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!

😂 that made me laugh!

Boundless energy? In my late 50s I feel more energetic than 20s because I don't have 3 children under 4 whilst working full time with 2 hours commuting into London a day and up half the night breastfeeding. I have never felt as tired as then. I had that in my 20s.

Even just looking at today - I woke early - still almost dark so decided to go back to sleep as no much on today as it's Sunday. I woke at 8.20am (I went to sleep about 11pm) so that is probably at least 9 hours sleep may be a bit less as I had woken in the night which is lovely, perfect, loads. I never wake to an alarm clock now as I work from home and go to bed around 10 or 10.30 every night so always get all the sleep I want. That is one reason for feeling much better than in my 20s - 40s. (I have worked from home since 1994 although have gone out to endless meetings, conferences etc too over that time).

The second reason is the children are older. I only have one here today who I just woke at 9am as he is doing an on-line mock exam this morning. I did clear a plate from his bed room but compared to 5 small children which we used to have it is dead easy. That is another reason I feel good (and I don't smoke or drink and am only just over NHS recommended maximum weight although I would like to lose some but I am not so large it makes me tired).

51 here, 3DC one still in primary. Just about to start a new job and on the whole fitter and healthier than I was a decade ago because whilst juggling teenagers, a new baby and parents with serious health issues I’ve managed to get through the menopause without realising and the majority of those peri problems have disappeared. I’m hoping my 50s will be my best decade yet.

I have loads more energy because I can sleep as much as I need. I work a late shift, not usually starting before four pm, which means I don't get to bed before midnight but don't need to wake up to an alarm.

And, like a pp, I no longer have small children hanging on every limb, waking me throughout the night, having to sit up late to pick up from house parties or just waiting for them to get home safely.

Grown up children, having enough time and sleep and having the physical capability to take up running again, all means that I am fitter and in better nick than I was thirty years ago, when I was thirty.

I'm in my early 50s, single parent with two dc with additional needs aged 10 and 12. Certainly not about to stop working any time soon!! I'm also fitter than I've ever been - over lockdown I gave up drinking and I exercise most days even if it's just half an hour of yoga in my bedroom.

You are all an inspiration! Shall dig out the old yoga mat again. Had some treatment which has made me get very exhausted very quickly, but obviously that’s no he way forward. Adrienne on you tube beckons!

Agree with pp at 58 I feel better than I did at 28

I'm 58 and have two school aged kids. Though I have to say i have not seen any over 50 discrimination on here.

Early 50's, 2 adult daughters and a grandchild and then a 12 year old DD.
Working full time and was furloughed but not my choice. Been back ages now though.
Better social times (in normal times) than either adult daughter! 12 year old actually wins though!

Great to hear of over 50 fitness - trying to build mine at 59. Great thread.

I’m 58 and still got all my marbles!

Maybe not actually, I’m 59!!

My head would tell you that I'm 37 , I do high impact aerobics, love satirical dramas/plays
Love long walks, and love playing with children in the floor.
I'm actually 56, hate being on the floor, struggle to get up, fade quite early at low impact aerobics, struggle to remember characters in plays/tv etc... hate walking.
Bugger .

OP, I think you've scared them
the itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny,
celery-eating,
girlish meanies!

@1Morewineplease

My head would tell you that I'm 37 , I do high impact aerobics, love satirical dramas/plays Love long walks, and love playing with children in the floor. I'm actually 56, hate being on the floor, struggle to get up, fade quite early at low impact aerobics, struggle to remember characters in plays/tv etc... hate walking. Bugger .

In my head I am still the same as I ever was but I'm actually 65, and still as vital as ever.

OK my eyesight is not so good, but I'm fit and healthy, and can do everything I used to. I get more tired physically but I have lived a life and feel qualified to be able to offer advice on many subjects because I have experienced lots of things, some not so good but hey that's life.

I’m 52, with 2 children at school and 2 at university. I cook meals from scratch, walk the dog every day, own my own home, have a good network of friends in real life, worked through the last lockdown and then landed my dream job in the summer.

After a long spell as a sahm I did find it hard to get back into the workplace and it felt like ageism was partly to blame - so I set up my own (small) business. It was a steep learning curve but I am proud that my computer skills now outweigh my children’s!

Well over 50, single parent, working and supporting offspring. Still active in mind and body, and dislike the implications that we are past it.

Hello

This is my last day of being under 50, but can I join?

My youngest child is still in primary school. I work full time hours in 4 days a week. Run 5 k a few times a week. Wild swim a few times a week. My last thirties and 40s were all about pregnancy and childcare. Now the dc are a bit bigger and independent, I’m really looking forward to the next decade.

Over 60. Retired. Look after very ill (adult) dd. Do voluntary stuff locally. Don’t do outlet centres or werthers!