When does one become "elderly"?
07-26-2017, 08:26 PM
#51
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 26,010
Originally Posted by grandma nurse
I never felt elderly until I couldnt get around. I kept my hair dyed light brown and decided to let it go gray. With my skin coloring I look bad. Then add a hunched over walk! When I looked in the mirror it was frighting. I couldn't take it especially because I always looked younger then my age. 70 hit me hard, messed with my mind a bunch. Plus hurting in my back brought on depression. It sure hasn't been easy. I did recolor my hair but it just isn't the same anymore. I hate to be out and about because of the pain and using a walker. Maybe I have to much pride but I can't imagine what I will be like in another 6 months let alone another year. I have no energy and only want to stay in the house and play in my sewing room. I think I look and feel elderly at 71 and that is to young to feel this way.
07-27-2017, 04:04 AM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South East Michigan...at the bottom of the thumb!
Posts: 730
I am 72, probably look a lot younger....thanks to the genes! I try to make a point of standing straight, I work my tail off everyday. Our daughter is a full time masters student with twins (6) yrs, who all live with us. I am essentially a mother again with all the jobs that come with it. It was easier 40 years ago. But I do it, I volunteer at church and library, I sometimes work in the children's classroom. I think when we take to napping in the chair all afternoon with our mouths open, and shlep around like it is too much trouble to go from a to b. Then we get old! I will be old when all this happens. When I can't use my bow flex and exercise machines, I will be old. I know it will happen, but I plan on fighting every step until old. I just pray I get to keep my mind! I am so lucky, I am healthy. Chronic health issues send many people to old age way before they should be there. So I guess our biggest blessing is health.
07-27-2017, 05:15 AM
#53
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 120
Well my mom always said she wouldn't be elderly until she reached 90. When I call her on her 90th birthday, she said "I finally made it. Now I officially old" She retired from work last Dec at the age of 93 because she decided that she had "worked enough years and now it's time to have fun". I hope I'm like her.
07-27-2017, 05:27 AM
#54
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,844
Originally Posted by vwhit24
Hi all you spring chickens. I am 93 today, still kicking but not so high. I have good days, and bad....but don't we all? Actually I am packing to go to the mountains for a wk.'s vacation.....I won't do any trudging through the hills, but will encourage my son and his wife to go for it! They love to walk in the mountains, and on the beach as well. I have had to put that kind of activity at rest, tho there are many my age who still do quite a bit of physical activity...remember that Geo. Bush jumped out of that plane (ugh) a couple years ago? Anyhow, forget the numbers and just enjoy life.....the word "elderly" is for the birds. At my age they call us the "frail elderly". Isn't that a hoot? But, sometimes I feel like it.....and sometimes I am 16 again.
07-27-2017, 05:32 AM
#55
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,844
Originally Posted by bearisgray
When do you describe yourself - or someone else - as "elderlyy"?
07-27-2017, 05:53 AM
#56
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,940
I've noticed many of the guild members I consider elderly are the ones that seem not to grasp exactly what is going on. They are just there and not involved. Most people think the more frail an older person is the more elderly they are.
07-27-2017, 06:15 AM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Dover DE
Posts: 4,250
I agree that frailty is an important factor, as is attitude. I turned 70 this year, and my internal self was amazed at "that BIG number"! I think my inner child thought that I would be my grandmother, or my mom at this age, and has been so surprised that I am still my same old self!! WHEW what a relief that is! I still love movement and quilting and eating. And I feel blessed in so many ways. Sending love to you all - young and old!
07-27-2017, 04:16 PM
#58
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 10,704
I am in my sixties, I consider myself old because I am not young, but not elderly. To me elderly is moving into a stage of frailty and need of assistance but the mind can still be sharp. We cannot control that our bodies wear out but we can help keep it fit for as long as possible.
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