As someone who has been a social worker, mother, wife and divorcee I have been around the block a few times. I’m humbled to answer your questions and feel that if a problem can be shared it can be halved – at the very least.
No-One Deserves This Condescension
I’m finding myself increasingly irritated by younger people saying things like “Aw, bless” or “Well done!” or any other such terms when I chat with them about my life, hobbies or plans. I’m 65 but far from falling apart. I’m in the gym twice a week, I have a good job in a senior role and yet something about me brings out this patronising response from them, as if I’m decrepit! No-one deserves this condescension. I don’t express my frustration to them but perhaps I should next time. What do you think?
“Younger people may not thave the same concept of age in the way you fear”
We all age at a different rate and the way we are viewed by those who are younger than us also varies.
You strike me as a person who will always act “younger” than the stereotype of a 65-year-old: you work, exercise and engage with others.
An active mind is also important to you, I imagine, and I assume that you also dress stylishly, too. Many of us want to live a vigorous and vital life, no matter what numbers are on our birth certificate – which is enough to make us alert, dynamic and continue to play our part in the world. You alone know how old you are and that is the most important fact.
However, I can feel your frustration when you interact with these younger people. Why not turn around this concept of being “patronised” and, instead, congratulate yourself for engaging with young people who are clearly enjoying their time with you? It is fantastic that you are having this interaction with young people.
Younger people may not h
