Of "Geezers, Old Farts" and Related Terms for 50+rs
12-16-05, 09:20 AM
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I truly understand, and appreciate, the points made on both sides of the issue.
Personally, I prefer "ROMEO." Retired Old Men Eating Out.
Personally, I prefer "ROMEO." Retired Old Men Eating Out.
12-16-05, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by turtleguy54
Hello to all. I have been following this forum for a month now. This is probably the most intelligent and informative site I have found for riders of any age who desire to learn how bicycling can improve anyone's lifestyle and attitude toward aging productively.
I understand DenvrFox's concern about the stereotypical terms used for those over fifty. Even though the population is growing older by the decades, our society still puts a cap on expectations once you are "over the hill". Personally, at 50, I left the corporate world, went back to grad school and am now starting a new career in high school education. Even the professors were a little suprised to see an older male make such a decision at that time in life. In fact there is a term used- Non-traditional Student. This, I believe would be a fitting moniker for you rascals..l.Non-traditional students of life after 50
In closing, be proud of what you are accomplishing and maybe we can influence the young to look further into the future than just being able to drive and by beer legally. Have you seen the shape of most teenagers? I pray they survive to see 50.
Thanks for the time to join in. Rick
Ditto to GrannyGear's D.T. post script
I understand DenvrFox's concern about the stereotypical terms used for those over fifty. Even though the population is growing older by the decades, our society still puts a cap on expectations once you are "over the hill". Personally, at 50, I left the corporate world, went back to grad school and am now starting a new career in high school education. Even the professors were a little suprised to see an older male make such a decision at that time in life. In fact there is a term used- Non-traditional Student. This, I believe would be a fitting moniker for you rascals..l.Non-traditional students of life after 50
In closing, be proud of what you are accomplishing and maybe we can influence the young to look further into the future than just being able to drive and by beer legally. Have you seen the shape of most teenagers? I pray they survive to see 50.
Thanks for the time to join in. Rick
Ditto to GrannyGear's D.T. post script
12-16-05, 12:47 PM
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I don't feel like I'm turning 50. I don't feel like I'm turning 20, either . . . but definately not what I would have expected 50 to be like back when I was 20.
I'll certainly keep any usage of derogatory remarks about myself (such as old fart, etc.) in check to keep with the spirit of the over-50 area. Of course, I'll still have to be oldcrank -- but that's a play on words (crank, get it? bicycle crank? old bicycle crank? old guy riding an old crank?) . . . and I'm not re-registering! No sir!
Now it's time for me to head up and get a workout in. Probably a stationary bike warm up, rollers, then a few rounds of boxing. All the girls are coming home this afternoon for a nice family trip to Christmas Village here in Eastern, PA. I'm going to have my picture taken with Santa!
Now if HE calls me an old fart . . . look out!
I'll certainly keep any usage of derogatory remarks about myself (such as old fart, etc.) in check to keep with the spirit of the over-50 area. Of course, I'll still have to be oldcrank -- but that's a play on words (crank, get it? bicycle crank? old bicycle crank? old guy riding an old crank?) . . . and I'm not re-registering! No sir!
Now it's time for me to head up and get a workout in. Probably a stationary bike warm up, rollers, then a few rounds of boxing. All the girls are coming home this afternoon for a nice family trip to Christmas Village here in Eastern, PA. I'm going to have my picture taken with Santa!
Now if HE calls me an old fart . . . look out!
12-16-05, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by oldcrank
I'm going to have my picture taken with Santa!
Now if HE calls me an old fart . . . look out!
Now if HE calls me an old fart . . . look out!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
12-16-05, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
I wouldn't call you an old fart...you FREAKIN FOSSIL!
12-16-05, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
I wouldn't call you an old fart...you FREAKIN FOSSIL!
It (being called geezer) doesn't bother me much. What's interesting is that when I was younger I excelled at all those "ball and stick" sports that took a lot of motor skills but not necessarily much athleticism. As a cyclist, I have never been in such great shape, so I know that I am most likely much better off health-wise than many of my peers.
What gets my goat is being called a "boomer"...
12-16-05, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
Of "Geezers, Old Farts" and Related Terms for 50+rs
Anyone else but me put off by these, to me, denigrating terms for folks 50+?
Anyone else but me put off by these, to me, denigrating terms for folks 50+?
not gonna shave my legs either...
that'll teach em
12-16-05, 02:05 PM
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I have never heard anyone use those expressions as a serious insult. They are always used in jest.
I love being 55 and being able to get out and do what I love doing.
I love being 55 and being able to get out and do what I love doing.
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12-17-05, 08:27 AM
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Interesting thread. I just turned 50 this past September. I don't really think of myself as being old or have crossed some sort of hard line. At the end of September I did a three day ride with 34 other riders. The average age was probably in the high 40's (just guessing). My 23 year old son rode with me. He was totally blown away (impressed) by the physical shape and stamina of riders twice his age. He certainly has a deeper appreciation and respect for older ones who choose to keep themselves in good physical shape. He wants to ride the ride next year but has resolved to getting himself in better shape so he can at least be competitive.
I have always enjoyed the 50+ forum and glad I can now hang out with the "more advanced" crowd.
I have always enjoyed the 50+ forum and glad I can now hang out with the "more advanced" crowd.
12-17-05, 11:00 PM
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Geez Louise! We are of the Steppenwolf/ Deep Purple era. I still (at age 51) can't clean the house without headbanger music pumping through the stereo. Our physical activity is keeping our mental acuity finely tuned. The younger generation is completely respectful of 50+ people who are more fit than they are. I've never had anyone say anything derogatory about my "advanced" age. They're too afraid I'd make them do traveling lunges until they begged forgiveness. :-) We are not our mother's and father's ages at our present age. I am quite sure most of those comments are good-natured ribbing. Roll with it.
12-18-05, 06:52 AM
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I'll admit the "old fart" stuff grates and sometimes hurts. . .especially as noted in this message thread with all the great things about being this age and being "out there". Time and again, I find myself in physical situations where I am by a factor of 25 years and more the oldest one on the trail/rocks/road.
I take grim solace in the near certainty that we can afford better gear and [I'll wager a nice bike] gettin' laid MORE and BETTER than those guys!
I take grim solace in the near certainty that we can afford better gear and [I'll wager a nice bike] gettin' laid MORE and BETTER than those guys!
12-18-05, 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Coyote!
gettin' laid MORE and BETTER than those guys!
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12-18-05, 07:32 AM
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At age 67, I have a 1.2 in 5 chance of reaching at least 90. A 20 year old whippersnapper can't say that!
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"I am a true laborer. I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm." As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2. Shakespeare.
"Deep down, I'm pretty superficial." Ava Gardner.
12-18-05, 08:43 AM
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Being a woman, maybe I been spared actually being called any of those things to my face, but I'm sure the younger crowd thinks it when they see me on my bike. The terms certainly wouldn't bother me. Yesterday was the first day when my husband and I were asked if we were old enough for a senior discount (at a park where we were going to hike), I'm 54 he is 53. They gave us the senior discount ticket but still charged us full price (darn it) 
. I know I'm in better shape then everyone at my work place and I'm almost the oldest one there. The only term that they use for me at work is "Miss Mary". That reminds me of the movie "Driving Miss Daisy". I must say that term doesn't sit real well with me but then I just think that I can physically out do anyone of those "kids" at work. Words are words and like my dad always said "wrinkles don't hurt". As long as I can keep active and feel great, call me what you will.
. I know I'm in better shape then everyone at my work place and I'm almost the oldest one there. The only term that they use for me at work is "Miss Mary". That reminds me of the movie "Driving Miss Daisy". I must say that term doesn't sit real well with me but then I just think that I can physically out do anyone of those "kids" at work. Words are words and like my dad always said "wrinkles don't hurt". As long as I can keep active and feel great, call me what you will.
12-18-05, 02:24 PM
#41
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I like it. Especialy when some young wop, spic or mick says it to me. Make me feel so proud.
12-18-05, 03:31 PM
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Don't get angry, embrace the remarks as levity. (Look at the user name on the left.)
OLD FART! I think not. Mine are fresh -- made daily.
OLD FART! I think not. Mine are fresh -- made daily.
12-18-05, 08:55 PM
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What, you didn't notice how much taking fiber makes you fart? Yeah, I'm an old fart. So What! I,m looking forward to being a dirty old man too. That's whin the fun starts. Get with the program, guys. bk
12-19-05, 02:05 PM
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Trsnrtr spake. . .
>>>What!?!? Your plumbing still works?!?!
Well I promised myself I wouldn't give in here and respond, but "for fools rush in". Alas, the plumbing sometimes fails. Being a wise senior, I have a CONTINGENCY PLAN. . .or ten. THAT'S IT for me here. . .need to go have a ride and invoke the Plan.
>>>What!?!? Your plumbing still works?!?!
Well I promised myself I wouldn't give in here and respond, but "for fools rush in". Alas, the plumbing sometimes fails. Being a wise senior, I have a CONTINGENCY PLAN. . .or ten. THAT'S IT for me here. . .need to go have a ride and invoke the Plan.
12-19-05, 02:29 PM
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Fools rush in..........and get the best seats.
(alfred e. neuman)
(alfred e. neuman)
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12-19-05, 07:32 PM
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When I refer to myself as old, or a geezer, etc., especially in front of young folks, and especially young folks of the female persuasion, I'm probably fishing for a compliment, whether I admit it to myself or not--"Oh, you're not old at all" or "I'd have never taken you for 66" or some such.
BTW, my hero is Gene Hackman, who at 72 accidentally rear-ended two "tough" guys here in LA. He got out to apologize and give them his insurance info, and they were so angry they tried to beat him up. He kicked their asses. When his spokesman was asked whether Hackman was going to press assault charges, he replied that "getting slapped around by someone 40 years older than you is punishment enough."
BTW, my hero is Gene Hackman, who at 72 accidentally rear-ended two "tough" guys here in LA. He got out to apologize and give them his insurance info, and they were so angry they tried to beat him up. He kicked their asses. When his spokesman was asked whether Hackman was going to press assault charges, he replied that "getting slapped around by someone 40 years older than you is punishment enough."
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12-19-05, 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by GrannyGear
Fools rush in..........and get the best seats.
(alfred e. neuman)
(alfred e. neuman)
12-19-05, 08:57 PM
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Bernmart,
I agree about the hoped for compliment when we admit our age...and then the open ended pause when nobody picks up the opportunity to re-assure us....oh well. Good Gene Hackman story...one to share on the next group ride. Thanks. (Way to go Gene!)
I agree about the hoped for compliment when we admit our age...and then the open ended pause when nobody picks up the opportunity to re-assure us....oh well. Good Gene Hackman story...one to share on the next group ride. Thanks. (Way to go Gene!)
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..... "I renewed my youth, to outward appearance, by mounting a bicycle for the first time." Mark Twain, Speeches
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12-21-05, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by GeezerGeek
OLD FART! I think not. Mine are fresh -- made daily.
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Last edited by stapfam; 12-21-05 at 03:47 PM.
