‘Am I Really Elderly?’ Seniors Weigh in on the Age Debate
- Replies 46
In a recent, fascinating discussion on the popular forum GransNet, one user shared her experience of being referred to as an 'elderly lady' by her doctor, despite considering herself to be ‘modern and non-grey-haired woman’. This sparked a vibrant discussion among users as they navigated the delicate issue of age and what it means to be considered 'elderly'. We're diving into the conversation and sharing varying opinions about ageing and self-perception. We’d love to know what your take is in the comment section below!
One user joked, ‘Personally I’m not elderly (73) but I do see a lot of elderly people about!’ while another admitted, ‘I struggle progressing to elderly though my children could be regarded as such now I think about it. I wear jeans for heaven's sake!’ Clearly, the feeling of youth is not dictated by numbers alone.
One user shared that at age 93, their neighbour did not appreciate being referred to as elderly by her GP. Is that fair enough? Another user stated, ‘I'm not old at 80 either, it's the new 60 so far as I'm concerned.’ Though, there are reminders that age is not just a state of mind, with one user noting the medical implications, ‘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!’
Others attempted to reclaim the term altogether, suggesting that badges with ‘Old and Proud’ be made, while another user shared their delight at being elderly: ‘I will claim any discount that being elderly allows and there are quite a lot.’ We couldn’t agree more.
Diving deeper, some users questioned the subjective nature of what it means to be elderly, ‘If you think “elderly” is in some way a derogatory term with negative connotations, then you’re being a bit ageist yourself.’ And there is something to be said of the medical profession's classification of the term, as one commenter noted, ‘Yes, as far as the medical profession is concerned over 60s are elderly, at that age, you don't “trip over” you “have a fall” and can be referred to the geriatric nurse for help with balance.’
Despite this, the feeling of shock when confronted with the term 'elderly' is echoed throughout the comments. One user recounted being classified as 'elderly moderately frail' despite an active lifestyle, questioning the wide net cast by this particular term when applied to anyone over 65: ‘I was most offended.’
Others shared their experiences with age-based classifications, such as being termed a 'Prim Mid.' at 25 during their first pregnancy or the user who has recently turned 71, stating that they now feel ‘a bit more grown up and I am now in the elderly pigeonhole.’
The sentiment of embracing age is shared by some, ‘I’m loving growing old. I nearly didn’t’, while another user proudly wore a T-shirt that declared their ‘Geriatric Delinquent’ status.
There are those who prefer alternative terms, with one user preferring 'old' instead of the ‘horrid word’ elderly, while another explained that they were labelled a ‘young 70-year-old’ by their son-in-law.
Finally, a user shared their story about being called ‘old’ when becoming a mother at the age of 31 and later at 35, showing that age and perception are intertwined in multiple aspects of life and that being a 'naughty nanny' at 65, complete with an iPad and wine, serves as yet another example of breaking age-based stereotypes!
Evidently, the lively discussion surrounding the term 'elderly' and what it means to embrace this stage of life demonstrates just how diverse our perceptions of age can be. Are you offended by the term 'elderly', or do you wear it with pride? Be sure to share your thoughts and opinions with us below in the comments, on this ever-evolving conversation. We think it’s a fascinating one!
Are you offended by the term ‘elderly’ or are you embracing it? Image source: Shutterstock.
One user joked, ‘Personally I’m not elderly (73) but I do see a lot of elderly people about!’ while another admitted, ‘I struggle progressing to elderly though my children could be regarded as such now I think about it. I wear jeans for heaven's sake!’ Clearly, the feeling of youth is not dictated by numbers alone.
One user shared that at age 93, their neighbour did not appreciate being referred to as elderly by her GP. Is that fair enough? Another user stated, ‘I'm not old at 80 either, it's the new 60 so far as I'm concerned.’ Though, there are reminders that age is not just a state of mind, with one user noting the medical implications, ‘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!’
Others attempted to reclaim the term altogether, suggesting that badges with ‘Old and Proud’ be made, while another user shared their delight at being elderly: ‘I will claim any discount that being elderly allows and there are quite a lot.’ We couldn’t agree more.
Diving deeper, some users questioned the subjective nature of what it means to be elderly, ‘If you think “elderly” is in some way a derogatory term with negative connotations, then you’re being a bit ageist yourself.’ And there is something to be said of the medical profession's classification of the term, as one commenter noted, ‘Yes, as far as the medical profession is concerned over 60s are elderly, at that age, you don't “trip over” you “have a fall” and can be referred to the geriatric nurse for help with balance.’
Despite this, the feeling of shock when confronted with the term 'elderly' is echoed throughout the comments. One user recounted being classified as 'elderly moderately frail' despite an active lifestyle, questioning the wide net cast by this particular term when applied to anyone over 65: ‘I was most offended.’
Others shared their experiences with age-based classifications, such as being termed a 'Prim Mid.' at 25 during their first pregnancy or the user who has recently turned 71, stating that they now feel ‘a bit more grown up and I am now in the elderly pigeonhole.’
The sentiment of embracing age is shared by some, ‘I’m loving growing old. I nearly didn’t’, while another user proudly wore a T-shirt that declared their ‘Geriatric Delinquent’ status.
There are those who prefer alternative terms, with one user preferring 'old' instead of the ‘horrid word’ elderly, while another explained that they were labelled a ‘young 70-year-old’ by their son-in-law.
Finally, a user shared their story about being called ‘old’ when becoming a mother at the age of 31 and later at 35, showing that age and perception are intertwined in multiple aspects of life and that being a 'naughty nanny' at 65, complete with an iPad and wine, serves as yet another example of breaking age-based stereotypes!
Evidently, the lively discussion surrounding the term 'elderly' and what it means to embrace this stage of life demonstrates just how diverse our perceptions of age can be. Are you offended by the term 'elderly', or do you wear it with pride? Be sure to share your thoughts and opinions with us below in the comments, on this ever-evolving conversation. We think it’s a fascinating one!
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I still play social tennis twice a week a competition tennis once a week. I also play table tennis. And I will be going back to work in a couple of weeks. So it’s ok if someone describes me as elderly as I don’t feel‘elderly’. Also good to be called a ‘whippet’ because of the way I run around on the tennis courts.
