What's Your Definition Of Elderly?

[Becky B]

I get annoyed when people assume that just because someone's age is a certain number, the can almost be "written off".

 

I think medical model elderly is 65 and over, but that's only one definition.

There's a wealth of information out there showing people can have a longer and longer 'healthspan', if they work at it.  Exercise is so important for this!

But getting off my hobby horse 😄 you need to look at the individual, not the number of their age.

 

I met a lady today, didn't really look at her date of birth until afterwards, when I noticed she was only 3 years older than my dad.  There's a world of difference between them.  I'd thought she was at least 20 years older than she actually is!

 

Check this out if you think the "elderly" don't have anything left to contribute!  Apparently he's 94, she's 91...

 

[echo beach]

Agree with most of what's been said. A lot of it is to do with retaining cognitive function, keeping active  and possessing  a positive outlook on life but as the  years pass it's the fortunate person who retains all three.

Padders,  I know your quip is 'tongue in cheek' but I have  taught kids who do have old looking faces  and when they've bumped into me years later they do look very similar to what they did but usually have a family in tow and a better car than me! Fortunately I'm still recognisable to them 40 +years after our last encounter.

I'm in my mid 70s but still don't feel old despite the inevitable odd ache and pain.

Groucho Marx put it succinctly when he said ' you're only as old as the woman you feel 'and luckily my wife still feels fine after 50 years!

 

echo.

 

Edited January 20, 2021 by echo beach

[catmiss]

21 hours ago, Allen said:

Definition of elderly.......

Listening to the Jeremy Vine show.  😀

Well that’s what happens after 10 months of shielding! It can be more thought provoking than Woman’s Hour, Cash in the Attic or Homes under the Hammer 🙂 I think this discussion has confirmed that the term ‘elderly’ is arbitrary and, thankfully, many of us don’t conform to the stereotype. I remember, as a trainee nurse aged 20, working on a geriatric ward with the admission criteria being over 60 , pension age at the time, and not questioning it. 

[Longcol]

Got the letter to apply for my Old Age Pension the other day.

 

I'll be chopping best part of six hundredweight of wood tomorrow.

 

Then I'll take it easy for a while.

 

 

[catmiss]

30 minutes ago, Longcol said:

Got the letter to apply for my Old Age Pension the other day.

 

I'll be chopping best part of six hundredweight of wood tomorrow.

 

Then I'll take it easy for a while.

 

 

Following the sentiment of this thread welcome to receiving your State Retirement Pension. If you’re chopping that amount of wood I don’t think there’s anything ‘old age’ about you 

[Longcol]

2 minutes ago, catmiss said:

Following the sentiment of this thread welcome to receiving your State Retirement Pension. If you’re chopping that amount of wood I don’t think there’s anything ‘old age’ about you 

You don't know how long I'll be taking it easier for after................

 

Still recovering from trimming 300 yards of hedge in December.

[Baron99]

"What's Your Definition Of Elderly?" 

 

If you answer yes to the following?  Do you want me to help you to the day room? 

 

I know people in their 80's who can give me a run for my money in my early 60's.  On the reverse side, I've come across people in their 20's who act older then me.  

 

As long as you have your health, it's all about attitude & how you actually view yourself.    Additionally, try & surround yourself & involve yourself with people who have an upbeat view of life. 

Edited January 20, 2021 by Baron99

[Ms Macbeth]

Good health, keeping active mentally and physically, and a positive attitude are all pluses for ageing well.  In my 70s, I've missed seeing family and friends  in lockdown, I've also missed fitness sessions in the pool, and my shifts in a charity shop.   I kept busy in the better weather in the garden.  

 

I'm gobsmacked that older people's housing is often advertised for over 55s! That's only a few years older than my children, and by nowadays standards middle aged.