How old are you when you are old enough to....

Strange logic Blencathra

I am quite happy to have pensioner rates for things but there is no way I would go to an event for pensioners - unless I was helping.

Some people do not have the chance to go out and about without a great deal of support, especially if they care for a family member, so I would not wish to begrudge them the opportunity to join in with whatever is being offered,

I think its fortunate we can pick and choose which activities we participate in. Sometimes I go bowling with a younger group of friends, some days I work as a volunteer in the library and then I go out for a meal which has been organised for older people, Fairly rounded life I would think.

I am a pensioner, but don’t want or need to go along to meetings or outings aimed specifically at older people.
I do join groups, but not because we are all older people, but because the group are doing things and discussing things I am interested in ( history club, book group, WI) which although mainly older people, do have middle aged and even young members too.
So, am with the OP on this, who doesn’t need or want to be taken out to tea with a load of old folk.

I'm happy to go to the "Silver Screen" at the local cinema and use other local groups for the over 50s. I have friends of all ages and only give things I wouldn't enjoy a miss.

Nope. Don't feel I need activities aimed at 'the elderly'. Bingo? Singalongs?
I do however use my bus pass and enjoy cheaper gym membership!

As a child, I told my granny that she could get her ticket to my dancing display at a reduced price as she was an OAP.
She indignantly told me that she was nothing of the sort!

I didn't dream of asking for further info and I presume, now, that she lived on dividends from shares.

I am 75 and to pretend I am not elderly or old is silly.

I have noticed in the past year that whenever I go on a train with all the seats full, someone will always offer me a seat. This had never happened in the past, so I think I can now truly say I am old.

I am very much a pensioner being 74. I have always refused to play bingo or any form of bowls. Growing up I thought these pastimes were only for old people. And I have not changed my mind.

I'd go! It's cutting off your nose to spite your face to turn down the chance of a nice afternoon over some clumsy wording.

I have just remembered something that made us laugh.

We went on a coach holiday to the Scottish Highlands a few years ago. At the start of the trip our driver introduced himself. He made us laugh by looking at the couples (mostly middle aged/pensioners ) occupying the seats, then rolled his eyes (in jest) "This is what they mean when they talk about Fifty Shades of Grey"

To me pensioner signifies someone who has probably worked for 40 years and is deservedly receiving a pension to allow them to retire. . It is something to be proud of and I much appreciate my bus pass and rail card, and any other perks such as concessionary rates at the cinema etc, although in fact I am still working part time. I don’t understand why people object to calling a spade a spade and see no need to come up with some euphemism to describe my status quo.

I would go too as i really enjoy anything like this, it is a great opportunity to chat to new people and you will be surprised what you can find out from some of them, it wouldnt require a perm to make your hair curl!!!

Out and proud as a pensioner, our commune hosts a meal every year for the over 65s. Five courses, different wine with each one and an accordionist playing between courses. All free for us, we love it. Does go on a bit though, starts at midday and still going strong at 7pm.

K9KTK
This could be a friend of mine. I'm the only pensioner that she will socialise with. She lives in 'supported' housing and hates it.

I don't mind being a pensioner but I do think it conjures up images which probably don't suit many of us. I still feel very lively (in the head, at least!) I am also young at heart I think. Inside I am still in my 20s. How did I get to this age? I am thankful I have, but it happened so fast!

My mother at 82 refused to use a stick even though she had a bad hip and back, She'd link arms with her companions. She used to call frailer older people 'poor old dears' never realising she was one herself!

I wouldn't let the term 'pensioners' stop me from going to a nice posh restaurant for tea though.

This reminds me of my mum who used to turn down offers of day trips from me and my sister because she would have to be wheeled around in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are for’OLD’ people she used to say - her being around 75 at the time. ?? I’ve decided to embrace it and take up all offers!

I'm 67 and have embraced my inner pensioner. I'll go to anything I'm invited to. Also as soon as I was eligible, I asked about concessions wherever I went.
I love Afternoon Tea, I'll go in your place.

I regularly go cycling with a group organised by Age Concern. At 59 I'm about the youngest- some are in their 80s - but very fit! Usually do about 30 miles. What's in a name?
However - I did complain to the local council when they advertised their "Senior Olympics", which included the events of dominoes and welly throwing! Bloody insulting!

Though DH and I once went along to a fun day for pensioners organised by our local council, drawn in by the promise of prizes and special offers. It was thoroughly depressing - funeral plans, care homes and mobility aids - and far from winning any prizes, we ended up signing up to a direct debit for Age UK!

When one is old enough to be living on a pension one is at least a little bit old. I'd happily go to a pensioners' posh tea if I was deemed to qualify, regardless of my age.

If age is "just a number", as many people argue (I don't, by the way), then behave as if it is.

I think it's silly to deprive oneself of what sounds like a nice, social occasion in case someone thinks one's old. Let them think what they like! It won't make any difference to your age, or whether you live on a pension.

I started availing myself of "pensioners' specials" at cafes and pubs as soon as I stopped paid work at 60, even though I can't get at my state pension till I'm 66. I'm a pensioner without a pension, the poorest sort, and every little helps!

This reminds me of my Gran. At 96 she was in a home and she'd talk about that noisy old man or that very old lady over there. they were at least 20 years younger than her!
As for myself, I don't care what they label me, I go to the cream teas and cheap theatre trips as often as I can.

I think I’d have gone, sounds an excellent afternoon. Grannyknot my Dad used that phrase regularly, and meant it. It seems I share some of his approach to life. .