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!

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!

Checking in. In my early 60s, forgot to have children, I'm fitter than most 20 year olds, and highly economically active (higher rate taxpayer, and supporting the next generation, because I don't cost the state much).

MN has always been ageist; it's a very narrow-minded mindset of some younger women who tend to think the world revolves around their PFBs.

The ageist attitude of lock us up so the 'young' can get on with their lives has pissed me off, really pissed me off.

If you heard this morning's (Saturday's) Today programme on BBC Radio 4 ** this possible policy was completely trashed by both medical experts. Because we are a society and we all mix.

Which anyone with a modicum of common sense (and an ethical conscience) could have told you.

** I've been listening to Radio 4 since my teens, so it's not a middle-age thing.

Crap I didn’t think I was considered old until coming across this threat lol!

I’m 50, and a first time mum to a beautiful 5m old who is currently napping in my arms. I have to stay young, it’s not fair to her not to!!!

The doctor who said over 60s are more at risk of CV related complications and therefore should stay home is over 60! So take it up with him!

Just adding my voice for numbers, as I feel I’ve been ploughing a lone furrow in battling against the ageism which has been rife on here for many years prior to Covid. It’s cute if you’re 7 to think that a 17 year old is REALLY old - after that, not so much.

The thread which has been mentioned was actually a red herring as the idea of isolating the over-50s was just one of the many crackpot ideas doing the rounds, but I couldn’t let it pass when someone posted that we probably wouldn’t mind as long as we could get our shopping and prescriptions delivered!

Having worked hard on “the frontline” (who knew, we thought it was just work) for nearly 40 years I’ve no intention of justifying what I do now (though I would always accept a Werther’s Original along with any other form of confectionery if offered).

I'm over 50 and a teacher. Apparently I'm immune from catching it as schools are Covid safe. Lots of us are over 50 and not many people seem keen on schools closing. So not sure how this plan to lock us up helps.

I turn 55 in November, never been fitter in my life since late 40s, 2 kids one at uni one in high school, run my own business. I run around 80 miles a week, do lots of trail races (or did, pre COVID)and did last marathon in 3H30, also do sprint triathlons. I don't feel at risk as I'm fitter and much slimmer than other people my own age or a even a lot younger. I do take vitamin D supplement but not just for Covid.

Proud boomer here.

I do report posts that contain ageist slurs: "old biddy, old bag", etc and most have been addressed by MNHQ. Of course, it was necessary to mention that they had a reference in one of their publications to "old biddies on the bus." They did acknowledge that was inappropriate, and said it would not be repeated.

Ageist language is a very serious matter, even without outright slurs. Marginalization of older people creates and supports conditions and attitudes that foster elder abuse. Ageist attitudes and society's tolerance of them contribute to elder abuse, just as devaluation of women underpins violence against women. One of the reasons that language is so important is that words that devalue elders, especially women, reinforce the notion that they are "other" and lesser. These notions play heavily in elder abuse scenarios. "Boomer" used as a slur is the latest manifestation of this language of devaluation.

Covid has just made it worse.

There are so many inspiring women on this thread. I'm looking forward to working my way through this decade now

I’m just popping in to say I love this thread❤️

My mother is 80, has many interests and friends, still drives and loves to travel. She has been more chaffed at all the CV19 restrictions than I have. I will say she takes very good care of herself and is careful to use PPE when out.

@Midlifebaby

Crap I didn’t think I was considered old until coming across this threat lol!

I’m 50, and a first time mum to a beautiful 5m old who is currently napping in my arms. I have to stay young, it’s not fair to her not to!!!

Oh, now that is special, congratulations!

To the posters in their early 50s stating that they are young, current, fitter than ever etc, that is true and it's odd to put over 50s in one category. Just to point out though that over 70s and over 80s are still individual people worthy of respect and not a homogenous group of "oldies" with identical views. I know over 70s that are kinship carers for teenagers, over 70s that sit up all night on helplines and also peope that aren't in the best of health that don't fall into stereotypes. Each age group is made up of very varied individuals.

There are so many inspiring women on this thread. I'm looking forward to working my way through this decade now

I really enjoyed my 50s. I got to a point where I genuinely started not to care much about what other people thought of me and started live thinking life’s too short.

For an ingrained over-achieving people-pleaser it was so totally liberating!

Well I’m 65, so beat you all age wise! I work for the NHS so worked all through lockdown. Recently have reduced my hours to three days, but have to continue for a while longer (something called the rise in pension age!). In any case I like my job. I have three grown up children and two lovely granddaughters. My other half is retired but is very involved in all sorts of activities including volunteering with a food bank.

The over 50s are as busy as ever and contributing positively to society in lots of ways; don’t underestimate us!

Well I’m 65, so beat you all age wise!

I read a post from a 78 year old earlier in the thread.

Well I’m 65, so beat you all age wise!

'fraid not, Thomasina we've got some late 60s and 70+ on this thread I'm delighted to say

And yes paintedmsypole to this 70s and over 80s are still individual people worthy of respect and not a homogenous group of "oldies" with identical views

Hang on, I want to find, cut and paste something Dame Jenni Murray said. Back in a sec ...

Sorry @Thomasina79, you're not Mother of the Thread!

My Dm is a slim non smoking extremely active 74 year old with no underlying health issues, she's spent lock down packing and delivering food parcels and prescriptions in her local community as well as taking local people young and older to medical appointments, I know what she'd say to being locked up indefinitely while everyone else carried on!

Hi there love this thread 💕 mid 50s here and getting very fed up with attitudes on Mumsnet today so this is lovely.
Ageism on here is horrible atm and added to the general othering if anyone seen as weak.
I'm not ready to crumble yet, just started a new job at the top of my career and learning new things every day!

you have to consistently remind yourself that women are a vast range. There are many, many different stereotypes that fit our gender, so there is no stereotypical woman. But our sex we share
Dame Jenni Murray (aged 70 years 5 months)

@LaureBerthaud thank you so much for that quote from Dame Jenni. I listened to her last Woman’s Hour the other day with tears flowing. And that statement was a clue to why she was stepping down, sadly.

@MissMarplesGlove - when Jenni said "take it away, Helen" I couldn't stop the tears

Helen Reddy’s sing was the soundtrack of my teens.

Well I’m 65, so beat you all age wise!

I'm older than 65.

There are quite a few over 65s on this thread.