anybody who gave birth after 30 for the first time. I've had 40 years to get used to the word elderly it doesn't bother me now!

I was too, at 28!

catladyuk

ellenvannin, i totally agree, 80 is the new 60!

I have to agree with that. I have recently had my 80th and feel no different from how I felt at 60. That’s not because I am fit and well. Far from it. I am diabetic and have cancer (controlled with injections, for now🤞)
I wonder if one’s personal situation dictates how old one feels? For example, if you have a uncaring family, or no family, that can’t help, surely? If you decide not to go out and about, join clubs and go for walks, you’ll just sit indoors feeling sorry for yourself. I know people who do this and then moan that they are unloved etc.
I think that hobbies help, but not everyone wants, or can afford a hobby. When I was at my lowest, when my husband died, someone suggested adult colouring. I poo-poo’d the idea at first, but then gave it a go and I can strongly recommend it. It is very calming. You don’t need artistic talent, and you can buy colouring pencils quite cheaply. Books too. I started cheaply, but as I got more experienced (and addicted), I realised I wasn’t bad at all, so ‘graduated’ to Joanna Basford colouring pencils and various good quality books. Great variety online.
I found that, although it didn’t take the pain of my loss away, colouring took my mind off it for a while, it calmed and ordered my thoughts and, gradually, I found this really helped with my grief.
Before I get jumped on, I am aware there are many people who would love to do these things, but are unable to because of poor health, the cost of materials or for other reasons, but I am talking about those who could, but don’t. There’s a lot of life left to live, even if it will be fine different from what you anticipated and wanted, but give it a go. You might be surprised!

Peasblossom

In medical physiological terms you are one of the elderly, I’m afraid.

If you were middle aged that would mean living till you were 150!

Simply this.

Apologies - I gave incorrect info in my list. Johanna Basford designs beautiful colouring books, but doesn’t sell pencils. I buy Spectrum Noir colouring pencils which are, in m opinion, the best. Not cheap, but they last for ever and you get what you pay for!
However, beautiful work can be created without going to those lengths. Find pencils etc that you like, and if you are happy with them, look online for colouring techniques and go for it.

trisher

I was an "elderly prima gravida" when I had my first child. As was anybody who gave birth after 30 for the first time. I've had 40 years to get used to the word elderly it doesn't bother me now!

I can trump that. I was an elderly prima gravida when I was having my third child. Apparently having a 15 year gap meant it was treated as a first pregnancy. I thought it was a bit like being a virgin again if you hadnt had sex for 15 years.

Peasblossom

In medical physiological terms you are one of the elderly, I’m afraid.

If you were middle aged that would mean living till you were 150!

The truth hurts.

My doctor called me "a lady of a certain age". I was mid-50's!!

Ouch!😂

I used to shake with silent laughter when medical staff said the wrong thing to my father .
He hated being shouted at or if staff asked questions about him as he were incapable of answering .
He used to say I'm not deaf .
Ask me questions not my daughter.
I think that it happened on most of our visits.
But I do understand how he felt.

midgey

Personally I’m not elderly (73) but I do see a lot of elderly people about! ?

Are you my grandmother? She complained that the other residents of her nursing home were old. She was 94, they were in their mid to late 70s..