“I’m so old”

[contactme]

In a work environment, how would you respond to people who say to you “I’m so old”?

Context: I’m mid 20s in a good job, and work with people across different ages. Today alone, 3 colleagues have said to me that they feel old around me and I’m not sure how to respond.

I usually say “no you’re not!”, but it would be good to have a bank of responses I can use as it’s something I’m not sure how to respond to

I don't think I'd even reply, it's not a question and is just something people say.

If anything I'd be thinking what prompts them to say it. I caught myself saying it recently to my 17 year old niece when it became apparent I've become totally out of touch and had no idea what she was saying when it came to slang. It's just a self deprecating comment that slips out isn't it. I know I'm not actually old (mod thirties) and would not have been looking for her to reassure me of it. I doubt your colleagues of working age are actually old either, I'd just ignore it and move on.

How about "aging is better than the alternative."

Accompanied by a Paddington Bear hard stare.

Soooo many people seem to treat aging as a problem, when in fact it's a privilege that sadly so many don't get to experience.

I wouldn't know, old age is always fifteen years older than I am.

That will totally cheer them up, I'm sure

Beats the alternative!

‘YOU’RE ONLY AS OLD AS THE MAN YOU’RE FEELING HAHAHAHA’

No, don’t say that.

‘AS LONG AS YOU CAN PUT YOUR KNICKERS ON WITHOUT HOLDING ONTO THE TABLE YOU’RE FINE HAHAHAHA’

No, don’t say that either.

‘YEAH YOU ARE GETTING ON A BIT HAHAHAHA’

And don’t say that either.

’Saying that makes you sound old, when you’re not.’

😂😂

I do not know why people say this and it’s bloody irritating. People say this to me and were the same age.

i don’t say anything, maybe an eye roll if I can be arsed.

"Ooh yes, positively ancient - you'll be getting your bus pass soon!!"

That might work, depending on how well you get on with them of course

I'd just say "nonsense!" or "Well you don't look old" and change the subject.

People will stop saying it to you soon enough, when you pass thirty, and then you will say it to all the new twenty somethings when you are in your forties and they are looking to you for leadership and coaching. 😂

Oh God - I do that a bit with my 20-something colleagues! Note to self to stop it...

I'm in my 20's and I feel old too. Cries to self

I would just look blank

It’s daft thing for them to keep saying, and it’s hard to think of a helpful response.