How old is ‘old’?

The thought of a very long life comes with caveats. By ‘very long’ I’m assuming ‘over 100’. As long as I’m healthy and I have enough money I’d be happy.

Your attitude to your age is the most important thing in having a good time when you’re old. I’m 56 and don’t think I’m old; in fact I have a hard time thinking that I’m even middle-aged. However, a couple of weeks back on the radio someone of my age referred to themselves as “an elder”. I may have shouted rude words.

And I know I shouted rude words when I saw this on my Facebook feed.

Mrs S used to work in a bank, where there was a customer who, at 63, told her to “never retire… you’re life’s over”. This wasn’t on her mind, she was 32 at the time.

My dad volunteered at a family history group after he retired. One time he was helping someone access the computer records and, when they were successful, they turned round and said “not bad for a 72 year old, eh?” My dad didn’t have the heart to tell them he was 78. During his retirement he had his genealogy hobby and volunteering to fill his time and he learned how to use computers and the internet as part of this. So while not physically active, he was using his brain.

Both of our mothers are in their 80s and still going strong. My mum rejected the idea of wearing her glasses on a chain around her neck because “that’s what old ladies do”. My mother in law is physically active, walks a lot, is tech savvy and is always making new friends. She also talks about helping “the old lady down the street”.

So some people are old before others. Poor health undoubtedly plays a part in aging someone and all the attitude in the world won’t overcome that. Having a bad cold this week has underlined to me how useless I feel when I’m ill, so if I were to decline as I age I would either rage against the situation or just be too tired to care.