Internalizing Your "Senior" Status

[CallMeKate]

Okay, so "official definition" aside, when did you (or haven't you yet?) start actually considering yourself a "senior citizen?" In all honesty, I don't think of myself as that... I'm 65. There are some members here on the forum that no matter what the age, I do not consider senior citizens.

I always felt this way and then a few days ago, I was talking to a friend who's 67 and she said she won't consider herself a senior citizen until she's 80. So posing the question to ya'll. (I am glad for the 10% grocery discount on Tuesdays for "seniors" so this isn't about the perks, just the mindset.)

 

[RadishRose]

I don't see any reason to deny one's seniority.
Some people call 50, some 55. I agree with that.
It's ok.

 

[hollydolly]

I don't think of myself as old in any way..( aside from the aches).. I'm 67... ..

I did think it was funny when I got the free Bus pass at 66.. and my state pension.. that made my family laugh more than me, because they don't see me as old at all, so I took some ribbing over that

 

[jet]

i dont do the senior bit,but if i go visit anywhere,i always ask if they do oap consessions,,i got all the 78yr aches and pains lol

 

[CallMeKate]

I don't think of myself as old in any way..( aside from the aches).. I'm 67... ..

I did think it was funny when I got the free Bus pass at 66.. and my state pension.. that made my family laugh more than me, because they don't see me as old at all, so I took some ribbing over that

Glad you feel the same, @hollydolly ... it's not about whether we *are* officially seniors... it's about how we feel mentally. And I don't.

 

[CallMeKate]

i dont do the senior bit,but if i go visit anywhere,i always ask if they do oap consessions,,i got all the 78yr aches and pains lol

Exactly! "I don't do the senior bit"... yes, that's what I meant! @jet

 

[katlupe]

I don't really think about much, even though I live with mostly people older than me. Though I do take advantage of all the senior perks that I qualify for.

 

[stretch5881]

I'm almost 65 and I'll revisit the question again in about 10 years.

 

[CallMeKate]

I'm almost 65 and I'll revisit the question again in about 10 years.

That's probably when I'll start "feelin' it"... 74, 75. Or maybe not! @stretch5881

 

[BC Flash]

I considered myself a senior when I realize the discounts for seniors are available!

 

[NorthernLight]

It's been a hard road. In my early 40s, an insurance agent recommended some coverage, in case my grandchild broke a window. Grandchild??? In my early 50s, a friend referred to "our" gray hair. Speak for yourself, lady.

In my mid-60s, I had a boyfriend who was half my age. Seems like a lifetime ago now.

I guess I've accepted being "old" within the past 5 years or so.

 

[-Oy-]

I'll just leave this here...

 

[Gaer]

Why do I have to "feel" and acknowledge my chronological age?
Nah! Not gonna do that!

 

[Pinky]

I still feel young .. don't know if I'll ever feel "old". Perhaps if/when I get aches and pains?

 

[CallMeKate]

Why do I have to "feel" and acknowledge my chronological age?
Nah! Not gonna do that!

That's right! I think that once I'd acknowledge the "senior citizen status" my persona might start changing. I don't WANT to be that person. "In other news", did your light bulbs arrive yet, @Gaer? I have a closet shelf space now with enough for a long time!

 

[CallMeKate]

I still feel young .. don't know if I'll ever feel "old". Perhaps if/when I get aches and pains?

Me too! I've never felt my age and it's always been about -20 years. I could admit to feeling 45 now, yep... but like you said, maybe more aches than I have now would change my thoughts on that. @Pinky

 

[jujube]

I have a 12-year-old Inner Child who is constantly at war with my 75-year-old Outer Hag. It all depends who's out today....

 

[hearlady]

I started calling myself a senior citizen at 55 because when all the discounts and things started and I'm all for that.
I'm 65 and I joke about being old but I don't really feel it.
It bothered me when a news article described a 75 yr old as elderly. I think of elderly as 85 and up depending on the person.
So, I've come to terms that in others eyes I'm an old lady and that's OK. I hope they've come to terms with being a young whippersnapper.

 

[CallMeKate]

I started calling myself a senior citizen at 55 because when all the discounts and things started and I'm all for that.
I'm 65 and I joke about being old but I don't really feel it.
It bothered me when a news article described a 75 yr old as elderly. I think of elderly as 85 and up depending on the person.
So, I've come to terms that in others eyes I'm an old lady and that's OK. I hope they've come to terms with being a young whippersnapper.

This answer is sooooo me! We're the same age then, and I don't feel it either... and same when I hear news or someone talking about "elderly" people. I've seen 60 described as that. "A 60 year old elderly man....." Uh, nope! I'll stay a whippersnapper with you, @hearlady ... and we can tag-team anyone who uses that nasty "elderly" term on us.

 

[oldaunt]

I'm 75, and unless it gets me a perk of some kind, i really don't bother thinking about it.

 

[Disgustedman]

I consider myself a senior citizen. Hey, a discount is a DISCOUNT!!!

 

[CallMeKate]

I consider myself a senior citizen. Hey, a discount is a DISCOUNT!!!

Yeah, but do you FEEL it? I'm in line for my 10% Tuesday grocery discount, too, but I feel 45. @Disgustedman

 

[hollydolly]

I started calling myself a senior citizen at 55 because when all the discounts and things started and I'm all for that.
I'm 65 and I joke about being old but I don't really feel it.
It bothered me when a news article described a 75 yr old as elderly. I think of elderly as 85 and up depending on the person.
So, I've come to terms that in others eyes I'm an old lady and that's OK. I hope they've come to terms with being a young whippersnapper.

I was nearly choking on my tea when I read a story in the media the other week where they described the victim of a mugging as an elderly lady of 55..

 

[Gaer]

That's right! I think that once I'd acknowledge the "senior citizen status" my persona might start changing. I don't WANT to be that person. "In other news", did your light bulbs arrive yet, @Gaer? I have a closet shelf space now with enough for a long time!

Yup! Got my light bulbs! This hasn't been on any news program. (about the irreversible retinal damage)

Glad you feel young too, Kate!

 

[MikeyDude]

I'm just the same ol' me. It's the other people that think I'm old.