OAPs

Why do we have to have a label at all? Aren't we just people?

To get the concession rate at our local swimming pool I have to have a special card. To get this card I had to have 2 separate proofs that I am in receipt of a state pension. These had to include my name and address so bus pass, passport not accepted. I produced a letter from the pension service and a bank statement with everything else blacked out. I also had to have a photo taken . By that time I didn't really care what they called me!

For concession rates at the cinema etc, it doesn't matter if you get a pension or not. It's based simply on age.
So 'old' is all you need to be.

You are undoubtedly a “POME” then PECS

I really like 'Wise Fossil' think that's me from now on.

No, I don't really mind what they call me as long as they re respectful.

I am another who would like to know when I will become 'elderely'

I dislike all of the commonly used terms: OAP, pensioner, retiree, senior. I wonder why our society is so obsessed with defining people according to age group?

I'm just me; the same person I was when I was defined as a teenager, or a young mum, or a business woman, or a housewife, or ....

When enquiring about age concessions, my OH usually asks if there's a codger's rate. If absolutely forced to describe myself by age, then I'm an old bat!

I'm a recycled teenager.

I don't add the "old age" I hasten to add.

I've jokingly been calling my husband "pensioner" for the past few years, among other more endearing terms, now I'm on the cusp of drawing mine I've told him not to reciprocate
with that title

* gillybob* I am one of those mixed economy folk..pension but I also work p/t.. ..not sure what label to give myself!

I am very disgruntled that in April I should have been receiving my state pension. As I now have to wait another 6 years I am in my mind neither old or a pensioner.
This I take must also be the view of the government.

Given the choice I would have quite happily taken the money, the bus pass etc and pinned the OAP badge on with a

I don’t like OaP but actually haven’t heard it in a long time Pensioner is annoying as I don’t want to be identified by my financial status At cinemas buses etc I ask for consessionary, when I meet up with my school friends we re ‘ the girls’
I don’t lose too much sleep over it to be honest

The spanish term jubilados. I always think of jubilant.

My mum and dad moved from a sort of sheltered accommodation type place it was like and old peoples home, with flats, once you were in your flat you were sort of invisible they said lol it was full of old people lol.

When people asked where they lived and my mum told them, they people would then say "Oh the Departure Lounge"!!!
They moved from there to a normal sheltered accommodation place flats with their own front door and a warden if they needed one (although the warden is none existent now) my mum n dad are 84! lol .

I don’t think my dad or his “lads” could ever be described as “wise men” glamma so I think his would be more like “grumpy old b*gg*ers corner”

Gillybob My OH meets up with two of his pals at the local watering hole 3/4 times a week to put the world to rights and the boss at their local has put up a sign for them saying the wise mens corner
I quite like the Spanish term of pensionista

When I want a 'senior' ticket for anything, I ask for a 'wrinkly' one.
It'd be nice if anyone asked me to prove my age with ID, but alas, nobody ever does!
I do try to avoid looking at myself in the mirror with my glasses on - funny how much more youthful I look without them.

MawBroon you took the words right out of my mouth?

I don’t understand why the word ‘pensioner’ is used at all. Where someone’s income comes from is no-one else’s business. When I was working, I don’t think I was known as a ‘wage-earner’. Maybe I was but did not notice.

We call concessions Old Biddy Rates!

But how do you know someone actually is a pensioner? You can’t tell by just looking.

Thanks everyone - love all your comments x

I don't like the term OAP either. Just pensioner sounds much better.

I received my State Pension March last year (aged 64 1/2), I have my travel pass, and nowhere does it mention 'old' or 'senior'. It just says 'Concessionary travel funded by HM Government with your local authority'

I just call myself 'Recycled Teenager' 'Old' doesn't not figure in my vocabulary.