On Turning Fifty ...

[salymap]

I have many third generation cousins and they are surprised and pleased that I attempt to keep up with them at 82 and even, shock horror, send and receive emails.
My computer skills are very limited but I feel that the link is important to the ancient ones. Several cousins have wives who leave all the techie stuff to them but they may be glad of it one day.Ignore remarks about grey-surfers and encourage your great aunt or grannie to get stuck in.

[antongould]

Go for it SHB - it's in your genes after all.

I never agree with Lady Sidcup, but in this case I will - best wishes and best of luck SHB.

[Ferretfancy]

In his column in Guardian weekend, Tim Dowling, who is in his forties, stated --- "I switched from my policy of gradual self improvement to one of managed decline "

Fair comment I thought at the age of 77.

With this in mind, I have decided to get rid of my Naxos set of Piano Concertos by John Field, which I bought thinking they might improve my historical appreciation.

Well, they may have achieved their aim, but the music is vapid stuff, so out it goes. Sink into senility with less clutter, that's the way for me !

[teamsaint]

In his column in Guardian weekend, Tim Dowling, who is in his forties, stated --- "I switched from my policy of gradual self improvement to one of managed decline "

Fair comment I thought at the age of 77.

With this in mind, I have decided to get rid of my Naxos set of Piano Concertos by John Field, which I bought thinking they might improve my historical appreciation.

Well, they may have achieved their aim, but the music is vapid stuff, so out it goes. Sink into senility with less clutter, that's the way for me !

the one CD I have of these doesn't incline me to get the set !!

I have not long passed the half century....I need less clutter mostly, but I am increasingly hungry to increase my musical knowledge. In the time available, this tends to be at the expense of other things such as reading etc.

[Resurrection Man]

.....
Unfortunately sports centres (and society) often don't cater well for those of us who can no longer run or jump as much as we used to, and we become consigned to the slow lane in the pool increasing the isolation further. .....

Sadly that is where the sports centres will pigeon hole you and which I strenuously object to. The exercise trainers will look at you and immediately put you on a low plodding programme. I have no objection to that if that is all that you can do. But to automatically assume that that is the best you can do is (a) patronising and (b) unprofessional. Whenever I get the sense that they are being patronising then I go elsewhere.

The same can also be said, incidentally, of the attitude of many a salesman in PC World (not that I frequent the place, you understand, or if I do then it is in extremis).

[salymap]

In his column in Guardian weekend, Tim Dowling, who is in his forties, stated --- "I switched from my policy of gradual self improvement to one of managed decline "

Fair comment I thought at the age of 77.

With this in mind, I have decided to get rid of my Naxos set of Piano Concertos by John Field, which I bought thinking they might improve my historical appreciation.

Well, they may have achieved their aim, but the music is vapid stuff, so out it goes. Sink into senility with less clutter, that's the way for me !

I quite like the Hamilton Harty 'John Field Suite' which used to be played a lot. Attractive little pieces and notlong enough to bore you.

[Stillhomewardbound]

<<Whenever I get the sense that they are being patronising then I go elsewhere>>

That is the beauty of the online purchasing. Not an age issue, necessarily, but I was in a a specialist pro photography store in London yesterday and it was all I could do to hold the salesman's attention while I asked my not altogether ignorant questions.

What did it matter that I was not a Pro. I was £1,600 speaking. In time, I got my answers and ordered with another supplier when I got home.

I had a similar experience recently when ordering a new bike. Every shop I seemed to go to, the inclination of the staff seemed to be ... 'What? The KY69XXX?? Well, if it was me, see!' This Not the Nine O'Clock News gem says it all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSINO6MKtco

[Dave2002]

SHB

50 is OK, but you probably won't be offered seats on buses and trains until you pass 60. You might be surprised when that happens.

[johncorrigan]

Sadly that is where the sports centres will pigeon hole you and which I strenuously object to. The exercise trainers will look at you and immediately put you on a low plodding programme. I have no objection to that if that is all that you can do. But to automatically assume that that is the best you can do is (a) patronising and (b) unprofessional.

The issue in many ways has to do with the isolation, RM. Recently we've started a Walking Football session in the local Recy for guys who can't run any more but fancy playing team sport - same rules but you're not allowed to run. I can manage about 5 minutes running but can play walking footie for an hour and a half. What's interesting is that there are guys in their 70s coming who have the look of delight at having the ball at their feet again - some say the first time in thirty years they've kicked a ball. Some don't even know which way they're supposed to be facing but it doesn't matter. I think folk in the Recreation Centre are thinking this is a good idea - and for the guys involved, me included, it's about that need to make connections. Who knows where it's going, but it's creating a bit of interest locally.

[salymap]

SHB

50 is OK, but you probably won't be offered seats on buses and trains until you pass 60. You might be surprised when that happens.

It's when you aren't offered seats on buses because everyone seated looks just as old as you that you get fed up with trying to stay on your feet, holding onto that pole and shopping trolley.

I don't travel any more - if I can't walk to it, it's out of bounds.

[amateur51]

The issue in many ways has to do with the isolation, RM. Recently we've started a Walking Football session in the local Recy for guys who can't run any more but fancy playing team sport - same rules but you're not allowed to run. I can manage about 5 minutes running but can play walking footie for an hour and a half. What's interesting is that there are guys in their 70s coming who have the look of delight at having the ball at their feet again - some say the first time in thirty years they've kicked a ball. Some don't even know which way they're supposed to be facing but it doesn't matter. I think folk in the Recreation Centre are thinking this is a good idea - and for the guys involved, me included, it's about that need to make connections. Who knows where it's going, but it's creating a bit of interest locally.

Utterly brilliant,johncorrigan! A really simple idea that undoubtedly works wonders

[Lateralthinking1]

Yes. Thank you John for your two very positive contributions.

[Ferretfancy]

Before I had my knee joint replaced at the end of August, I suffered a lot of pain, but because of my youthful good looks I was never offered a seat on the tube, not even if I hovered over the Priority Seat which was usually occupied by a small boy while his mum stood. Since the operation I'm now walking as well as I ever did, looking and feeling even younger and good looking, and guess what ? I get offered a seat !

[Lateralthinking1]

Before I had my knee joint replaced at the end of August, I suffered a lot of pain, but because of my youthful good looks I was never offered a seat on the tube, not even if I hovered over the Priority Seat which was usually occupied by a small boy while his mum stood. Since the operation I'm now walking as well as I ever did, looking and feeling even younger and good looking, and guess what ? I get offered a seat !

Yes, as children we stood up for adults on the bus and now as adults we stand up for children. I am not sure who have been right on this matter - those who were considerably older than us or those who are considerably younger - although I have an inkling. It is without a doubt a metaphor for changes in the structures of our systems, including demographic. We have allowed it to happen. It is therefore unsurprising so many have been easily unseated in a myriad of unfortunate ways. Those approaching older age need to be on their guard for further shifting. The main question soon could be whether we should even be on the bus. If push comes to shove, I suspect we will all have to take to juggernauts and kettle it in. That should put an end to the ludicrous turntable game.

[Dave2002]

Yes, as children we stood up for adults on the bus and now as adults we stand up for children. I am not sure who have been most right on this matter - those who were considerably older than us or those who are considerably younger - although I have an inkling. It is without a doubt a metaphor for changes in the structures of our systems, including demographic. We have allowed it to happen. It is therefore unsurprising so many have been easily unseated in a myriad of unfortunate ways and those approaching older age need to be on their guard for further shifting. The main question could be whether we should even be on the bus. If push comes to shove, I suspect we will have to take to juggernauts and kettle it in.

I was offered a seat on a tube, and I was so surprised that I refused rather brusquely. Then I thought I'd been a bit hasty - so I did thank the person who'd offered me the seat as he got off.

PS: mrs d was on a very crowded train and saw a pregnant woman standing, so stood up to let her sit down. The seat was promptly occupied by a youngish man. This so infuriated mrs d that she pointed out that she'd not stood up for him, and she made him relinquish the seat again. mrs d is herself now over 60.