The store checkput clerk tells me what to do now. A short essay on aging.
I'm 71 (and 1/2) and I've reached the age where the grocery store checkout clerk tells me how to operate the credit card reader.
I've pretty much known how to use them since they came out.
They're all pretty similar, with some small differences.
I don't have a problem with them.
But I've seen old folks, credit card in hand, stare dumbly at them.
You can just hear them thinking "NOW what do I do?"
And the clerk at the cash register will say (nicely) "Wait till you see the blue arrows. Then slide your card through the slot. Make sure the little silver strip is down and inside the slot. Credit or debit?"
"Uh...CREDIT!"
"Thank you. Now, below where it says "Total correct?" press the 'YES' button and when the screen changes use the stylus to sign on the line. Then press 'Done'. Thank you."
Gotta keep the line moving.
I get it.
And yesterday at the* Winn-Dixie I officially became 'old folks'
It shouldn't have been a surprise.
A glance in the mirror already tells me that.
But I didn't really 'feel' like one.
Now I do.
I was standing at the card reader, card in hand, waiting for her to finish toting up the bill when I heard "Wait till you see the blue arrows. Then slide your card through the slot. Make sure the little silver strip is down and inside the slot. Credit or debit?"
I didn't say "HEY LADY, I KNOW what to do.
I didn't say anything.
I'm now 'old folks'.
jeez
= new reply since forum marked as read
Some days, I'm 20 and way ahead of that snotty checkout person...
And some days, I'm not.
You're not old, for crissakes!
Older than me, but still not old!
I'm old and I know it.
Not in my head (pretty much, more about that below) but in my bod.
Lately I forget little things.
Like...mix a Scotch and water, bring it back to my desk and see that I forgot to add the water.
Reaching on the wrong side of a doorway for a light switch in a home I've lived in for 20 years.
Remembering whether I took a pill a few hours before.
Going into the kitchen for something and standing there...wondering..."What did I come in here for?"
Getting old sux and it ain't for sissies.
and I think what makes me feel old are experiences like this.
Otherwise, I don't feel like my age is a big determinant of who I am.
You sound like you are ok with the treatment, which is your right to be. Me - I don't take it so lightly.
People ought to treat old folks like individuals - yes, some need help, and they should get it, but don't assume that everybody with gray (or white)hair is incapable...
When I was visiting my 84-yr old friend in the hospital, a physical therapy person walked in, and started talking to ME, referring to my friend in the 3rd person.
I was outraged.
True, it might turn out to be the case in some instances, but not in this, and certainly one should not assume this.
--I guess I am more touchy than the OP.
nicer than Mr Pipi would be, I can tell you that.
He is not much older than you, and resents being treated like his brain has turned to oatmeal.
Judging by the electronics and video cameras and all the rest of what we have around here, he could probably take that card reader apart and put it back together again blindfolded, and wouldn't mind telling the cashier exactly that. 
As for me, I always make sure to have my card out with the appearance that I'm ready to pounce on the card reader as soon as the total comes up on the register.