first post here

[steve2470]

Hi all, this is my very first post in this group. Hopefully this may help someone else besides me.

I'm not technically a senior yet, but in 4 years or so I guess I will be considered to be one (age 60). I think we're all aware of ageism and how it affects us, especially once you are considered "old".

Question: Am I the only one who feels much younger than your chronological age ? Don't get me wrong, I have moments when I feel every second of my CA. However, I've never believed in "act your age damnit" kind of thing. Yes, I think once you're my age, you have to behave at a minimal level just to function as a responsible adult, but besides that, it's an open question.

How do you deal with ageism ? I can see this becoming more and more an issue for me as I get older.

Thanks. Not a troll post, honest. I'm not that way.

Steve

[elleng]

1. I don't 'deal' with ageism, I ignore it,

and haven't felt 'old,' tho now 69, for some time, but at the moment, some physical matters cause me to want to address some stuff medically/surgically, so I can continue NOT to 'FEEL' old. (Dad passed at 98 so, given that history, imo there's something to gain from addressing stuff now.)

Welcome to the group!

[steve2470]

2. thanks ! nt

[alfie]

3. In my mind I am much younger than my CA

But my aching back and feet, decreased stamina and the mirror tell me otherwise. I am still shocked but very grateful when someone younger offers to carry something heavy for me. To heck with agism and feminism...I always give them a big smile and thank you,. I am rapidly approaching 70 and so far am looking forward to it. I am always curious what comes after milestones.

[Scuba]

4. As Groucho said, "A man's only as old as the woman he feels."

[locks]

5. I am one of the CA old

but I can and do almost everything I did at your age. Except camping above 10,000 feet and skiing. Do not let others tell you how you should feel or that you should be acting like a frail senior when you do not feel that way. I have many friends who still run the Bolder Boulder, climb Mt. Audubon, go to the gym every day, volunteer in all kinds of ways, travel the world, ski, play with and care for their grandchildren, and are as (or more) politically active as their middle aged children and grown grandchildren. There is no age when you should stop living or let others define your life. Enjoy the many years you have left!

[SheilaT]

6. If you are in good health don't let anyone convince you that you're old.

I'm 65, (66 in August) and apparently I look a lot younger because most people are quite surprised when I tell them my age.

There are times when being older is an advantage. Recently I bought some wine, and a nice man, another customer at the shop, offered to carry the box to my car. I was happy to let him do so and very appreciative. Last winter when it snowed the younger (in their 30's) men next door shoveled out my driveway and sidewalk without my asking. It was nice.

I also sometimes tell someone to think of me as their mother or grandmother and advise me accordingly.

Oh. And whenever I'm stopped by a cop because I'm driving too fast or I haven't really stopped as well as I should at a stop sign, I only ever get a warning. I think I look too much like Mom or Grandma for them to feel comfortable giving me a ticket.

There are times when it's quite nice.

[ellenrr]

7. yes there are advantages

I'm very happy if someone holds the door for me, or offers to carry a package. Not that it's necessary, but I want to encourage any expressions of civility and pleasantness.

A young man told me I reminded him of his grandmother. (I am 67). A friend thot that was horrible. I was flattered. He loves and admires his grandmother.

I never had any health issues until a few months ago when I got a torn meniscus.
(well.. minor ones - like blood sugar issues which I could correct).
Now I limp and use a cane and am *very* limited in mobility.
that makes me feel my age, even tho my health issue can occur at any age.

It's the vulnerability - which I never had before. I used to always be able to do whatever I wanted with this body.