Do boards like this make you feel old?

[anxiousnow]

Firstly I just want to make it clear that none of this is digger at anyone, I love reading the tips and advice on here and similar boards.
I have read a few posts lately that have made me feel old. My own feelings and reactions I know. Posts like am 'I too old for x'.... it hadn't entered my head that x shouldn't be worn or may be viewed by others as inappropriate. Or 'I wouldn't bother after 40' as if at 40 or x age something dramatically changes.
Does anyone else ever feel like this?

I know what you mean. I'm 42 and my own experience is that, if anything, I've got more confident (and more money) as I've got older to try new styles, new make up so I think the "don't bother over 40" sentiment is frankly bloody ridiculous and I can only assume it's people under 40 who don't appreciate yet just how much inner confidence shines through to how you feel about trying new stuff and looks. I get that this isn't everyone's experience but has been mine - and most of my friends'. My friends in their 40s have got their sh!t together, feel good and look fantastic as they know their style. I certainly don't hear this negative view in my day to day life: I only come across it online or if I stupidly click a Daily Heil link

Yup 'why bother?' is sometimes a sentiment on here and elsewhere but agree completely with pp about the inner confidence that reaching your 40s can bring! Personally I've never had the spare money until recently to spend on clothing, make up and beauty products as it has all gone on the kids. The same goes for most of my friends who are similarly enjoying a bit more money and free time from children! I'm loving this forum as have found out about some great products that I wouldn't have otherwise.

Certainly not!

I'm in my 50s and sadly do note from time to time an ageist approach of ascribing style/beauty only to the young. I think that is wrong.

I (and others) will often post to counter this; that's about your preferred look and people of any age can shop at any shop.

Very few clothing requirements are age related, except that maternity wear is only for the pre-menopausal.

And yes, there are also regular threads in 'Site Issues' asking MNHQ to be more consistent in deletion decisions over casual ageism on this site.

There are certainly some attitudes on these boards that are neither stylish nor beautiful.
I wouldn't say they make me feel old as I recognise that - in Mumsnetworld at any rate - I am relatively old and that's fine. But there's a visceral fear of age on here that does get me down sometimes. On the other hand, some posts are so idiotic, they make me laugh out loud.

Hmmmm, I think I find it most depressing when I come across posts suggesting once you're a mum you cannot/should not care about fashion and how you look because your life should just be about the kids.

I'm not over 40 though so I possibly font notice the casual ageism as much (even though I agree it's not on and shouldn't be tolerated).

On the whole I find the S&B boards to be really supportive and lovely. And most of the "am I too old for x" threads are met with a chorus of posters saying no, wear what makes you happy.

I am not even trying to suggest ageism. I agree that the 'am I too old to wear' thread are met with support. Often in a where what you like no one's business but the fact it is thought makes me feel old when it hadn't even entered my head not to wear x. I know that this is my own issue and really am not blaming any posters. Just wondered if others felt it too. Thanks.

I am not over 40 either btw. I am a busy Mum so maybe it is that.