CycleChat investigates ageism.

[Saluki]

I haven’t experienced it lately. In my 40s I was too old for everything but I am now a trainee underwriter for lifetime mortgage, getting more accreditation by the day. I am 58 this year (kind of). I’ll be there for at least 18 months and then have a rethink whether it’s what I want to be when I grow up, or not.

 

[Rusty Nails]

My body is ageist.

The older I get the more it hurts me.

 

[Donger]

The last time I went into an HMV store, I was idly flicking through the CDs, minding my own business. Next thing I knew a spotty store worker was asking me "Can I help you, Sir?" That's telling you that you look old.

 

[stephec]

I haven’t experienced it lately. In my 40s I was too old for everything but I am now a trainee underwriter for lifetime mortgage, getting more accreditation by the day. I am 58 this year (kind of). I’ll be there for at least 18 months and then have a rethink whether it’s what I want to be when I grow up, or not.

Are you really older than me?

 

[presta]

In my case car insurance got dearer and some companies will not even quote for anybody over 70. I have a completely clean record apart from a cracked windscreen

My insurance premium went through the roof for a cracked windscreen. I blame the old lady on the zebra crossing that broke it.

 

[ColinJ]

Next thing I knew a spotty store worker was asking me "Can I help you, Sir?" That's telling you that you look old.

I must look incredibly young for my age then... I usually get "What can I do for you, buddy?" or "Can I help ya, mate?"

 

[FrankCrank]

Every time I go to Pattaya, the ladies say 'hello sexy man' - nice to know I'm still an attractive hunk

 

[oldwheels]

My insurance premium went through the roof for a cracked windscreen. I blame the old lady on the zebra crossing that broke it.

Cracked windscreen is recorded as a no blame accident on my policy.

 

[oldwheels]

I think people are more helpful as I get older, at least where I live.
I did not fancy putting new marathon plus tyre on my 20 inch wheels and the coal man who also does bike hire offered to do it for me at no charge. Just looked out and my dustbin has mysteriously moved from the roadway to behind my house.
The latter is just good neighbourly behaviour but there are many other instances.

 

[steveindenmark]

I do not think ageism is a thing in Denmark or the Nordic countries. Jannies parents are in their 80s and are not unusual by any means. They cycle, swim, shoot, play krolf, go on long walking tours with friends, go to gymnastics. They do this every week. Dad says Thursday is day off and he can do the gardening that day. Once you retire in Denmark you get roped into all sorts of activities. It how the pensioners get a social life. In the summer we have a group of about 15 elderly men and women who stop off at my garden every week. They do cycle tours from the local town and turn up in their viz vests and have their lunch on my terrace. I have no idea who they are, but I invited them in one day as they were passing and its a regular thing.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

When I started looking for a new job - which I have done several times in my life - then I noticed a huge difference in the number of replies I got when they knew my age to when they didn't
As the jobs I was applying for where in IT - and not management IT - I think they automatically think IT is for young people and ignore any cv with 'O' levels on it.
I have heard the same from other IT people - one person changed all the date on the application form and changed the 'O' levels into GCSEs and suddenly got more offers of interviews - which she failed when they saw her - but claimed it was for other reasons!

I do now get OAP discount on hair cuts - the lady is very nice and asks if I am 60+ in a questioning voice - but I think she is just being polite!
as a result I end up giving her a tip that makes it up to the normal cost just so I don;t feel old/guilty

 

[Cycleops]

I think people are more helpful as I get older, at least where I live.
I did not fancy putting new marathon plus tyre on my 20 inch wheels and the coal man who also does bike hire offered to do it for me at no charge. Just looked out and my dustbin has mysteriously moved from the roadway to behind my house.
The latter is just good neighbourly behaviour but there are many other instances.

I think you should start getting worried when young people ask if they can help you across the road.

 

[raleighnut]

I still get 'snot nosed' coppers calling me 'son' or 'sonny' I will be 60 soon.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I must look incredibly young for my age then... I usually get "What can I do for you, buddy?" or "Can I help ya, mate?"

Was that @Accy cyclist ?

 

[Arrowfoot]

There was chap in my former company that was vocal about discrimination and even raised ageism on one occasion. He however has a history of having young white Europeans males in every department that he managed. The older and female staff will transfer out once he takes charge. And the white European males are not from the UK with some exceptions. And interestingly their command of English was not strong. They however worshipped him. The average age of his staff was the lowest and it was a big organisation.