I'm old - it's official !
I look it and more days than not I feel it. The signs have been there, for as long as I can remember (!). Poor memory, going to the fridge and losing my way across the kitchen, agreeing with everything that's said on "Grumpy Old ... ". Aches and pains and body protesting at the simplest of tasks.
But now it's official (according to research done by the Dept for Works and Pension)
Old age begins at 54.
This has been a bit of a shock to me today, despite the signs, because it seems I have been in old age for almost 6 months now. If I remember rightly, which I probably don't, last birthday I received a few jokey cards on an old age theme along with the ones with flowers and dogs and things, but I've been getting those for a number of years now, but no one sent me a "Welcome To Old Age " card specifically announcing this milestone in my life.
Now I would have thought that with the recession and all the cutbacks, that the DWP might have better things to spend their money on than a survey like this. We all know that we are living longer and there are more "old" people than ever before. As the government itself is increasing the age of retirement, it seems strange to produce statistics that tell us at what age we actually leave our youth behind and become old.
Anyway, despite it seeming to be true more to me because I have seen it written down, I don't think I need it confirming in black and white. I have just half an hour ago ran a bath and then got into it with my pants on.
Of course I was just multi-tasking, washing clothes and washing self at the same time ... ...
But now it's official (according to research done by the Dept for Works and Pension)
Old age begins at 54.
This has been a bit of a shock to me today, despite the signs, because it seems I have been in old age for almost 6 months now. If I remember rightly, which I probably don't, last birthday I received a few jokey cards on an old age theme along with the ones with flowers and dogs and things, but I've been getting those for a number of years now, but no one sent me a "Welcome To Old Age " card specifically announcing this milestone in my life.
Now I would have thought that with the recession and all the cutbacks, that the DWP might have better things to spend their money on than a survey like this. We all know that we are living longer and there are more "old" people than ever before. As the government itself is increasing the age of retirement, it seems strange to produce statistics that tell us at what age we actually leave our youth behind and become old.
Of course I was just multi-tasking, washing clothes and washing self at the same time ... ...
Comments
(Luckily I hardly ever wear socks ! )
A long time ago, a very long time ago, in fact, the Observer Magazine ran a feature on the mid-life crisis. And the first person featured in the article was aged 30. Same age as me. Then.
And a very very long time ago I asked a little girl, 'And how old is your baby brother?' She replied, 'He's not old yet.'
The age on my birth certificate is just a number - it does not reflect the fact that some days I feel 19 and carefree, and others.....well, where did that new wrinkle come from...?
Beside's - the term 'old' is rarely used by people who are of increasing years themselves!
It does appear that I am not in the minority here with these thoughts,so I'll go with the age I feel as each day comes around.
Today I am feeling rather 'sncient' as my mother keeps saying she is. I hope she and everyone is today feeling the age they prefer to be !