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!

*birth certificate 🙄 not birthday

Well over 50 here - and still think (and behave - when my body will let me) like a 25 year old. All very well the 'youngsters' saying 'lock them down and we'll get the economy moving' but it is the older ones who have the spare cash! We'd paid off our mortgage before DH turned 50 - we aren't well off by any stretch but were just careful and prioritised. Now we are reaping the benefits.

*Waves. All marbles still present and correct here.

Agree that ageism is alive, well and apparently fine on MN. Do these people show the same contempt for their parents? If so, then unless there's a backstory it's very sad.

How lovely to see so many replies - I thought all over 50s would be out mall-walking (there is such a thing) without your masks on

Mid-fifties here, teen DD in secondary school. If Gransnet is less sneering than MN is at the moment, I'm in! Apart from some threads that I'm on I'm steering clear of most of MN just now, I can recommend that tactic (unfortunately).

I’m 52 and re-training for a new career. I’ve still got lots to offer, and as much as I adore young people I’m not ready to be put out to pasture!

I feel like everyone here is justifying their existence by trying to prove how much they do for others. You have the right to exist, regardless of how much you contribute to society.

I’ll be 50 in two years and I would say to people in their 30’s, you’ll be 50 in what will seem like the blink of an eye. And you’ll be the same person. Some of you might even be better...I certainly am.

I'm in my 70s. Ageism is the only 'ism' tolerated on here.

I’m almost 50. My mortgage runs till I’m 68, the year in which I will get my state pension. I work full time, in a professional job, which I will stay in till I retire, as long as it’s still there for me. The last two colleagues who retired from the same role were 70 and 72. It’s a role where experience and knowledge make you better at it. I work in the public sector, doing a job that society deems useful and necessary. My husband’s situation is similar.

We have no children, take nothing from the state, contribute all our tax and national insurance, and use our significant disposable income on UK holidays and helping to keep our local economy going.

Clearly we are a blight on society.

I've been shocked at some of the comments on MN admittedly. 51 here, single mum to a primary age DS who has ASD/ADHD/SPD. I am currently being treated for breast cancer but nearly out the other side. Otherwise very fit, daily exerciser and I love fashion. Wear what I love as opposed to what some may consider "age appropriate"🙄. Eldest DD doing a fashion degree. I have a very full life thanks very much! I miss my friends, family and going out and can't wait until that can resume again! Far from past it yet

59 here! Run 30 miles a week with my dog, work two jobs (one is writing books, so at least I can do it sitting down), five adult children.

Because I'm single and in a job (not the writing one) that can't be done from home and is frontline, customer facing, I HAVE to work. I don't work and there's no food, no bills paid and the dog will be out on the streets. And nobody wants that for a cute little doggie, do they?

Over 50 here too, just 'retired' early (worked through the pandemic) from a front line role and was looking forward to doing all the things we have saved to do...

Still very active and support elderly MIL who is recovering from cancer and (younger) SIL with MH issues.

Certainly would not want to be 'locked up'

@LaureBerthaud

How lovely to see so many replies - I thought all over 50s would be out mall-walking (there is such a thing) without your masks on

No, I'm busy decorating the spare room (after work!) - D'you think I should even be up a ladder!! 😲

I'm here!

52, work full time and still have mortgage. One child working and one on an apprenticeship- I'm certainly not going to be written off yet!

Signing in, although I have to admit to a sneaking love of Werthers Originals and garden centres

Also, LaureBerthaud, I'm surprised anyone would have the neck to be ageist towards you, given your hard-nosed Parisienne crime-fighting expertise

I’m 55, working and finishing a PhD. Young adult children. Completely agree the ageism and lumping all together of anyone over 50 is awful on here and that saying ‘old hag’ should not be tolerated. It happens too often.

56 here, and until this all put an end to employment for me, I had 2 part time jobs in Early Years and my own small business delivering pet therapy in care homes.

I walk my dogs daily and did yoga classes until they stopped because of Covid as well.

Don’t write us off yet ☹️

I'm mid 50s would say two independent young adults but coronvirus fucked that so now they both unemployed and I'm helping them when l can. I work full time in a care home and DP in a supermarket so our working lives not changed at all. I don't think 50 old at all.

68. Currently a caring for my very ill 25 year old daughter and her toddler. I’d love to find the time to sit down and chill with a packet of werther’s originals.

52, still living life.
12yo DD, work PT, yonks left on the mortgage.
I think I've still got plenty to offer society. I'm wise, but open to learn new things.

I also have 5 children aged 17 up to 30 so one more to see through university

I’m here! I’m 51 🙂 have 5 children youngest is 12. I work early mornings picking shopping for a supermarket home delivery service 🙂

I run several times a week and do lots of races each year in normal times 🙂 big fan of chocolate cake before and beer and burgers afterwards!

51 here, 11 year old DS, just started year 7 at High school. Conquered C25K during lockdown, now running 5k every other day. Had retired early (sold business), but about to buy another in about 5 weeks time.
You can count me out of the garden centres, but if there's any Werther's Originals on offer, I'm in!

52 next month, work p/t in a special school.
Dds aged 19 and 22 both at home.
V lazy apart from walking my lovely dog