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Is 75 young or old?

(107 Posts)
kittylester Tue 01-Sep-20 19:28:05

DH, at 75, has just restarted doing his volunteer driving for RVS, mainly driving people for radiotherapy.

Today, he drove a chap who said he was unsure whether it was worth having treatment at his age for a normally easily treatable cancer, hes 75!

So, is 75 young or old?

Esspee Wed 02-Sep-20 09:00:31

To my mind it is all about quality of life. When life is no longer a pleasure I will be happy to go.

Lucca Wed 02-Sep-20 09:00:32

* DH just told me to get a grip and do it myself?*. One of the great benefits of not having an H ....the absence of such remarks.

DiscoDancer1975 Wed 02-Sep-20 09:02:33

It’s not about the number, it’s what life has dealt you in terms of love, health and happiness. After that, what you do about it is up to you. I swim with a lady who is 75. You’d never know it. There’s 50 year old’s who look and seem older than her.

ExD Wed 02-Sep-20 09:10:54

When you're 81 it seems old(ish) but not too old to accept treatment if its likely to be successful. I wouldn't go for it, personally, if it was going to be painful and couldn't guarantee a decent span of pain free future.
But that's just me.

JennyNotFromTheBlock Wed 02-Sep-20 09:14:05

It depends on how do you define this age for yourself and whether you have good health and enough energy, I suppose

Hetty58 Wed 02-Sep-20 09:19:20

Sometimes the cancer may be slow to develop and less trouble than the treatment.

Moggycuddler Wed 02-Sep-20 10:05:27

Some people seem terribly old at 65. Others seem still young (ish) at 85. To young people in their 20s and 30s, anyone over 60 seems like an old person. I am almost 64 and my DH is 67 and we certainly don't feel that we are old. To us an "old" person has to be at least 80. But it is relative.

Newatthis Wed 02-Sep-20 10:05:37

I hope I'm still young when I get to 75!

Marybel Wed 02-Sep-20 10:07:36

I often think “How do I come to be the same age as all these old folks?”

4allweknow Wed 02-Sep-20 10:10:04

All in the mindset for me. 75 is old but not yet out. With pensions not being paid until 67 years old 75 will be viewed as even younger in a few years. When in my 30s I can remember thinking 60/65 was ancient ie when pensions were paid. Same works the other way. Used to be at 15 and able to leave school you were an adult now you are a child/juvenile until 24.

Quizzer Wed 02-Sep-20 10:11:27

Some people are old at 60. some are young at 90!!

Nonnie Wed 02-Sep-20 10:14:15

Old and elderly are always 10 years older than me.

Regarding the operation, I wonder if he was asking for reassurance? My Dil's Grandad had a heart operation (not in UK) at the age of 98 and recovered well.

Lynmary Wed 02-Sep-20 10:19:52

As I have had nothing but hospitals for my family and myself for very many years, my own problems starting at 8 years old, (now 69 yrs) I decided I was going to be fit in my old age! The reality is, none of us know and we need to try and stop sweating the small stuff and focus on what's important to us. For me, that's waking up and feeling "well enough" to get through the day. I have lived by my motto for many years now, "Life's fragile, enjoy it while you can"!
brew sunshine smile

westendgirl Wed 02-Sep-20 10:22:49

I think it depends on your outlook.
I'm early 80's but dont think about it . I know there are places to visit (although I 'm not so keen on long haul ), plays to see,
people to keep up with and a garden to weed.
As long as possible I think we keep going, loving life and trying to make the most of where we are and what we've got.

Lesley60 Wed 02-Sep-20 10:26:08

Sorry I don’t mean to hijack OP I’ve just turned 62 and even though I feel 30 in my mind and try and dress smart casual age appropriate, I still feel that I’m now an old woman, I look after my two young grandsons regularly which I love.
Does anyone else feel 62 is old, I retired From a stressful profession 4 yrs ago due to ill health.

Petalpop Wed 02-Sep-20 10:26:23

Both my FIL and my uncle had triple heart bypasses in their early 80s and both lived until their mid 90s. My uncle was amazing and in his late 80s if we went out for a walk he would leave us all behind marching off into the distance. He died in his sleep aged 95. I am hoping I have inherited his genes.

win Wed 02-Sep-20 10:36:19

I can assure you you will soon ignore the buzzing, reminding you to move. If you are in to keeping fit you know when you have done your steps for the day and he can buzz as much as he likes if I a tired and done in I am not moving any more. Having a fit bit however does motivate you to do your daily goal what ever yours is. I have a different goal for summer and winter days as I just cannot walk when I am too cold.

polnan Wed 02-Sep-20 10:38:20

does it matter? I have recently spoken to a church friend, whose mother is 109.,, still lives in her own house, on her own, with help of course.. then you can easily meet someone, say, in their 30`s who are less able,, mentally and/or physically..

henetha Wed 02-Sep-20 10:42:41

75 seems quite young to me.

carolmary Wed 02-Sep-20 10:47:18

75 seems young to me (I am 76 and don't feel old yet!) I have Just started to learn to play the piano! Never give up!

Dalfie5577 Wed 02-Sep-20 10:54:12

I remember the gorgeous Roger Moore saying that he thought someone old was always 15 years older than him. I like that idea!smile

Bijou Wed 02-Sep-20 10:54:17

I am 97. had cancer at age 80 and 94. In remission. Was doing all my decorating and travelling abroad on my own until I I was 84. Because of severe arthritis in both knees have to have help with housework but still do my cooking including bread. A glass of Guiness a day keeps me going!

Callistemon Wed 02-Sep-20 10:55:25

Whitewavemark2

Illte

Love my fitbit. The best thing is it buzzes if you've got engrossed in something and have sat for too long.

Stops you spending hours on Gransnet. ?

That’s what I need!!

Me too.

I did demonstrate yesterday that I can still touch my toes! It's just that when I move my knees start to creak.

Greciangirl Wed 02-Sep-20 10:56:30

Well I am 75, and although that is fairly old, I don’t consider myself old.
Mainly because I don’t wear frumpy clothes and try to be active.
I certainly wouldn’t be defeatist and refuse any medical treatments that might needed. Why on earth would you do that.
I don’t have as much energy as I used to. Mores the pity as I would like to be much more active and do more stuff.
But as I’m nearing 80, there’s no getting away from the fact that, yes, I am aging. But never old!

Gwenisgreat1 Wed 02-Sep-20 11:03:54

It really depends on the person. At 76 I'm not ready to anywhere soon, too much to do. My body, however protests a lot and I try to quell it. I believe in the adage - You're as old as you feel!!