My doctor called me 'An elderly Lady.'

We 70+ are the generation that went to rock festivals and were hippies (obv not all of us), wore Biba and Quant, fought for equality and independence in so many areas. We're not likely to react well to the word "elderly". I also find it rather coy as a term - as if someone is shy of saying the word "old". I'd feel a bit miffed if my GP referred to me as elderly. Why not just say (should the need ever arise) "a 71 year old woman"? "Elderly" - for me - seems to come with a metaphorical patronising pat on the head. Grim!

I am 77 and fit, lively and very involved in modern life. However, I am happy to be called elderly because it meant that I got my bus pass, I was entitled to a senior citizens rail card, free prescriptions and latterly an early vaccination against Covid. Bring it on!

Tbh I’m 61 and my partner 69. We go out and see lots of elderly women and men. Some for sure are even younger than my partner. BUT they dress like they are elderly!

I have a T-shirt with Geriatric Delinquent written on it. That will do me!

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!

In fact I was considered to be an elderly prima gravis at 23, not sure at what age this description starts

My mum objected to being called frail although she had frequent falls and could walk very slowly with the aid of her frame and needed a lot of help with day to day living. One day we were driving along and passed a lady walking along the road using a walking stick. ‘Now she’s frail’. My mum said !

After having CCTV cameras installed around the outside of my house, the engineer who had fitted them showed me how it operated. He turned the camera onto the drive and I watched an old lady walking up it. OMG ... it was ME! That was a very quick lesson on deportment!

My 92 year old dad used to help the elderly across the road when he went out for his groceries

Hahaha! That's priceless! Quick thinking by the vicar

I don’t consider myself elderly - I am 76. A while ago, having to see my doctor about various issues I said ‘I suppose I ave to expect this at my age’. His answer was ‘never attach age to anything, just act as you feel’. Good words I thought.

I went to my doctor's after pulling a muscle in back trying to move a huge heavy sofa. (I was 65 at the time). I also mentioned I'd got a twinge in my knee. I told him I did a full on step class twice a week, was about to go skiing, walked the dogs every day and am famous for never getting off a dancefloor and usually the last to leave any party. I also told him that all through my like I played sport, was a member of an aerobic squad and played netball in country teams. I know I don't look my age from the responses I get from people. However, he looked at me and told me to remember I wasn't a teenager anymore and it was time to slow down and perhaps skiing wasn't what I should be doing AT MY AGE! You can imagine my response!

I remember when I had my first baby at 29 I was labelled an elderly primagravida! I was delighted though when seeing my orthopaedic consultant re hip OA he described me as quite young at 68. I realise that was relatively speaking though

In medical terms anyone over 60 is elderly. That's how it is! Doesn't mean we have to feel elderly. I am 63 and back in the days when we coud meet people, lol !! I was often told I looked in my late 40s. That cheered me, as I live exceptionally well with multiple illnesses, that my Consultants tell me floor many others. I strongly subscribe to "you are only as old as you feel"!

Littleannie
Rightly so

Personally I think the term elderly isn’t pc any more. It paints a picture of infirmity and decrepitude and clearly that’s not the case these days. People in later life can be so much fitter, healthier and forward thinking than they used to.
I prefer the term older adult myself.

My 86 year old auntie (now sadly passed on) used to shop and run errands for her elderly neighbours in her sheltered housing.

I had to attend the Falls Clinic after a number of quite spectacular falls. They were wonderful but the doctor sent me a précis of our discussion and at the top of the letter it said Geriatric Unit. I was thunderstruck. I’m only 75!! Not ready to be a geriatric yet!!???

After a suspected GCA before Christmas and a complete mess up by the doctor during a phone check up He suggested changing my life style would help..ie do more exercise, eat healthy, lose weight especially at my age .....we have a cocker spaniel and love walking and I average 50 miles a week, I am a size 12 eat no meat but do eat fish and have mainlyvegetarian diet, and have never added salt to a meal when cooking ( you get used to it and then find when you eat out everything is too salty) ...oh and I am 67..... lol

Actually for me the killer word in the phrase objected to is “lady”

I took more exception to the comment ‘large build’ that was put on some notes recently. Looking in the mirror, I will only admit to being a little overweight!
At 81 I suppose that I am elderly, or even old, but my eyes, brain and body deny the fact.

When I was expecting my first baby at age 33, my GP asked whether I wanted a home birth or at the hospital. I wanted the latter and she had to give a reason for my wish to book me in, and she put down 'ELDERLY LADY'!

Age is just a number. I believe you are as young as you feel. I know a few young people judging by their life style could be regarded as old. And conversely old people who could be regarded as young. A lot of it is in the mind and what you do with your life that is stimulating. Taking an interest in things, not looking at at a screen all the time.

I have drifted through life without a care, feeling young at heart but recently feel "old" because I am about to have a hip replacement and that does sound old, I will be 80 this year and hopefully have a spring in my steps in a few months time.

I must add I think we should be grateful to have reached a ripe old age, especially in these times so carry on ladies.