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Everyday Ageism

How old is elderly?

(109 Posts)
Calendargirl Fri 21-Jan-22 13:05:15

‘Elderly’ conjures up that road sign with two old people on sticks, and a ‘Beware, Elderly People’ message. Often seen near a nursing home.

Hope I never look like that.

????

Hithere Fri 21-Jan-22 12:59:35

"Factually old age starts at 60. Take average age at death as 90. 0-30 is young, 30-60 is middle age, over 60 is old."

Let's not get our pride get in the middle of. very basic statistics categorization.

I don't see myself being middle aged either but that's where I fit.

Kim19 Fri 21-Jan-22 12:26:10

I'll concede to being old (ish!) but don't think I'll ever make it to elderly. Much further down the line and keeps moving.

grandMattie Fri 21-Jan-22 12:11:23

Definitely 10 years older than oneself, until late 80s…?

AGAA4 Fri 21-Jan-22 12:09:15

I will be 75 this year and don't consider myself elderly. Others may but in my head I am not old.

Kali2 Fri 21-Jan-22 12:05:14

As so many things in life - just depends!

My dad only became elderly aged 95, my mum about 85.

M0nica Fri 21-Jan-22 12:03:14

Factually old age starts at 60. Take average age at death as 90. 0-30 is young, 30-60 is middle age, over 60 is old.

How you feel, how fit you are , how society perceives us, is just that - perception. 'elderly' is a judgement adjective, not based on chronology but how we present.

I began to be treated as if I was elderly around 75.

PinkCosmos Fri 21-Jan-22 12:00:55

Is there not a quote somewhere that says everyone who is ten years older than you is old.

I always associate 'elderly' with frail.

I am mid 60's and don't feel elderly - unless my knee is playing me up hmm

NanaJML Fri 21-Jan-22 11:52:41

My friends and I, all in mid 60's, were discussing when we will feel ready to be described "elderly". We get really p'd off when people our age are called elderly as we certainly don't feel it. And when does old age start? Any thoughts?