To ask over 50s to check in to show we are not a separate breed of Mumsnetters

[LaureBerthaud]

COVID has really brought out the ageism on Mumsnet! Over 50s are not an homogeneous group sucking on our Werther's Originals longing for the social centre to re-open so we can resume whist drives and coach trips to outlet stores with a nice cafe attached!

I'm mum to DC who's taking their GCSEs next year and I will have to continue working to support them through uni and because I enjoy working AND I have a mortgage!

So stop trying to lock us down - the economy needs us as taxpayers and consumers!

I feel Werthers are getting an unfairly hard time here.

Whilst I have never bought a packet, I have to confess I never say no when my mum hands them round.

I’m 53 work full time as a children’s social worker, 3 adult children and one teen doing GCSEs. I also care for elderly parents.
Casual ageism is often in evidence on Mumsnet, but then it is in the real world too.

55, half divorced, working full time in the NHS, new boyfriend & having more fun than I've had in years (within the lockdown limitations, natch)

Ridiculous @LaureBerthaud

56 here. Two children at university that I am supporting. Full time job running a large business. Two horses that I keep at home and a very big dog keep me fit. Have already had covid, caught it travelling for business before lockdown. Still standing.

54, two adult DCs, one still at home, and tells me he may never leave!
Work with 'girls' mainly younger than my DCs. They celebrated with me when I met my lovely DP 2 years ago- they finally persuaded me to try OLD after my divorce.
Have the GCs one day a week to help with childcare costs. Have often swapped skinny jeans with DD and she nicked my bikinis when she was pregnant.
Not ready to be written off just yet, even though my younger dsis dragged me to bingo this evening...

Oh, and I had COVID in March, DD had it worse than I did but we're all ok.

I'm almost 53 and work 12 hour shifts in the care sector.i have a 16 year old in 6th form and will be working for many more years to pay the mortgage..i don't consider myself old as the people I look after are mostly in their 90s..

Well into my 50's here, I'm working, main wage earner. I'm a nurse, last child still at home year 11 so getting ready for GCSE's

I'm not quite 50 but not a million miles off. Came on to say I agree ageism is rife, in general, everywhere. I pull people up on it these days.
It also infuriates me that mumsnet sticks menopause stuff on gransnet - nowt wrong with being a grandparent but many of us will be in our 70s when that happens, not of typical menopausal age of 50ish!

57 here. Sole earner in household and another 10 years I think til retirement is even an idea. Not ready to curl up and die yet as would quite like some retirement first thanks.

I hate the way I'm targeted by ageist advertising on the internet. Hearing aids, laser eye surgery, menopause, osteoporosis, funeral arrangements

Coming up for 50 in a few months . Driving fast cars for the Met , still out there on a response team and I can still outrun some of the young whippets ( albeit over a distance !) . And still fight my corner if required , and win. Although my favourite sweeties in the car are tangfastics , not werthers !

Elderly my ass .

52 year old checking in. Very early retired following overseas relocation for DH's job. Do like watching Escape to the Country, though, reminds me of the motherland. Not too partial to Werthers but will bite your hand off for some decent chocolate.

I’m 50 in April. I have a big mortgage, my own business and two kids aged 11 and 14. I need to be healthy to look after them plus my work pays for DS1 who is HFA and dyspraxic to go to private school and have extra tuition. I am fat though...
Mind you, we have all had Covid and apart from my 11 yr old who had zero symptoms, I had a minimal illness compared to my younger DH was had it for 4 months and DS14 was nearly hospitalised despite having no underlying health conditions.

And my favourite hobby is going out on the piss with my younger friends. 😁

51 here night shift worker with 2 dds in their early 20s. Currently sat outside having a breather from wearing a mask all night.

50 and so not ready to be put out to pasture. Youngest child is only 11. Single parent so my wage is essential in keeping the wolves at bay. Happy life, good friends, lots to enjoy. I have plans for when youngest leaves home!

50 and 1 day, and still wondering when I'll feel like a grown up!

@LimitIsUp

52 with a 16 year old and an 18 year old. I am not ready for beige slacks and Hotter shoes just yet

Another 50+ here

And whilst I'm normally a jeans and trainers person , I reserve the right to wear beige slacks and hotters if I choose !

Found myself single at 48, kids older and independent, so retrained as a police officer this year (I'm now 50). Would have been continuing to rediscover my social life if COVID hadn't come along and got in the way! I'm definitely not ready to give up yet.

53 single parent to DD 11. I've lost my job to coronavirus, so they better not bluddy lock over 50s away! I'm looking for work as the mortgage doesn't pay itself!

I haven't seen the ageist threads but am sick to death of the constant 'sad face' articles about how terrible it is for the young; how awful that they have to give up their london rented flats and go and live back at home with mum and dad. I'd LOVE to go 'home' and have a roof over my bed I don't have to be responsible for!

It's not a competition to see who has it worst... but seriously, the young have YEARS to get back on track. The over 50s are trying to get mortgages paid off and pensions to a reasonable level. Locking us away stops us doing that. We will be a WAY bigger burden than they think we are now when we have nothing left to pay for our care homes or pensions!

I am very well over 50. I do not feel old at all. I still do everything I ever did when I was younger, apart from jumping off walls, and doing handstands :)

59. One DC at uni, one in 6th form. Working full time in my third career having retrained at 49.

Think I will need to work til 65 or 66 but then plan to go to uni and do a degree using student loan to tide over til state pension tops up work ones.

Meanwhile walking, swimming, yoga to try to live that long!

52. Worked full time in London, lived overseas, DC just started Uni.

Don’t like Werthers, horrid non chewy things masquerading as toffee