Fifty Plus (50+) - What age is the beginning of "old"?

This poll is for 50+ members.

Okay - one of our 50+ members has stated that "55 is the beginning of old."

Do you agree?

Just what age is the beginning of "old," if any?

Now, this is just for fun. Don't take it seriously. :D :D

There have been a few "OLD" times in my life, but I got over it. Proof that Age is in the mind. 2105 total miles for the year. Tried out my new (used- 2001) Lemond BA that arrived UPS today! Yea Hah!!!

There have been a few "OLD" times in my life, but I got over it. Proof that Age is in the mind. 2105 total miles for the year. Tried out my new (used- 2001) Lemond BA that arrived UPS today! Yea Hah!!!

I've got you beat! :D 3468 miles so far this year , and I LOVE my Lemond BA and so will you!

I think we could come up with a nice index:

(total miles for year) divided by (100 - nearest age)

My index would be:

3468/(100-65) = 99.08

I don't have a clue what is shows or proves, but it is kind of fun!

I've got you beat! :D 3468 miles so far this year , and I LOVE my Lemond BA and so will you!

I think we could come up with a nice index:

(total miles) divided by (100 - age)

My index would be:

3468/(100-65) = 99.08

I don't have a clue what is shows or proves, but it is kind of fun!

I'm right behind you, with 3268 miles for the year!

As for the age question...it's a simple calculation:

Old = [Your Current Age in Years] + 10 :D ;) :D

I'm right behind you, with 3268 miles for the year!

As for the age question...it's a simple calculation:

Old = [Your Current Age in Years] + 10 :D ;) :D

I see you voted "60"

Man, you really know how to hurt a fellow! Thanks a lot! :eek:

I see you voted "60"

Man, you really know how to hurt a fellow! Thanks a lot! :eek:

Yeah...my bad. I should have read down to the end...if I had, I would have voted for the last one (you're only as old as you feel). But, hey, you're still 200 miles ahead of me!

Yeah...my bad. I should have read down to the end...if I had, I would have voted for the last one (you're only as old as you feel). But, hey, you're still 200 miles ahead of me!

One of the signs of "old" is failure to completely read instructions!

I voted for -- I am 50+ and old is in your mind. When you think your are "old," you are then "old." --

Age hasn't been a big deal to me...so far.

Older than what....dirt? 55 is NOT the begining of old. I have not been in this good of shape since I was in my 20's. Losing weight and riding are the main factors in keeping me this ........"old".

Older than what....dirt? 55 is NOT the begining of old. I have not been in this good of shape since I was in my 20's. Losing weight and riding are the main factors in keeping me this ........"old".

I'm in better shape than I was in my 20s. What's sad is that I'm in better shape than a lot of guys in their 20s. Even worse is that I'm not in that great of shape.

Some days I do feel old. That only happens on days I don't ride. Riding= youth.

Old is older than me! :D

Life expectancy in The United States is 77 years. That means that at 55 years of age you have alot more behind you than ahead of you. You're getting old. You sure aren't new.

Such thinking as "you're only as old as you feel" is wishful thinking and displays the modern American middle-class penchant for ignoring inconvenient facts behind a smokescreen of cheer, good fellowship and empty optimism. As though impersonal facts can be changed by having a proper personal attitude. Doesn't work.

Such an attitude also betrays an immature and shallow feeling that there's something wrong with being old, that's it's something to be ashamed of and so vigorously denied. Since one has no control over one's age I don't see why one should be ashamed of being old or interested in denying it.

Some day's I feel older than others , although I recovered quickly from my accident( 10 weeks to start cycling again & 14 to resume full duties at work) ,some days my leg realy aches after a hard shift at work & I know I'll never be able to ride with the same strength as I did pre-crash .Although I'm very happy that I can still cycle & work at my old job ,I know that if I was 20yrs younger I would make a fuller recovery!
Not to worry though I'm looking to change out my inner 42 c/ring for a 39, should help me up those hills I've been avoiding :o
I think if we think young we'lle stay younger a bit longer :beer:

To me old are any one 10 years older than me. Young are those 10 years younger than me! I am now 74 so any one more than 84 is consider old, those under 64 are just kids.

Such thinking as "you're only as old as you feel" is wishful thinking and displays the modern American middle-class penchant for ignoring inconvenient facts behind a smokescreen of cheer, good fellowship and empty optimism. As though impersonal facts can be changed by having a proper personal attitude. Doesn't work.

Such an attitude also betrays an immature and shallow feeling that there's something wrong with being old, that's it's something to be ashamed of and so vigorously denied. Since one has no control over one's age I don't see why one should be ashamed of being old or interested in denying it.

I think you have this wrong Sir! DnvrFox asked what is Old, he also asked our age. The 2 are completely separate.
As admitted, I have 'old' days. As Dnvr points out in many posts, he meets alot of Young People in their later years.
I have NEVER been ashamed to say my age is years. But, I am sometimes sadden to see folks my age start to give up on life and finally reach a state of giving up the thrill of living. That is my definition of Old. It cannot be measured in Years. It is found in the mind. Some of the 'Oldest' people I have ever seen have reached it at quite an early age.

For some reason, we are getting folks not even 30 yo voting on this poll. One was born in 1976. Therefore, it sort of defeats the purpose of finding out attitudes of those 50+, and skews the results a bit.

Why someone who is not 30 would like to claim they are 50 is beyond me - and then they vote that 50 is "old."

Must have an "old" complex! :D

Life expectancy in The United States is 77 years. That means that at 55 years of age you have alot more behind you than ahead of you. You're getting old. You sure aren't new.


Wrong. Life expectancy at age 55 is 26 years (81 yo).

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr52/nvsr52_14.pdf

Yes, everyone living in the world is "getting old." The alternative is death.

That was not the question. The question was what is "old" - implying what is the view of the each 50+ yo members as to when they formally get "old" in their own eyes.






Such thinking as "you're only as old as you feel" is wishful thinking and displays the modern American middle-class penchant for ignoring inconvenient facts behind a smokescreen of cheer, good fellowship and empty optimism. As though impersonal facts can be changed by having a proper personal attitude. Doesn't work.



There are optimists in life and there are pessimists.

Personally, I find that as I think of myself as "younger" I do more things, am more active, and expect more of myself. For example, at age 65, I am in training for an entirely new career. I wouldn't do that if I had the mindset that I was old.

Denvr-----OK, I see if your'e already 55 you should make 81. That means that at 55 one is 2/3s done.

Now I'm not a pessimist, simply a realist. Time passes without regards to one's attitudes. And once so much time has passed one is old. Some things exist objectively. You can't "attitude" that passage of time away.

I don't go around thinking of myself as an old guy but I must admit that I'm getting old if asked. Just this year 2 of my friends had heart troubles and a third died from a stroke. This kind of thing wasn't going on around me when I was young.

Anyway have a great time being a healthy, creative, well-balanced old guy.
;)

Age is a state of mind. I see people in their 50's who go out and grab the gusto everyday. Then I see people in their 50's who have already given up.

I believe the mental is just as important as the physical. If you think you can you probably can. You may not always do it, but if you do not try you'll never know!

Denvr-----OK, I see if your'e already 55 you should make 81. That means that at 55 one is 2/3s done.



No, one is 2/3rd's started! Goodness - your glass is certainly half-empty!





And once so much time has passed one is old.




The question is - Just how much time is "so much time?" You and I see this entirely differently. Who in the world decided it was "55?"






but I must admit that I'm getting old if asked.

Just this year 2 of my friends had heart troubles and a third died from a stroke. This kind of thing wasn't going on around me when I was young.



I NEVER admit I am getting "old." To do so puts the person asking in a mindset that I am becoming incompetent and am ready for a rocking chair. Instead, I ask them if they would like to accompany me on a 30 mile bike ride. They always say "NO."

Yes, people get sick - both young and old. But the fact that my friend may be sick or dying does not make ME old.

I'm curious? Is your attitude about "old" similar to your attitude about other things in your life?

As I see it, I have two choices:

1. I can look at life as almost "done" and program my attitude and actions on that premise; or

2. I can feel that I still have 30 or more years to go (my mom is 91 and going strong) and act as if I am 30 or 40 and have a lot of fun, finding new experiences around the corner, new opportunities, new challenges.

I choose the 2nd option.

Denvr-----OK, I see if your'e already 55 you should make 81. That means that at 55 one is 2/3s done.
AND YOUR POINT PERTAINING TO OLD IS???

Now I'm not a pessimist, simply a realist. Time passes without regards to one's attitudes. And once so much time has passed one is old. Some things exist objectively. You can't "attitude" that passage of time away.
PARDON ME WHILE I FAAART ... THERE I FEEL BETTER

I don't go around thinking of myself as an old guy but I must admit that I'm getting old if asked. Just this year 2 of my friends had heart troubles and a third died from a stroke. This kind of thing wasn't going on around me when I was young.
WHEN I WAS 22, I SAW MANY A PERSON DIE - SOME GOOD FRIENDS. EVEN HELPED A FEW UNKNOWNS ALONG (RVN). AFTER A YEAR OF THIS I RETURNED TO USA AND THAT'S WHEN I FELT THE OLDEST I HAVE EVER FELT. ODD- EVEN STILL TODAY IT WILL AFFECT ME IF I LET IT. AND I WILL NOT TRY TO ASK IF YOU HAVE EVER VISITED A CHILDRENS CANCER WARD.

Anyway have a great time being a healthy, creative, well-balanced old guy.
;)

Now- being sincere, all kidding aside, I see were you may be and feel somewhat sorry for you. And I don't mean that as an insult. I tried to touch upon this in a 'special question for 50+ thread'. I find that my friends become limited as I grow older. Why? Cause most of them - I just can't stand their attitude. Most complain of aches and pains and 'ohhhh' I ate too much, and 'damn its hard getting old" as they sit on the rocker on the porch, smoking a cig and popping another tab off a beer can. I find that the folks I seek out to enjoy life with are those who see the positive side of life. Yes - the price of living is extremely high. And one day I will be called upon to pay the price.
But - complain about getting old in front of me and I will remind you of the many who did not take the initiative to enjoy what life remains and prolong it as long as possible. Old in years - perhaps. Old in Spirit - NEVER!

I think 50 is old, but I think all 50+ year-olds are way older than me.

I think 50 is old, but I think all 50+ year-olds are way older than me.

:rolleyes:

One too many beers before posting?

The poll was for those 50+! The other voter who selected "50" is only 28!

Did you fail to comprehend the instructions? I know they were pretty complicated.

Here is the poll question that you and Raiyn answered:

I am 50+ and think that 50 is the beginning of "old" - - Raiyn, Richard Cranium

Was the "50+" the difficult part to understand?

And the correct grammar is:

" . . . are way older than I" - (not "me").

Surely you can find another forum in which to play!

Let me state one more thing and I'll let this go; I don't mean to be a pest.

I don't think that the recognition that one is getting old means that one must start slowing down or that one's attitudes should be determined by one's age.

On the other hand I fail to see how simply recognizing that one is getting old will make one change his attitudes either. It seems to me that some of you folks think you have to deny being old in order to avoid acting old, whatever that means to you, somebad bad evidently.

I, on the other hand, have no preconceived notions of what acting old is supposed to be or how one is supposed to feel when old. I'm the same fella I've always been, just older.

I don't think that the recognition that one is getting old

For me there is a great difference between "getting old" and "being old."

We are all "getting old" - even a newborn. None of us can fail to recognize that.

"Being old" is a state of mind that I do not entertain.

And, everything else being equal, I will live 7.5 years longer with my attitude then you will:

http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/positive.htm

But, I think this will never be resolved.

So, have a great day!

I, on the other hand, have no preconceived notions of what acting old is supposed to be or how one is supposed to feel when old. I'm the same fella I've always been, just older.

Ahhhh - now we start to think alike. And a good day to you sir! Sincerely hope many good rides in your future.

This one is easy. "Old" starts about ten years older than whatever age I am.

Seriously, though, I know I don't heal as quickly as I did twenty years ago; I'm physically less flexible; I have some complaints that come with the mileage on my body. But in everything else, I was an idiot then (OK, I was even more of an idiot then). In fact, the case could be made that I'm younger now than I was in my thirties: I'm in better physical shape; I'm more flexible in every other way than physical; I'm willing to try more stuff; I'm more openminded generally.

We get a series of gains and losses in life. It's too simple to say that "when one door closes, another opens"; the door that opens may lead to a place we'd rather not go! Maybe I've just been lucky enough to be satisfied with what I have. But my life is good, and it looks like it will continue that way.

This Gene that rides with us once in awhile..He is 80 and amazing. Climbs better than many 30 years younger.

I was "old" when I was 40 lbs heavier and not riding, now I have lost a lot of those years along with the weight. Just remember youth is wasted on the young.

The secret of staying young while you grow old is to be in denial of aging. But, that is getting harder every year because the body keeps getting better at reminding the brain of what is happening to all of its parts.

Old is whatever age you happen to be when you think that being a certain age is what makes you old. To put it another way, you don't stop riding your bike because you get old, you get old because you stopped riding your bike.

Old is when you can't get out of the bed in the morning, or don't want to get out of bed in the morning. I am one of the lucky ones (so far) staying reasonably healthy. 6600 kms this year and a 2 hour 40 minute triathlon. My wife struggles with RA every day. She loves to cycle but is often limited by her health. I think that maintaining a positive attitude is the most important factor in feeling young....er!
Hockey

One can be old and feel young. I feel better than I've felt in years but don't need to bullsh*t myself that I'm young to do it. I've always thought that to bullsh*t yourself was a bad thing, yet here I find people who think it's a virtue and beneficial. That's just too "California" for this hard-nosed old West-Side Chicago Irish guy.

Age 72/miles 3652 so far this year.

There are some days when I feel really old, but they are few and far
between.
I used to think my father was old, but then I realised that even though
he doesn't ride, he does play tennis 4 or 5 times a week, and can still run
me ragged on the courts.
Yes, I am not as young as I once was but I'm in better shape than I was when
I was in my 20s.
my glass is most definately half full.

Marty

We have a guy that is 77 years young that rode Cycle NC with us 2 years ago and finished at least 50 miles a day for 6 days straight and he is still at it. If you tell him your 50 he says great your only half way there. In Bicycle Mag 2 months ago there is an article on a 90 year old in St Pete , FL that still rides about 30 miles a day and keeps up with a lot of the 30 year olds so who is to say how long any of us will live. Does the government have control over this?

I think God knows and when your number is up it is up; all we can do is try to stay healthy while we are here and not worry about the rest. We not only have to have a healthy body but a healthy mind and if you start thinking unhealthy then you will be.

Whether you think you can or you think you can't your absolutely right...

Since one has no control over one's age I don't see why one should be ashamed of being old or interested in denying it.
Frankly, I don't understand why so many people are obsessed with looking young. Just be yourself and be happy with it, I say.

One thing for sure: it's a destination everyone's headed for, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Age is a state of mind. I see people in their 50's who go out and grab the gusto everyday. Then I see people in their 50's who have already given up.

And yet I notice this phenomenon whereby someone young in attitude, if not years, suddenly turns "old" after something happens to them - surgery, a fall, etc. It's as if there spirit suffers and they can't recuperate.

Anyone have any idea what I am talking about, and how to combat it when it happens?

And yet I notice this phenomenon whereby someone young in attitude, if not years, suddenly turns "old" after something happens to them - surgery, a fall, etc. It's as if there spirit suffers and they can't recuperate.

Anyone have any idea what I am talking about, and how to combat it when it happens?

I am going through that right now.

After years of eating correctly, getting cardio regularly, no coffee, no alcohol, never smoking, I ended up in the emergency ward and the hospital 1.5 weeks ago with continuous "atrial fibrillation." I mean it never stops, and was beating about 155 bpm.

I am now on a regimen of Cumadin, Beta blockers, digoxin to slow the damn thing down and attempt to prevent strokes..

I told my wife, "I don't know who I am, or what I can do."

Slowly, I am beginning to rediscover my limits and limitations. There is so much I don't know about this condition, and if you read the google searches, they scare you to death, so I stopped reading them.

I NEVER expected something like this. The last time I had my heart checked, the person stated, "You have a very youthful heartbeat."

My rate was right about 59-60.

I have discovered it is not uncommon (10% over 75 have it), and I have met folks who have pretty normal lives.

I will try the cardioversion - to shock it back into normalcy - in about 3-4 weeks, but that works long-term for only about 50% of folks, and the fact that my fibrillation is continuous is not in my favor.

Anyway, it was a real shocker, so to speak. I am not invincible, my carefully laid plans about bicycling into my 80's have been just a bit messed up, but maybe not.

Just getting used to this new damaged electrical system in my heart, and I don't like this AT ALL!

I have had some mild depression, but I have a pretty positive and hopeful outlook, and I have been biking a few times already. That helps a lot. ALso, taking loonngg walks with my wife helps.

I look at it like this. At least when you're 50 + you're more likely able to afford a killer bike.

The guy that used to run the health club that I belonged to seemed so old and serious in his manner that I always looked on him as a sort of "father figure." I respected him highly, but he just seemed like he was of another generation. I was then quite floored at his retirement when I found out that he was actually a few months younger than I am!

The other day, I was talking to one of the managers at the place where I work -- a guy several years younger than I am -- and he came across as another guy who seems much older than I am. Let's put it this way: he was talking proudly about his new Buick Park Avenue; I drive a BMW 325 with a manual trans. I think that sums up how difficult it is to define "old age!"

Doug G

The other day, I was talking to one of the managers at the place where I work -- a guy several years younger than I am -- and he came across as another guy who seems much older than I am. Let's put it this way: he was talking proudly about his new Buick Park Avenue; I drive a BMW 325 with a manual trans. I think that sums up how difficult it is to define "old age!"


A Park Avenue!!?? Man...I hope I never get that old!

FWIW, I'm 51 and drive a bright blue Subaru WRX (manual, of course).

My friends and family all know how to tell when I've gotten old. I'll be old when the bad weather at an NFL playoff game is a reason not to go, instead of part of the adventure.

And the funniest thing I do every year is checking into the hotel at the end of the first day of TOSRV, presenting my AARP membership card and demanding my senior citizen discount.

Yep. You really _are_ old.

Some say you're as old as you feel. I say I'm as old as I act.

Turned 50 this year, so I'm headed into middle age... assuming I live to be 100.

My brother-in-law suffered heart arhythmia and a stroke which left a blind spot in his vision. But it seems that his spirit suffered more than anything. His wife, my oldest sister, seems obsessed with preparing for death... Our mother and father, who never exercised in their lives and abused food (British cooking) and alcohol as long as I can remember, lived into their 80s. That means my sister has 20+ years of life, yet she's ready for the end now...

Finaly, a high school friend of my wife and me had a problem similar to my brother in law, but with paralysis on the left side. Again, she seemed more injured in spirit than anything. I used to love to make her laugh, but I don't remember her laughing after her stroke. She caught a cold. Five days later, her sister called to tell us she was dead.

Here's how I do the math to compute middle age:

Brian, if you are going to live to 100 (with health and medical advancements could be 120 - in fact I know a great great grandmother whose grandmother lived to 120), since the first 20 years you're just a kid (University of Chicago study says you are not a full adult until about age 26); 100 - 20 = 80 / 2 = 40 + 20 (the age of adulthood) = 60. So, middle age of adulthood is about 60. Or using the alternative set of numbers: 120 - 26 = 94 / 2 = 47 + 26 = 71. Maybe middle age is not until your 70's and old isn't until more than 100!!!

I plan to bike to age 120.

Well, I hope to bike to age 120.

Young is meaningless, something you can do nothing about.......nothing at all. But youth is a quality and if you have it, you never lose it. Frank Lloyd Wright

Young is meaningless, something you can do nothing about.......nothing at all. But youth is a quality and if you have it, you never lose it. Frank Lloyd Wright

That is a GREAT quote!

Thanks.

I needed that today.

Sounds like the lyrics from a Radiohead song. ......." just cause you feel it, doesn't mean it's there"