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Dignity in old age

(29 Posts)
Yorkshiregel Wed 18-Jan-17 13:54:15

When someone sees an old pensioner in the street they should remember they have not always been old. Every one has a past and could have been a professor in a university, or an ace pilot, or a sister in a hospital, a headmistress, a computer expert, or a senior manager. a doctor, a foreman, or if not they still have lived through so many changes to UK. They could have been a war hero but people think less of them just because they are a few years older than they are.

Surely people should show respect? I bet some of these old people could tell a tale or two if you asked them.

Anyone been treated like they have half a brain lately?

judypark Fri 27-Jan-17 19:32:07

Recently had a charming young man visit from British Gas to discuss replacing my broke down boiler. On the phone to his base I was referred to as a vulnerable elderly customer. I run a large house and garden, even larger allotment and have lived with my lovely young lover who is17 years my junior for 20 years now. When he said "vulnerable elderly" my head swivelled around, I thought my late 81 year old father had suddenly rematerialisd in the room. Such is life ?

Chewbacca Fri 27-Jan-17 19:44:51

At my place of work I am, by at least 3 decades, older than my colleagues. I've never had much of a problem with ageism from them my steely glare puts them back in place but one young man made, what he thought, was a funny comment about "old ladies". I told him this....
As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be.

Yorkshiregel Sun 29-Jan-17 15:49:54

Love your answer Chewbacca! I could not think quick enough to come back with a witty reply.