Rules for being old

[TheFamousSix]

This is a bit mean spirited but I am writing myself a list of rules for when I am old based on the things I am struggling with regarding my own parents.

My list so far

Your kids do not care about your friends' illnesses (unless it impacts you eg your friend is dying or you are caring for them)

If you wouldn't say it to your daughter in law then don't say it to your daughter (eg judgement of parenting things)

Only offer food once, or twice max. It is not generous to offer a dozen times, just annoying.

Any others?

Don’t let your photo ID lapse (driving licence, passport etc), it’s a nightmare proving who you are without it
Do your best to keep up with the basics of technology, you can go to classes or pay someone to teach you
Keep up with your friendships or make an effort to forge new ones, don’t just rely on family to provide your social life

Mum had a load of china that DF (who was in the Merchant Navy) had brought back from his travels. I remember it being used when we were children and I still use some of it now every day. I'm still kicking myself that I disposed of the Kenwood Chefette he bought her. She was a marvellous cook and used it to make cakes for us.

So not crap.

My parents got married in 1932. We used their wedding present dinner set every day when I was growing up, although my mum preferred Pyrex casserole dishes to the tureens that came with it. Most of it survived, and is on my dresser in the dining room. Its Spode.

Well I think I’m officially elderly but sod that. I enjoy a Spoons pub as much as a fine dining restaurant. I still work but no more than a couple of days a week as a teacher/ invigilator. I can’t remember the last time I saw a GP. I enjoy holidays here and abroad, days out, coffee mornings, ladies that lunch and many other things.
I dread getting old, dementia, nursing home, infirmity and everything else that goes with it.
I hate being classed as elderly I’m not. If you are planning rules for the elderly then rule one is throw your rule book out.

At 64 totally with you

64 is far from elderly, it isn’t even retirement age. At 80, I suppose I’d be classed as officially elderly, although I don’t like the term. There’s a huge difference, I was still working at 64, part time. DH who is also 80 worked until he was 66.

When I was young I thought people who said 60 wasn't old were delusional. Now I am there I too think it isn't old.