How old are 'older people'?

I've been recruited via Facebook.

I applaud the idea of an organisation for older people's rights. But now I'm asking, who is this organisation for and who thought up the name? I don't like it. Anyone else find it patronising? And I have to ask, at 54 what do I have in common with an 85 year old? I'm a different generation, in middle age and still working. The Anchor trust who are funding this run retirement homes. Is their attitude to older people a positive one?

 

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Permalink Reply by Carole 2006 on June 30, 2011 at 16:48

I honestly do not think that age has anything to do with it.  There are many people in their 80s who are 'young' and many people in their 20s who are 'old'.  I have a lot in common with people of all ages.  I enjoy power-kiting on our beautiful Moray beaches and there are many people enjoying this sport, age doesn't come into it.  When I ride along the tracks on my bicycle and have a chat with other bikers I do not think about my age at all.  Many employees at our local shops and supermarkets are 'retired' but enjoy the socialisation that work offers.

I don't find the name 'grey-pride' patronising, it is difficult to name any organisation that all members agree with.  I'm happy to use my 'diamond' card in a DIY shop which entitles me to a discount of 10%.  I do feel I have a lot in common with the guests at a Scottish Dance with attendees as young as 5 up to and even younger 95.

 

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on January 12, 2012 at 21:07

How old are you, Carole?

Permalink Reply by Justine Jones on June 30, 2011 at 19:31

It was interesting to read your replies to my post. If you're fit and have a good pension and no caring responsibilities I'm sure age doesn't matter much and you are free to travel the world and explore new horizons.

 I do think the generation gap between mine and my parents' generation (80s - 90s age group) is still large. It is much easier for me to relate to people in their 30s or even 20s than those over about 65. My brother is 68 and I feel his outlook on life is somewhat different from mine. This is almost certainly because of the major social changes that took place in the late 1960s. My children are far less different from me than I am from my parents. 

 

I predict there will not be that many over 80s on Facebook (though I have a lady that age as a facebook friend I may say) so I conclude that this site must be aimed at us, the children of the truly 'elderly' (if that term can still be used.) I hope  by connecting here we will do some good. I'm interested in the petition but want to see what it says before signing.

Since it seems to be only me that really doesn't like the name I guess I'll have to put up with it. I haven't thought of a better suggestion yet in any case. All labels are bad I suppose.I hate being bracketed with 'baby boomers' as I was born too late to enjoy the 1960s - it was my big sister who hitchhiked barefoot to Cornwall in her bell bottoms! :))

Permalink Reply by Dominique Payne on July 8, 2011 at 23:19
I too was wondering how old is "old"?  I'm 49, but sometimes feel younger and sometimes feel a lot older.  I am concerned with how I'm going to survive the next few decades, which is why I decided to sign up.
Permalink Reply by Justine Jones on July 10, 2011 at 10:12
Only 49 Dominique? I wonder who is the youngest here.
Permalink Reply by Dominique Payne on July 11, 2011 at 14:31

Yes... only 49, but after 3 marriages and divorces and raising my kids against the odds (and single-handed for the last 4 years) I do feel worn out some days and older than my years. People say, "Ohh you don't look your age", which is a nice compliment, but looking younger means it's expected that I have the energy of a younger person.  I don't.

 

Age is a strange thing.  I've had friends of all ages all through my life, from children up to ladies in their 90's... and I think it is possible to have things in common with people whatever age they are.  The 19year age-gap in my last marriage however did prove to be a bit of a problem.  Oh well...

 

So, I wonder who IS the youngest here?  Surely I'm not the baby of the group?

Permalink Reply by Richard Alexandar on January 12, 2012 at 21:08

49 is just coming into middle-age, surely?

Permalink Reply by John Digby on July 12, 2011 at 12:15

As a general group, I would say "Baby Boomer" and before would encompass those in this heading.

I know you are as young as you feel, but we all feel older some days than others - and younger on some than others, so we need to use age here and I believe my generalisation will fit the bill.  I am 61 and fit the bill and the yo-yo feelings.

 

John.

Permalink Reply by Mick Brent on July 25, 2011 at 16:26

I tend to agree with Justine. I do find "Grey Pride" a little patronising - especially when I haven't got grey hair yet - just a bit round the temples. At 63, I find that age, like gender, race, religion, sexuality and all the other "identity" factors we use to divide up society are largely meaningless. Very few of the things I do, say, think or feel are determined by my age and the people I feel I have most in common with are people who act, think and feel like me - irrespective of their age, gender, race etc etc.

 

Mick

 

Permalink Reply by Michael MacKian on July 26, 2011 at 11:41
Try looking for a new job at age 54, and you may find out what you have in common with an 85 year old!
Permalink Reply by Mick Brent on July 27, 2011 at 9:47
True, but that is also something I have in common with a lot of 18 year olds in my neck of the woods
Permalink Reply by Nigel on October 25, 2011 at 15:19
I'm also 54 Michael and was made redundant at the end of September. Only out of work for 4 weeks and have a job offer already. Okay, perhaps I am lucky but I took the view that I it wasn't another day out of work but a day closer to getting a new job. Hope you're sorted now though. I can imagine how disheartening it would be if it went on for too long. 

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