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!

Am so happy to see there are some over 70's on this thread. Am mid 70's+ still mum to a 15 year old (don't ask) and caring for 3 adults with SN. Need to live life to the full.
Oddly all my friends are in their 50's hope they don't feel I am old fart! Good luck to all "oldies" long may we reign 😅😅

Age is a state of mind.
Ok, a bit trite, because even the most healthy person doesn't jump out of bed with as much ease as when they were 20.
It's also true that some people have dementia and that this is much more prevalent in older people.
Howver, 50s is certainly not old now. I will be working until 67 so time for a whole new career before then.
It's a shame we don't value the benefits of older people - basically life experiences, don't give an f any more and useful role as helping with younger members of their families. The elders were seen as a source of wisdom. But now there seems to be the cult of the young.

"If hospital beds are taken up by the elderly, what happens when the virus hits someone, say, aged 45 who could have been saved but the system is so overloaded, decisions can’t be made quick enough or we are back to the situation where people are left at home as long as possible?"

This is from another thread, re Covid.

While ageism is clearly alive and well this program explains quite nicely how decisions are made with regards to availability of ITU beds/ventilation etc.

I love that Dame Jenni quote - that really sums it up.

I like the where will the 45 the old go if the old people are blocking bed idea.Who will look after the 45 yr old if all the old(over 50)NHS workers aren't there.Its a huge part of the work force with masses of experience.
I'd love to have stayed at home during lock down but this 60 year old was doing 13 he shifts with all the other hard working old NHS staff .
However I don't see people switching to train as Drs ,nurses,physios etc in droves to allow us to retire.Most if us can't afford to until we're 67.

53 here, Work in Special Ed, have a disbled adult son, walk miles every day with my dog, am learning Italian and classical guitar and am going to be a Granny !
I quite fancy a life of leisure and coffee shops but hey ho, mortgage to pay. Not dead yet!

Over 50. Key worker in a fairly critical role, working full time. Still got one DC in school and one DC in uni (others are older). I am the only wage earner and we still have a mortgage.

I suspect if you lock up all over 50 women then Britain will grind to a sudden halt with a nasty grating noise...

I can't say I've noticed any ageism. Maybe cos I'm only reading topics that interest me. Nearly 60, youngest just started uni. Work full time and expect to continue (hopefully) for about another 10 years.

I've just eaten a whole bag of Werther's Originals. Because I'm over 60 and can do what I damn well like.

I’m 50 with a nine year old DD. It’s a cliche but I’m sure she keeps me feeling younger.
Practically, because of her, I mix with a younger age group than myself. Most of her friends mums are ( a lot) younger than me!

I quite fancy being locked down somewhere. The Caribbean might be nice.

I'm 54. I thought people my age were ancient when I was younger, and probably didn't even notice them much of the time. I remember, a few years ago, realising I'd become invisible /irrelevant to some younger people.

I'm over 50 and have an 11 year old DD and an older DS at university.

I also work as a childminder and did so right through lockdown.

I wonder if these people are aware of how many of the childcare sector are over 50? The childminders, preschool teachers, nursery nurses?
I wonder how they'll like having to work while looking after their kids again if we're all forced to isolate?

Agree with BengalCat .Whist drives and coach trips remind me of over 75s! I too am in my 50s and still have DC at home ,walk the dog for miles and when no Covid go to the pub for a few beers and a laugh with the quiz team!You are as old as you feel and I still feel about 35!

Katy .Good for you! I could do the same with My Bassetts Allsorts!

50here 2 at uni one doing an ib and dd1 in her first year as a NQT

There’s so many cool comments on here! It’s a real eye opener- was just beginning to wonder if I should feel old at 57 with 15 and 12 yr old.
Katy, you did make me laugh 😂

Oh congratulations midlifebaby! I’m sooo pleased for you.

58 year old here, big mortgage post divorce which I won't be paying off until my supposed retirement year of 67 although I hope to be working until 70.
Front line NHS worker, work full time, loads of NHS experience, I look after my elderly parents and 19 year old cat.
Permanently knackered.

I do like coach trips and retail outlets though

Turned 50 this year (and had to cancel my big party, as well as my first-ever holiday to the Caribbean ); work FT in a senior role; have lots of mortgage to pay off; youngest DC still in primary. I run, spin and weight lift and have a very active social life, and plan to do so for quite some time yet!

Early 50's, retired, like pootling around the garden and quaffing wine 🍷

@Popcornismandatory

that sounds lovely, I have 4 years and 8 months left ( not that I’m counting) I will do much of the same except divided between garden and allotment - raised beds only - no digging

How do you all have such boundless energy? I feel tired just looking at the mucky kitchen!

Drugs. It’s got to be drugs 😆