I’m in my early 40s. A younger co-worker keeps calling me Ma’am. I try to remember he only means it in a sign of respect, but I keep hearing, “You’re old now!”
As an old timer who has had to use a cane for about a year now it warms my heart to see people of all generations go out of their way to show me an act of kindness. So go ahead, call me an old timer.
It doesn’t phase me to be thought of as old because…. well I AM. The only thing that pi$$es me off is when someone says “you shouldn’t do that or go there you might fall”.
Enjoy being old since the next phase of life is death. That’s why it’s wise to never screw with us older people because we have nothing to lose. If you want to precede me in death, screw with me. I don’t suffer fools well.
At 79, despite the bad knees, hips and other physical quirks, I am blessed with exceptionally good vision and hearing; don’t have to worry about “What would people say?” (Mother’s rule of thumb on everything from wearing pink and red together to wearing a skirt\dress with hemline touching my kneecap); have learned how to walk away from people who add nothing positive to conversation or life in general; appreciate people who (in a very dark time) renewed my sense of self-worth, beauty and desirability as a woman; and for some unique and special friendships that have lasted for decades.
Before I retired was working at a therapeutic boarding school. The boys would sometimes kid me about being an old man. I would tell them that getting old wasn’t for sissies. You have to be tough to get this old. You guys probably won’t make it!
I look about 15 younger than my age and have gotten many compliments on my gray hair. People think it’s dyed since that became popular about 5 years ago. I tell them I got them the hard way, one at a time and each one earned. On a side note, I have had coworkers 20+ years younger than me complain about being tired and not feeling well enough to work. I have to wonder what they’re going to do when they’re over 50, have a bad back and knee, and bills that have to be paid to people that don’t care if you don’t feel like working.
The biggest adjustment, aside from physical stuff, has been the shift in attitudes from people who probably aren’t very nice in general. When they tick me off (old-person phrase) by being impatient or condescending, I have a couple of standard responses that keep me from being too mean back at them. “If you live to be old, I hope people are kind to you.” And if I’m really on the verge of biting heads off, I ask them if they’d like to compare degrees and IQs. That one knocks the kids back on their heels (a great old expression). One of these days I’ll probably say that to a Sheldon, and get knocked back on my own heels.
I agree. I earned all of my white thinning hair over the years and continue to earn them each day and am very proud of them. Also l can still keep up with many men more than half my age as l demonstrated on a recent assignment in a desert arena…..
here in japan, you know that you’re a guy who’s officially considered over the hill when you make the transition from “oji-san” to “ojii-san.” oji-san = “uncle,” used for youngish guys up to the point society deems them old. ojii-san = “grandpa,” me and all the other geezers.
women go from “oku-san” (missus) to “obaa-san” (granny). people who are tactful continue to call grannies “okusan”… ☺
Am I the only one slightly annoyed by teenagers calling me by my first name when they don’t even know me, such as shopping or at a doctor’s office? I was taught to respect people older than me, and I still do. I never complain about it, but I would prefer they don’t do it. I don’t think they mean any disrespect.
codycab 4 months ago
I’m only in my early 30s and I feel the same way.
AllishaDawn 4 months ago
I’m in my early 40s. A younger co-worker keeps calling me Ma’am. I try to remember he only means it in a sign of respect, but I keep hearing, “You’re old now!”
mischugenah 4 months ago
Since there’s no escaping it, you might as well enjoy it!
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member 4 months ago
I’ve started to feel old since they get up from their seats to let me sit.
rekam Premium Member 4 months ago
Sometimes I have to remember that I am an old-timer and say thank you.
The dude from FL Premium Member 4 months ago
All the staff at my gym acknowledge when I come in and when I leave. They know my name?
GROG Premium Member 4 months ago
So did my mom. She was a proud senior.
xaingo 4 months ago
As long as I got that discount I’m fine with it.
Zykoic 4 months ago
Always ask for senior’s discount.
kucpa Premium Member 4 months ago
Being an old-timer beats the alternative…
Nighthawks Premium Member 4 months ago
oh….I wouldn’t mind being a young timer
HarryLime Premium Member 4 months ago
I just want my misspent youth back. The “goody 2-shoes” aspect was a bore …
pat sandy creator 4 months ago
I’m good with ‘old-timer’!
dbrucepm 4 months ago
my daughter called me “boomer” when we disagreed on something one day. I told her I was proud to be one and that ruined it for her.
Strawberry King 4 months ago
Old and proud. That’s Uncle Ted.
Chris 4 months ago
wear it loud and proud! :D
nosirrom 4 months ago
As an old timer who has had to use a cane for about a year now it warms my heart to see people of all generations go out of their way to show me an act of kindness. So go ahead, call me an old timer.
Just-me 4 months ago
I got carded at the store the other day when I was buying a bottle of wine to make Coq au Vin. I was flattered until I realized they carded everyone.
Just-me 4 months ago
I’m with you Uncle Ted. I’ve earned the scars and wrinkles I own!
Niko S 4 months ago
It doesn’t phase me to be thought of as old because…. well I AM. The only thing that pi$$es me off is when someone says “you shouldn’t do that or go there you might fall”.
General Trelane (Ret.) Premium Member 4 months ago
Yes ! Uncle Ted !
think it through 4 months ago
Enjoy being old since the next phase of life is death. That’s why it’s wise to never screw with us older people because we have nothing to lose. If you want to precede me in death, screw with me. I don’t suffer fools well.
bnz 4 months ago
Congrats, Ted! You’re almost old enough to run for office!
Geophyzz 4 months ago
Yesterday I thanked the clerk at the store. Despite my gray hair, sags & wrinkles, she asked if I was old enough for the seniors discount.
bigheadx Premium Member 4 months ago
getting old isn’t for sissies
Thechildinme 4 months ago
At 79, despite the bad knees, hips and other physical quirks, I am blessed with exceptionally good vision and hearing; don’t have to worry about “What would people say?” (Mother’s rule of thumb on everything from wearing pink and red together to wearing a skirt\dress with hemline touching my kneecap); have learned how to walk away from people who add nothing positive to conversation or life in general; appreciate people who (in a very dark time) renewed my sense of self-worth, beauty and desirability as a woman; and for some unique and special friendships that have lasted for decades.
wolfgang73 4 months ago
Before I retired was working at a therapeutic boarding school. The boys would sometimes kid me about being an old man. I would tell them that getting old wasn’t for sissies. You have to be tough to get this old. You guys probably won’t make it!
andersjg Premium Member 4 months ago
I consider every day of my advanced age as a gift after an unplanned collision with a fast moving object in 1967.
MuddyUSA Premium Member 4 months ago
Attaboy Uncle Ted…….you get it!!!
angelolady Premium Member 4 months ago
Thank you, Uncle Ted and Mr. Sansom. You give me a lift I often need and a gentle attitude adjustment.
s_krumpe 4 months ago
I look about 15 younger than my age and have gotten many compliments on my gray hair. People think it’s dyed since that became popular about 5 years ago. I tell them I got them the hard way, one at a time and each one earned. On a side note, I have had coworkers 20+ years younger than me complain about being tired and not feeling well enough to work. I have to wonder what they’re going to do when they’re over 50, have a bad back and knee, and bills that have to be paid to people that don’t care if you don’t feel like working.
angelolady Premium Member 4 months ago
The biggest adjustment, aside from physical stuff, has been the shift in attitudes from people who probably aren’t very nice in general. When they tick me off (old-person phrase) by being impatient or condescending, I have a couple of standard responses that keep me from being too mean back at them. “If you live to be old, I hope people are kind to you.” And if I’m really on the verge of biting heads off, I ask them if they’d like to compare degrees and IQs. That one knocks the kids back on their heels (a great old expression). One of these days I’ll probably say that to a Sheldon, and get knocked back on my own heels.
cuzinron47 4 months ago
I have no problem being called that, unless it was intended to be an insult. Then I won’t give them the satisfaction and say yes I am.
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member 4 months ago
Absolutely! And my retort is “and if you take care of yourself and are lucky you can be an old-timer one day too!”
kathleenhicks62 4 months ago
I have had my badge of honor for many a year, but no one pays attention to it.
raybarb44 4 months ago
I agree. I earned all of my white thinning hair over the years and continue to earn them each day and am very proud of them. Also l can still keep up with many men more than half my age as l demonstrated on a recent assignment in a desert arena…..
gopher gofer 4 months ago
here in japan, you know that you’re a guy who’s officially considered over the hill when you make the transition from “oji-san” to “ojii-san.” oji-san = “uncle,” used for youngish guys up to the point society deems them old. ojii-san = “grandpa,” me and all the other geezers.
women go from “oku-san” (missus) to “obaa-san” (granny). people who are tactful continue to call grannies “okusan”… ☺
namelocdet 4 months ago
I actually love being called, “Mr” & “Sir”.
Moonkey Premium Member 4 months ago
Am I the only one slightly annoyed by teenagers calling me by my first name when they don’t even know me, such as shopping or at a doctor’s office? I was taught to respect people older than me, and I still do. I never complain about it, but I would prefer they don’t do it. I don’t think they mean any disrespect.
Chris Sherlock 4 months ago
I may be an old timer, but I got to see all the good cartoons on Saturday mornings!
Laurie Stoker Premium Member 4 months ago
I have to say it again: I just LOVE Uncle Ted!!! ❤️