My doctor called me 'An elderly Lady.'

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..

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.

Ouch!😂

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!!

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.

janeainsworth

Perhaps I should market some badges with ‘Old and Proud’ on them.

There is a t shirt on the market with the slogan "it's weird being the same age as old people".

Pix5. Will be eighty next month and I assure you I still wear slimfit classic jeans! My hair is whiteish but So what! I do 30 minutes total body work out first thing, followed by a protein-ri breakfast and thirty minutes on my cyclette in the evenings after a very early and very light evening meal. I only take one multivitamin and feel great - touch wood!

What I feel inside doesn't match up with what I see in the mirror. I don't dress or feel old except when everything hurts then I feel 100 so if a doctor saw he then he would say elderly. I don't take offence, I call grandchildren young because they are. Just glad to be here as I am now older than any member of my close family lived to, can manage on my pension and get out and about.

I have always worn jeans and trainers, my hair is bobbed and still naturally very dark with some silver streaks which I love. I know I’m 65 but don’t feel it, although I have some serious health issues, Even if I live until 80, I’ll still be wearing jeans, trainers and lip gloss. Ladies over 60 can still have fun and do whatever they wish, health allowing. Aggie should never be used in that manner, elderly, well I never!

It's often the case that we wonder whether or not to present ourselves to the doctor as we really look : or as we convince ourselves that are as we make ourselves up to appear to be.

Esspee

Elderly is anyone at least 10 years older than me. This will apply no matter how old I am.

Esspee,

You got it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I remember thinking my nana was really old when I was a little girl and she was in her 60's. Mind you back then nana's did look older. They loved the clear plastic worn over their hairdo after a shampoo and set. Don't see those anymore - and the crimplene coats and stays.

I look back fondly on my auntie who at aged 79 used to call people a little older than her "old people".

I realise it’s an old thread but still interesting to read I think.
I wonder how Venus is now and if she’s still a contributor to GN?
I think we all tend to fool ourselves about age, I know my own Mum does😄

Well OP you’re not young, you’re not even middle-aged. 75 is elderly and that’s a simple fact. I’m 67 and have accepted that I’m elderly and refer to myself as an old lady. I don’t look my age and certainly don’t feel it in my head (sometimes in my body) but a doctor especially is aware of your age and how it affects you physically.

I was annoyed to read on my notes on the NHS app following a consultation with a young GP that she had put "Has capacity to make decision". Grrrrrrrr!

A couple of the GP's at our practice are in their 60's so they're not a great deal younger than many of their patients.
The rest of the team are considerably younger but they all refer to the 'older generation' as mature ladies/gentlemen in communication and notes etc.
But then again, perhaps they also think that anyone under a certain age is immature??