OAPs as a demographic group

Caz · 06-02-2009, 21:24

Prompted by Accymans "old Dear" comment in the ciggy thread.

I'm not young, I'm 55 and in a few years time, will be an "OAP" myself. So this is not me being ageist in anyway. My question is about how we see this group of people, and why we lump them together in a certain way

It just seems to me that once people hit the mark, they become part of a supposed cozy, cuddly group in society, as if all older people suddenly become worthy, and we dare not say a word against them for fear of giving offence.

For instance, a lot of OAPs, feckless in their own time, gave birth to the slack parents we have today, who's immoral offspring are making life hell for many people.

Lots of pensioners have committed crimes in the past, and some still do in their older years.

I will not give respect to a person, simply because of their age. As I said in a previous post, I respect my elders if they warrant it

Neil · 06-02-2009, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caz

For instance, a lot of OAPs, feckless in their own time, gave birth to the slack parents we have today, who's immoral offspring are making life hell for many people.

Put that way it is ironic that many of the old folk of today who moan on about how it was better years ago have actually caused today's problems

I agree with the respect where due comment.

Caz · 06-02-2009, 21:28

Exactly!!!

Jim Procter · 06-02-2009, 21:30

I am 77 and so an OAP. I also must be thick as I cant understand what the hell you are on about. Explain yourself

Caz · 06-02-2009, 21:32

What is there to explain?

Unless you mean the word "demographic" as in a portion of the population

Royboy39 · 06-02-2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Put that way it is ironic that many of the old folk of today who moan on about how it was better years ago have actually caused today's problems

I agree with the respect where due comment.

Your having a laugh.......todays peoples problems have been brought on by todays people.

Caz · 06-02-2009, 21:36

And the feral section of our youth today just sprouted from nowhere?

Eric · 06-02-2009, 21:39

Lear: "How old art thou"?

Kent: "Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing, nor so old to dote on her for any thing: I have years on my back sixty-three."

I agree that respect should be earned. Perhaps we used to have more respect for them because they earned it .... (what am I saying, "they" ... shoot, I'm only two years away) .... but I do think the elderly should be given some breaks if they are frail and less active than they used to be ... see nothing wrong with giving up my seat to someone who is not as physically active and able as I am, or letting them go ahead in the supermarket line up. But as far as a general respect for grey hair, it is not on the cards for me.

Royboy39 · 06-02-2009, 21:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caz

And the feral section of our youth today just sprouted from nowhere?

I am 69 and didn't breed one of them....I am a grandfather of two children who are not ferel as you call it....My two daughters both highly educated would take exception to your claims as do I.....sounds like you have had a bad experience and want to shift the blame?

Lilly · 06-02-2009, 21:45

I don't agree that people suddenly become worthy just because they've reached a certain age.

If someone doesn't deserve respect at 50 then they probably won't at 60.

They'll still be the same, just older.

Neil · 06-02-2009, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royboy39

I am 69 and didn't breed one of them....I am a grandfather of two children who are not ferel as you call it..

Are they in their mid teens? If so what do they do for entertainment if they are not out with their friends?

Margaret Pilkington · 06-02-2009, 21:48

I fall into the OAP category, but do not see myself as such......I am, relatively speaking, fit and well, I have worked all of my life......I do not consider myself to have been either reckless or feckless. I have been married to the same chap for 42 years(though sometimes I think that is more good luck than good management)...have one daughter....who is currently at University doing a degree as a mature student......and I would not expect to be respected purely for my age.

Caz · 06-02-2009, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royboy39

I am 69 and didn't breed one of them....I am a grandfather of two children who are not ferel as you call it....My two daughters both highly educated would take exception to your claims as do I.....sounds like you have had a bad experience and want to shift the blame?

Did I include you in this? NO!! The point I am making is that there are just as many bad apples in the older age groups as there are in the younger ones. I have kids and grandchildren myself and non of them are feral. so no, I don't want to shift the blame on anyone, thankyou very much. They were my responsibility as a parent. Something dare I say it, that even way back when some people didn't take too seriously.

Bad parenting isn't just an issue of today.

West Ender · 06-02-2009, 21:59

I turned 66 last month and don't anyone dare call me an "old dear".

I'm part of no cosy, cuddly group. I'm the same person I was 40 years ago, just a bit more arthritic, and I object to being "lumped together" with anyone for chronological reasons. I detest the term OAP and the patronising way the over-60s are referred to, before anything else, as Pensioners (implying, more often then not, frailty of body and mind).

I don't demand respect because of my age. I hope I earn it by my actions.

yerself · 06-02-2009, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by West Ender

I turned 66 last month and don't anyone dare call me an "old dear"

Shut up. You whingeing old biddy.