How old is elderly?

[Rick Potter]

Having recently passed my 75th birthday, I got to wondering ....what is a senior citizen? I always assumed age 65, when you are expected to retire was the senior citizen threshold. Then kids at taco stands started offering me a senior discount when I was under 50. Hey, they said 'do you want a senior discount?', and I said 'YES, I'll take any discount I can get". Been asking for it ever since.

So, now that I am certainly a senior, I am wondering ......at what age do I become 'elderly'? My dad did pretty well until he was 80, then fell off rapidly, dying at 87. I hope to have another 5 pretty good years coming, God willing. Sometimes I wonder if I am foolish buying a new table saw right now, but hey, the wife said it was OK, then booked a trip to Germany.

So....How old do you think is elderly?

[Ralph Boumenot]

I say enjoy the tablesaw.

[Mike Null]

Elderly is in somebody else's mind. I'm 80 and negotiating to buy a new laser engraver.

I do have a few joints that could use some 3 in 1 oil though.

[Frederick Skelly]

How old is elderly? To me, elderly is a state, not an age. I think of "elderly" as the point at which people start to visibly show their advanced age - shuffling walk, shaky hands, frail, etc. Nothing wrong with that - it's just the way God made the world to work. All I can do is smile or nod respectfully and ask if they could use a hand. We'll all get there, if we're fortunate.

Rick, it's your money and you worked all your life to earn it. You wanted that saw and I'm glad you bought it! I told my Dad to spend every dime - if it brings him pleasure, it's well worth it. You too, friend.

Best wishes,
Fred

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

I just lost a friend and a neighbor. The friend was 66 and died of a heart attack while jogging. The neighbor was 54 and projected elderly for the last two or three years. Mat an 88 year old man that still goes to the ice rink and figure skates, no longer does any jumps, but does spins. When my wife says act your age, I reply "Never!"

[Thomas L Carpenter]

At 72 I'm elderly the first half hour or so after getting up, then my back gets used to being on my feet. I start to get elderly again about 7 or 8 in the evening after being on my feet all day. Mentally, I'm never elderly - at least not yet. Hope to have another 10 or so decent years.

[Pat Barry]

The actual age for elderly is increasing and rather quickly according to census data and predictions. Here is an example from the US Census website.

371184
371185
Considering there are now 325 million people in US. 50 million are age 65 and over - 15%.

lots of interesting data at this website
https://www.census.gov/topics/population/visualizations.html

[Rod Sheridan]

So....How old do you think is elderly?

Well Rick, that's obvious, 2 years older than you are, regardless of your age.:D

[Matt Day]

The gentleman I buy lumber from has got to be 85, but runs a woodmizer and a solar kiln, working solo. By his age I’d consider him elderly, but he by no means acts it.

I hope to be as active and sharp as he is at that age.

[Matt Meiser]

I don't think "elderly" has anything to do with age. A guy I run with is 70 and and runs 1-2 marathons a year plus other events. He and his wife did both retire this year. Well kind of. He goes in a few days a week where he was in management and does whatever they need--covers vacations for various managers, receptionist, hi-lo driver, etc. She's supposed to be done at Christmas but her management still thinks they will talk her into staying on at least part time and it sounds like she would but her department is moving to where it would be 120 miles round trip for her. Assuming they give her as much time off as she wants for their world travels that is. On the other hand, my dad passed away at 72 and was basically home bound the last 5 or 6 years. In the 2 years since, mom who is only 68 has had a number of issues that are getting me concerned. They are up in the air what to even do about some of it. Both my uncle and mother-in-law who turned 80 this year have slowed considerably in the last year or so. But both are better off than two of my mid-50's brother-in-laws though.

[Prashun Patel]

Elderly = 30 years older than whatever age I am.

I recall when I was 23 and my aunt turned 46, I thought, 'how old.' Now that I'm 46, I see that she was not old, but I was young. Her 70th birthday celebration is this weekend and she walks better and with more energy now than ever.

I think you are officially elderly when your realize the truth that 'you are as young as you feel'.

[Curt Harms]

"Elderly" is a function of physical & mental condition. Number of candles on the birthday cake has little to do with it as others here have stated. I've seen talk of social security raising the 'retirement age' from 65 to 67 and perhaps 70.

[John K Jordan]

So....How old do you think is elderly?

That's a bit like asking how much does a house cost!

I'm 67+ :). I know people more than 10 years younger who never exercised or took care of their bodies, one now needs a cane to get around. I can still race a teenager up the hill from the barn. (and I don't always lose!) I know people who never exercised their minds and can't figure out something complex if they had to. They are usually pretty good at watching TV though.

Your question made me think though and do some reading on the question. This article mentions that nobody likes to think of themselves as old or very old (the less socially acceptable synonym for elderly): http://www.npr.org/2013/03/12/174124992/an-age-old-problem-who-is-elderly. It states what we all know - elderly can be considererd a state of being, a "feeling" rather than an age.

One friend moaned and groaned when he turned 40. Good grief. When I turned 40 I looked in the mirror and said "Yes! I made it to 40!" I know plenty of people who didn't, even then.

JKJ

[Alan Rutherford]

In Florida it's 60. Among the many other benefits this entitles you to (none of which I am taking advantage of except the over-55 discount at a BBQ chain) is that if you are punched out by someone aged 59, that's Elder Abuse. I don't know if you have to lose the fight to invoke that.

I'd buy more tools if I had anyplace to put them. Having enough trouble finding the ones I have.

[Pat Barry]

Seems like many of you are creating a new definition of elderly. LOL
371188

[Steve Peterson]

You are elderly when you realize it is not worth the risk of buying green bananas.

[Jim Becker]

I don't think "elderly" has anything to do with age. oth my uncle and mother-in-law who turned 80 this year have slowed considerably in the last year or so. But both are better off than two of my mid-50's brother-in-laws though.
I agree with this. While I describe my 87 and 86 year old parents as "elderly" I do so because their health has declined considerably and therefore, the term seems to fit. But as others have observed there are many folks who are "up there" in years, yet through good health and a very active lifestyle, both appear to be and function like they are much younger..."elderly" doesn't come to mind when one observes these people. :)

I'm 60 1/2. Some days I "feel" elderly just because of aches and pains. :o Other days, I feel like I'm a decade or two younger. Time will tell... :D ...but I don't intend to limit myself over the next thirty years just because of my age.

So, yea...buy the saw. :)

[Mel Fulks]

Elderly means you are old ...but not smart enough to be a tribal "Elder".

[James Pallas]

Elderly is when you look in the mirror and see what other people think they see. I hope I never see it. North of seventy by a bit now, according to what I see they must think I'm in a costume or something.
Jim

[David Helm]

In a month and a half I will be 75. I think that elderly is older than me no matter what my age. When asked if I am old I usually respond "No I'm not old but I can almost see it from here", with emphasis on the ALMOST.

[Mike Henderson]

Elderly is when you quit buying green bananas.

Mike

[Bruce Page]

At 72 I'm elderly the first half hour or so after getting up, then my back gets used to being on my feet. I start to get elderly again about 7 or 8 in the evening after being on my feet all day. Mentally, I'm never elderly - at least not yet. Hope to have another 10 or so decent years.
+1 ^^
I turned 67 a few days ago and sometimes feel like Thomas. On the other hand, I go to a private insurance sponsored gym twice a week and I’m usually one of the youngsters.

I bought a 12k shop toy a few years ago, I don’t see myself doing that again.

[Mike Null]

The idea that one is "over the hill" is just the reverse. That would imply that everything is now downhill. It ain't--I feel like I'm going uphill all the time.

[Edwin Santos]

I'm pretty far from elderly, I think; so I can only speculate.
Seems to me, becoming elderly is one of those many bridges in life. If you haven't crossed it, you have no real idea what it's like on the other side. And once you have crossed it, there's no going back.

I agree with the comments that it's probably mostly a state of mind. If the notion is on your mind a lot, you're probably elderly. If the thought never occurs to you, you're probably not.

The fact that you're asking the question in relation to yourself might answer it, but I say get your table saw regardless and have a good time with it, old man:).

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

Mrs. is a nurse at the local hospital. The ward she works in, gets all the weird do nothings. Seriously, folks so obese, they can't walk, but smoke and do drugs. Folks who smoked to the point that they need constant oxygen just to keep their hearts alive and folks who overdosed on drugs and some of whom are due to drug induced brain injuries, now vegetables and quadriplegics in their 20's and 30's. One patient was confined to a wheel chair as a result of his drunk driving accident, and got caught selling drugs in his hospital room. These are the folks our tax dollars are being wasted on. Old before their time due to their own irresponsible behavior and now the schools and other programs go wanting so we can keep these prematurely elderly alive.

[Pat Barry]

Mrs. is a nurse at the local hospital. The ward she works in, gets all the weird do nothings. Seriously, folks so obese, they can't walk, but smoke and do drugs. Folks who smoked to the point that they need constant oxygen just to keep their hearts alive and folks who overdosed on drugs and some of whom are due to drug induced brain injuries, now vegetables and quadriplegics in their 20's and 30's. One patient was confined to a wheel chair as a result of his drunk driving accident, and got caught selling drugs in his hospital room. These are the folks our tax dollars are being wasted on. Old before their time due to their own irresponsible behavior and now the schools and other programs go wanting so we can keep these prematurely elderly alive.
Wow! Interesting point of view

[Stan Calow]

Unfortunately, its not you that gets you decide if you're elderly - its everyone else who decides what they consider you to be.

[julian abram]

I was a University student in the early seventies. I returned to the University in 2004 as an employee and immediately noticed how young the students looked. Now 13 years later I've been noticing how young the parents are look as they walk across campus with their kids, makes me feel kind of old at 64.

[glenn bradley]

Well Rick, that's obvious, 2 years older than you are, regardless of your age.:D

I'm with Rod. Old age is a year later every year I'm alive.

[Andrew J. Coholic]

I’m 47. I consider myself pretty young yet.
My father turns 87 next week. He still works a 6 hour day in the shop (on paying jobs not as a hobby), he just backed off from a full 8/9 hrs last year.

Is is he elderly? I guess. But he doesn’t seem like it to me.

Some of his buddies that retired at 65 or earlier, got what I’d consider elderly quickly and didn’t see too many years before passing.

I think it’s a state of being vs a numerical age.

[Mel Fulks]

My father turns 87 next week. He still works a 6 hour day in the shop.


Andrew , YOU sound like a real work a Coholic ! I hope he gets Birthdays off! And I will think of him as an inspiration .

[Mac McQuinn]

Elderly is when they have to spoon feed me, otherwise, keep moving forward.
Mac

[Wes Mansfield]

Elderly is always 30 years older then me!

[Rick Potter]

Thanks guys, actually I have been retired for 20 years, and busy, but my wife chose to hang on to help out her boss, and just retired in June. For 20years, I was a 'kept man'.

I already bought the saw, and am half way through putting it together. I think I have a few guilt feelings about it. Wifey leaves for a trip to Germany in a couple days, with other family members, so I think I can get over it.

I am selling my travel trailer, and unloading tools I actually don't need, but I still have three old cars to fool with as well as the shop. I am trying to get to the 'point and pay' stage of rental ownership, with a property manager for the most troublesome one, and soon the other two. This is our hedge against retirement costs. They have been a real blessing, despite the problems.

Hitting 50 didn't bother me, 65 was fine and I got a party, 75 is the first time I have really thought about it. Our daughter and her two kids 21 and 15 live with us, and I truly believe life would be boring without them. I have decided to postpone deciding if I am elderly till I am 80, then revisit the situation. My hope is to age gracefully.

[Arthur Fleming]

I’m 57 and just starting to learn woodworking as a hobby. While I don’t consider that as elderly, I am suddenly realizing that I am NOT young. Only 5 channels available on the tv, which had rabbit ear antenna. 8 track player in my first 4 cars. Only a black and white tv till I turned 19, and bought Dad a 19 inch RCA color set for Fathers Day. Missed the Vietnam war by only 3 years. There was no unleaded gas, there was only regular and high test. My first job paid minimum wage which was $2.65 in Massachusetts. In the temporary memory of the brain I knew I was 57, but it’s actually just in the last two months I’ve actually realized I’m 57, and how old that is. I swear I was in high school, what only seems like 10 years ago. I drive by what was open fields and remember all the football /baseball games we used to play there, and now the kids that grew up in the houses that got built there, have their own kids in school.
Do I feel elderly? NO! But it is starting to sink in that I’m not young any more. (I’m still refusing to grow up, but that’s another story LOL) Went back to school 2 years ago and got my Master Electricians License, mostly for ego, doesn’t do me any real good (well, so far anyways). I definitely don’t consider buffets as good a deal, as I used to. Neither of my parents made 74, that scares the bejeebers out of me. On the other hand I saw some of the bad vices they had and have stayed away from them, so maybe I got a chance. Have you noticed anyone replying to this thread in their 30”s? I think that just answering the thread indicates that there are some miles on the tires. On the other hand I’m looking forward to grandkids, learning how to be at least a fair woodworker, and seeing if the hair on top of my head, eventually catches up to the all white stache and beard. So to end this long screed, maybe I’m not elderly, but I think I will plead guilty to experienced.

[Jim Koepke]

If they are a decade older than me they are elderly. If they are a decade younger than me, then it is me that is elderly.

jtk

[James Pallas]

If they are a decade older than me they are elderly. If they are a decade younger than me, them it is me that is elderly.

jtk
You may be a little off Jim. When they are a decade younger they're just kids, a decade older they're in the prime of life and I'm sticking to it.
Jim

[Bruce Wrenn]

Turn 70 this month. Just spent 11 days in Hospital with pneumonia, despite having two different pneumonia shots. Counting the days till I can go back to work. I enjoy my work, I'm good at it, and most importantly, people pay me very well to do it. Might think about retiring ten years or so. Have a friend who will be 100 in January. Unfortunately, she has never fully recovered from hip surgery. Her leg gives way without warning. But she already waiting for the garden porn (seed cat.)to arrive right after Christmas

[John Terefenko]

Was thinking about this not that long ago myself. I am looking at it as my last opportunity to get all the projects on my to do list done before I check out. I am going to start tomorrow.:)

[Jim Becker]

Does this new shop and "work around the house" wardrobe choice make my elderly? :D

https://qwffqg-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y4mHZMiYCxPdiRFwWidssib30a3fVK7aPa3JaHSabtWMELZ-NcztlIFqSmm1eiCa3b9KKneNvx9wNTZ9tcXm_XodeIKw9YEZIg 34U3tHZDxeeqMFOE9Btut7aQc7Gq2dxz2CrKJHRE0Y0731NH8c EvoIU8pirvnAkmW8wdhCj4EE1m3Ip86feL9S5phFXmipBicVAi 7wOED6GkIiDXcfQVg2g?width=660&height=660&cropmode=none

[Matt Meiser]

LOL...I almost posted yesterday to say I was updating my definition to include wearing suspenders. My dad started wearing them right after he retired too.

[Thomas L Carpenter]

Jim, those do dads hanging from your belt show you are approaching "elderly". If you were not elderly they would be hanging from your lip, or nose, or ears!!!!

[Joe Bradshaw]

Interesting thread. I think that elderly is clearly a state of mind. I am 73 and my GF is 80. We both spend 3-5 hours a day in our shops. She is mostly a woodturner and carver, while I turn and carve and do some flat work. I think that as long as we can hobble to our shops, we will stay busy.
Joe

[Jim Koepke]

Heard an interesting related statement to this. The speaker said the first person who will live to be 150 years old is likely alive today.

jtk

[David Helm]

I’m 57 and just starting to learn woodworking as a hobby. While I don’t consider that as elderly, I am suddenly realizing that I am NOT young. Only 5 channels available on the tv, which had rabbit ear antenna. 8 track player in my first 4 cars. Only a black and white tv till I turned 19, and bought Dad a 19 inch RCA color set for Fathers Day. Missed the Vietnam war by only 3 years. There was no unleaded gas, there was only regular and high test. My first job paid minimum wage which was $2.65 in Massachusetts. In the temporary memory of the brain I knew I was 57, but it’s actually just in the last two months I’ve actually realized I’m 57, and how old that is. I swear I was in high school, what only seems like 10 years ago. I drive by what was open fields and remember all the football /baseball games we used to play there, and now the kids that grew up in the houses that got built there, have their own kids in school.
Do I feel elderly? NO! But it is starting to sink in that I’m not young any more. (I’m still refusing to grow up, but that’s another story LOL) Went back to school 2 years ago and got my Master Electricians License, mostly for ego, doesn’t do me any real good (well, so far anyways). I definitely don’t consider buffets as good a deal, as I used to. Neither of my parents made 74, that scares the bejeebers out of me. On the other hand I saw some of the bad vices they had and have stayed away from them, so maybe I got a chance. Have you noticed anyone replying to this thread in their 30”s? I think that just answering the thread indicates that there are some miles on the tires. On the other hand I’m looking forward to grandkids, learning how to be at least a fair woodworker, and seeing if the hair on top of my head, eventually catches up to the all white stache and beard. So to end this long screed, maybe I’m not elderly, but I think I will plead guilty to experienced.

t 57 I would call you young. Old doesn't start till way later.
A

[Mike Chance in Iowa]

How old is elderly? To me, elderly is a state, not an age. I think of "elderly" as the point at which people start to visibly show their advanced age - shuffling walk, shaky hands, frail, etc. Nothing wrong with that - it's just the way God made the world to work. All I can do is smile or nod respectfully and ask if they could use a hand. We'll all get there, if we're fortunate.

I think Fred sums it up. That is the way I look at people too. I have several "elderly" friends who are in their 60's and 70's because of the abuses they put their bodies through, while I have several "older" friends who are in their 80's and 90's who still have a lot to teach us youngsters.

In just a few years 1990 will be 30 years ago. When I think "30 years ago," I still think 1970.

[Curt Harms]

this thread reminded me of a youtubed presentation at a Kaiser Permanente (sp?) conference on aging. It's a little risque but I hope no one finds it offensive.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ LR2qZ0A8vic?rel=0

[Arthur Fleming]

t 57 I would call you young. Old doesn't start till way later.
A
I don’t feel old, but I don’t feel young anymore either. I’m sticking to my story, I’m experienced.

[Larry Frank]

I am mentally young but some of my joints are 100 years old according to my doctor. Of course some of my joints and other enhancements are only a couple of years old.

When I was 46, my doctor said I had the hip joints of a 75 year old. Thank God for replacement joints.

[Gordon Eyre]

I am 83 and working hard at staving off the elderly tag. Last month I completed an 8’ entertainment center, produced and posted to a web site one meaningful picture every day for 31 days straight, did all my own yard work, bought a new car, waxed it and cooked most of my own meals. I am definitely old but do not consider myself elderly. My dog who I walk at least two miles every day would probably agree.

[Rick Potter]

Gordo,

You are my hero.

Keep it up.

Rick P

[Andrew Joiner]

I am 83 and working hard at staving off the elderly tag. Last month I completed an 8’ entertainment center, produced and posted to a web site one meaningful picture every day for 31 days straight, did all my own yard work, bought a new car, waxed it and cooked most of my own meals. I am definitely old but do not consider myself elderly. My dog who I walk at least two miles every day would probably agree.

Good for you Gordon! I'm a lot younger than you and I got exhausted just reading your post.:)

[Andrew Seemann]

It's funny how that aging thing works. My dad is 77, took reasonably good care of himself throughout his life, and kept active. Last 3 years have been pretty down hill though. He and his wife just moved out of their house into senior housing. He's got something kind of like Parkinson's that apparently isn't and had to give up woodworking, daily walks, the accordion, and a lot of his other favorite things. Hard to watch the decline, but he has had many good years.

My mother on the other hand, is 8 days younger and just got back from a three week trip to Israel and Jordan with a six mile walk in and out of Petra. She finally decided to retire last year, but ended up working part time instead. She is in great shape and doesn't even have any grey hair. Go figure. For whatever reason, that side of the family ages slower than normal people; they all look and act 10-20 years younger than their actual age. Glad I take after that side:) I'd hate to have to act my real age!

[Frederick Skelly]

Does this new shop and "work around the house" wardrobe choice make my elderly? :D

Ummmmm........YES! :D

[Jim Becker]

Ummmmm........YES! :D

ROFLOL. I guess it does. That said, I haven't had to stop and re-jigger my clothing even once this week while doing my stairwell construction project in the shop. Not. Once. I'll take "the look" for the convenience it brings!

[Myk Rian]

You are elderly when you realize it is not worth the risk of buying green bananas.

Nominated for Quote of the day.

[Rich Riddle]

Research indicates older people say old age starts at 58.....my 58 year old brother agrees. That said, my 87 year old father who still works and has hobbies of woodworking and carving says he feels young.

[Randy Heinemann]

For me, buying a new table saw would accomplish more than just the shear enjoyment of using a saw that is better than my old one. More importantly, though (and I don't want to start a Sawstop discussion), is that you can buy a new saw which guarantees that, as you get older you won't cut your fingers off in a moment where you lose concentration. That's what I found the most comforting about my new saw. I'm not any less careful. I'm just less worried about an injury.

[Edwin Santos]

For me, buying a new table saw would accomplish more than just the shear enjoyment of using a saw that is better than my old one. More importantly, though (and I don't want to start a Sawstop discussion), is that you can buy a new saw which guarantees that, as you get older you won't cut your fingers off in a moment where you lose concentration. That's what I found the most comforting about my new saw. I'm not any less careful. I'm just less worried about an injury.

Ha! "shear enjoyment" in a post about table saw safety - well played sir.

[Chuck Wintle]

Having recently passed my 75th birthday, I got to wondering ....what is a senior citizen? I always assumed age 65, when you are expected to retire was the senior citizen threshold. Then kids at taco stands started offering me a senior discount when I was under 50. Hey, they said 'do you want a senior discount?', and I said 'YES, I'll take any discount I can get". Been asking for it ever since.

So, now that I am certainly a senior, I am wondering ......at what age do I become 'elderly'? My dad did pretty well until he was 80, then fell off rapidly, dying at 87. I hope to have another 5 pretty good years coming, God willing. Sometimes I wonder if I am foolish buying a new table saw right now, but hey, the wife said it was OK, then booked a trip to Germany.

So....How old do you think is elderly?
I have seen some people at 60 who think like the very elderly and some "old" who think and act young.

[Richard L Banks]

If you ask me, elderly is something that isn’t decided by your age but by your mental strength. My aunt, she was 79 when she participated in a marathon. She was very active and energetic. Now, that she is 90, she is experiencing some health problems. She is down with mild cognitive impairment. She is a strong woman. And she is managing herself pretty well. She doesn’t want herself to be a burden for anyone. So, she has been insisting on being admitted to some elderly care center. But we are not ready for that. She is very dear to us. But she is so stubborn that in the end, we all had to give in. So, we looked into it and found an amazing elderly care center that provides 24 hour home care, in Toronto. This way, both her and us can have a win-win situation. We can see her around and also make sure she gets all the care she needed.

[Rick Potter]

Hard to believe but true...

Had lunch at Wendy's yesterday, and asked for the free senior drink they have. The 40 something cashier said "you look too young to get a senior discount".

I needed a good laugh.

[Lee DeRaud]

Elderly is when you find yourself going to more funerals than weddings.

[Lee DeRaud]

I do have a few joints that could use some 3 in 1 oil though.If your joints are squeaking, you're rolling them too tight.

[Dave Zellers]

If your joints are squeaking, you're rolling them too tight.

Hi-Oh!!!!

Not that there is anything wrong with that...

[lowell holmes]

I am 81 and I walk 1 1/8 mile every morning. I have been doing it for years, maybe 15 years. I don't remember exactly when I started.

I read book about "fitness walking". My street is 1/4+ miles long. I don't hurt. I walk 4 lengths of the street.
I had minor heart attack. in 2001. I have no heart problem now.

I am not aware of any physical issues. Start walking daily, no matter how far you can walk initially.

Google "fitness walking".

[Rick Malakoff]

IMMHO It's the wood that keeps us young!
Rick