I was speechless!

The words " at your age" offensive yes/maybe. Or should we just sigh and be amused that these younger folks have it all to come. Let them have their innocence, particularly the young men who have never yet experienced vulnerability.
As for the tangent about being offered help. I am constantly reassured and gladdened by the kindness of those strangers who offer me help. I spend much of my time in a wheelchair and the generosity and responsibility to me and others that exists in the hearts of people is a blessing. How can it be an insult? As for hitting with brollies and giving them a mouthful- it's you that is being rude and over the top.

A very thoughtful response, Gmelon. I think we should always take care to understand the motives of others and how we are perceived. They may be misguided but are kindly meant and should be accepted graciously. What is the age/looks cut of point for accepting assistance? How are they to know. When you are twenty, forty can appear ancient!

My DS1 (45) fell downstairs during the night at his home. An ambulance was called but on admittance to hospital no cause or damage, could be established. However his driving license was withdrawn for 6 months before he could be declared risk free of a possible black-out. The results were far reaching, job, young family,leisure activities etc all compromised, even the family driving holiday cancelled.
Although I have been entertained by your story Phoenix ,and the responses, falls on stairs can have more than physical consequences.

Like Merlot we also know somebody who sadly died from a fall on the stairs, and yes, of course, it can happen at any age.
I think your decorator was pointing it out in a kindly meant way Phoenix but I would have felt livid too! ?

My mother was told by a young police constable that people of her age should not be driving (she was in her late 50s and holding down a job as a full time professional tennis coach as well as being a district councillor with an Advanced Motorist's certificate). Needless to say my mother complained and got a home visit from a vastly superior 'boy in blue' apologising profusely. I still have a copy of her letter to the Chief Constable!!!!

When we had the front of our house landscaped, the builder recommended we dispense with wide steps in favour of a slope, down to the front door. His reason being we might soon be too old to manage steps. DH and I were then in our early 60s.
The fact that a slope , on a frosty day, would have resembled a ski-slope, seemed to pass him by. If the front door was open we would have been straight through the house and down the garden

Phoenix Thank you for that - so funny. Some people are just natural "foot in mouth" people aren't they?!

Having just spent the last ten days with DD I am not quite sure how I feel but certainly I suddenly feel very old. She said I must go out with her more often as she gets such good service when I am with her as people are so kind when they see me - and there was me who just thought people were lovely if you smiled a lot and were nice!

I remember years ago, at the time of life when to me someone of 76 was really old, my friend said to me that she was only wrinkly on the outside and inside she was still only 16. I never forgot it but I understand it so much better

BB

Yes I too think most people are just being kind and I take comments about age with a pinch of salt. It's how you feel yourself that counts. This year I went indoor sky diving with my family. One DS, two partners and a DGD would not do it as they were scared. I was allowed to 'fly high' because I was better at it than my other two DSs. I was hardly smug at all, honestly!

I admit to being more careful these days when out walking alone, climbing stiles, walls, walking on slippery paths but that to me is just common sense as I know I won't heal as quickly after injury and certainly don't want the pain. I am 70.

My 5 year old DGD says I am 'pretty, even if my face is cracked!' I guess she sees the 18 year old inner me!

VIOLETTE Simon Cowell ...'Did he fall or was he pushed'? I saw the X Factor (briefly) this week as my DGS was watching. No, I think he threw himself!!

Phoenix, love your style.
Brian.