Making fun of aging- funny or in bad taste?

[JaniceM]

Frankly, I'd put it in the category of individuals who say something they know will be hurtful or upsetting, and then go 'You're too sensitive' or 'Can't you take a joke?' I can brush it off, but still consider it negative.

Long ago, I noticed a local newspaper (different location) often published birthday greetings, making a big point of the person's age- "Lordy Lordy Bob is FORTY!' and 'Oh how nifty, Susan's FIFTY!'
Around the same time, card shops and similar places started selling birthday partyware all in black, marked 'Over the Hill.'
Years ago, I received only the second birthday card ever from one of my brothers- actually I think it was from his wife- it had a picture of a silvery rabbit on the front, and inside it said 'Just what you need for your 50th birthday- another gray HARE!'
I'm kinda thinking if anyone remembers my birthday this year it'll be my son and a longtime online friend, but I doubt if it'll even be acknowledged by anybody else.
But I think those approaches I mentioned are in bad taste- agree or disagree?

 

[SeaBreeze]

I think some of those cards can definitely be tacky, but not all. I usually go with a regular birthday card that says something appropriate for the recipient, or has a really beautiful or special picture. It wouldn't offend me though if I ever received one, I can understand the humor behind it. Can't say I've ever gotten one though, and I'm in my mid 60s.

 

[Toomuchstuff]

I would only joke about getting older to someone I really know , so I know how they'll react. In a group , I'm the biggest joker of all --- joking about Myself getting old !

 

[Aunt Bea]

I agree.

This inflatable walker is a perfect example!

Everyone I know, including me, is aware of the fact that I am getting older and starting to fall apart. I don't need my loved ones to make a production of it in a group setting.

 

[Lolly]

I think most people know the person they are sending a card do and it they will find it funny or be upset. I don't sent birthday cards to people I hardly know anyway.. Those I send cards too, I am aware of how they feel about aging and if they would find a gag card funny or not.

 

[JaniceM]

The most 'humor' I can stand is one longtime friend who always says "Better to be another year older than six feet under."

 

[Wren]

Stuff like that doesn't bother me, if you don't laugh you'd probably cry !

 

[CeeCee]

Stuff like that doesn't bother me, if you don't laugh you'd probably cry !

I agree, cards don't bother me or offend me....be glad someone even bothered getting you a card is my take on it. I do like funny ones.

I think most people know what card is appropriate for the person.

 

[Sassycakes]

At my age now I enjoy a funny card. usually my family send me touching ones, but my old friends send me the funny ones and at least I get a laugh about being older.

 

[helenbacque]

My old friends and I joke about age. Most look at it as a badge of honor that we've managed to hang on for so long. Such cards are fun for us but one would be inappropriate to a friend or relative who is sensitive about aging.