When does one become "elderly"?
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
I work in a shop composed of seniors. A bunch of these ladies (and 2 men) are in their 80's. I am in awe of these old folks. I joke that I want to be them when I grow up (I'm 66!). Even the ones who have some mobility issues are still doing so much. One lady not only goes to the Y for swimming 4 times a week, she is in a quilt guild, helps at a quilt class and works full days (rather than just the 4 hour shift) with me at the shop. This summer she decided to jump in her car and drive to see her grandkids - 1,000 miles to the north! Being old just means you are still living, I think being elderly is just some name other folks might call you, it does not need to define you or stifle what you do.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NW Kansas
Posts: 601
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Southern United States
Posts: 481
To me elderly is 90+ . I don't think of myself (62) as elderly or a senior citizen. Most of my age group will live to be in their 90's and that's a long time to be considered elderly At the fair last year I had a guy guess my age and he guessed 54. He was speechless for a second and then said I had good genes and took good care of myself. I laughed and gave him a big hug and got my prize. Although I have gray hair, some wrinkle and a 62 yr. old body I think I look and seem younger because I am happy, cheerful, energetic and positive.
#36
I can't honestly say I've given thought to this, but knowing I've maintained my youthfulness better than most I know, I'd elderly, will arrive when I turn grey, need a cane for walking, and can no longer see without my spectacles.
As for "when" do I describe someone as being elderly? When I see an older person hunched over, walking slowly, with reduced mobility and having moderate trouble with simple motor skills such as opening a door, writing, or with tasks in and around the home, then I would think of them as being elderly, otherwise I always use the term, mature.
As for "when" do I describe someone as being elderly? When I see an older person hunched over, walking slowly, with reduced mobility and having moderate trouble with simple motor skills such as opening a door, writing, or with tasks in and around the home, then I would think of them as being elderly, otherwise I always use the term, mature.
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,310
Gramajo I hope your lumbar fusion goes as well as mine did 3 years ago. Wonderful to be pain free. I'm in my late 60's and don't consider myself elderly - most of the time - not yet. It's the age spot, saggy skin, gray hair and wrinkles I don't like! But most times mind and body I don't 'feel' old. Just don't look in the mirror if I can help it! LOL
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
"Elderly" is a moving target! When I was 16 I knew my 62 old grandmother was elderly and old. When I was 50 I was sure that 80 was elderly because I don't think I knew anyone in the family who was 80. Well, I am 80 this year and I think elderly is a notch or two down the road. My husband is 79. We live each day to the utmost as we have hobbies that occupy us a lot (I quilt and sew and he builds model railroads), we both read a lot and keep up on current events. We are physically active. I still walk a couple of miles every day. We are careful of our weight and diet. We both have some health issues that come in later years. We are active in our church and community. Days are always full and ever too short. We love life. So, I guess, for us, elderly is still further down the road. Aren't we blessed!
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