Baby Boomers react to questions they’ve been asked about being ‘old’

When you reach the age of 60 and beyond, chances are you don’t actually feel as old as society seems to think you are. Here at Starts at 60, we’re constantly amazed by the amount of people in our community who continue to break stereotypes and prove that age is really no barrier to achieving your dreams.

A video published by BBC Three in the United Kingdom has started making waves through the internet again and features an array of proud Baby Boomers explaining the things that should never be said to an “old person”.

While the video was originally published last year, the message is as strong as ever today. It’s a bit of a laugh and these are some of the questions you yourself have probably been asked from time to time.

“Do you really think you should be wearing that at your age?: What does that even mean? If you’re confident and comfortable, that’s all that should matter. While there’s nothing wrong with a floral print or cardigan, Baby Boomers have proven that style doesn’t die simply because we grow older.

Read more: Susan Sarandon shows why you never need to ‘dress your age’

“Do you have the internet?”: With more than 756,000 Starts at 60 Facebook users, it’s pretty clear that the world wide web isn’t just a place for Millennials anymore. In fact, many Boomers use it for keeping up with family, reading the news, playing games and even paying bills.

“Do you have sex?”: Perhaps this is a personal question, but there’s plenty of evidence to suggest over-60s enjoy being intimate – even if it is a bit different in older age.

Read more: Ensure your sex life is enjoyable in your 60s and beyond

“Are you deaf?”: Problems with hearing can impact anyone, regardless of age. As one lady says in the video, “Just because I’m old, doesn’t mean I’m deaf”, while another man says “it’s a consequence of getting old, not for somebody to take the pi** out of”.

“Is it boring being retired?”: Despite the misconception, many retired people are actually busier than they were when they were working. Whether it be babysitting duties or a thriving social life, retirement doesn’t automatically mean a life of boredom.

“You’re living it up on the pension”: For people who have worked their whole lives, adjusting to life on the pension and living off savings can be hard to adjust to. Bills and rent doesn’t stop because you hit a certain age.

“I don’t want to get old”: Ageing is a simple part of life and if comments from some Starts at 60 readers are anything to go by, the best living happens in the later parts of life. Whether it’s becoming a grandparent or taking that trip you’ve always dreamed of, there are plenty of benefits to being older.

What do you think? What are some of the inappropriate questions you’ve been asked. What’s the best thing about being an older member of society?