Is 55 years old, an elderly person? (physically, dad, places, average)

[ozarknation]

I live in a small midwest town, and now we have free transportation for "elderly and disabled" people.
Here are their minimum requirements in order to enjoy this free service:
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to use the transportation service you must meet one of the following requirements:
Elderly-55 years or older
Disabled-meet the qualifications for disability

;-)

[charlygal]

Take the discounts. Let them call it whatever they want.

[Cheesehead92]

I consider middle age to be 45-64 years old, with elderly beginning in one's early 80s (as by then one has lived longer than more than half of the population). As such, I consider 55 to be right in the middle of middle age.

[luv4horses]

What amuses me is that the original definition of "elder" was someone whose accumulated knowledge throughout their life had given them the ability to make wise judgements. So I suppose at one time an "elder" could be a wise 40 yr old, while sometimes a person of 80 was still not wise enough to be an "elder". By this definition, if someone calls you an elder or elderly it is a great compliment!

[BluegrassGuy]

Originally Posted by Sand&Salt

I made that big mistake back in my 30s, referring to a 55-year-old hiker as elderly. BAD BAD!
Looking back now from the ripe old age of 61. I don't even know what "middle-age" is anymore.

Middle-age is when most single, attractive, marrying-age women consider you too old to date them. That would definitely describe me.

[skydiver_jim]

Originally Posted by ozarknation

I ask this question, because I am 55 y/o and now I have discounts at many places, that advertise "discount for elderly people", such as McDonalds, Long John Silvers, etc. And just today, I found some apartments for rent, for "elderly" people and the minimum age is 55 y/o.
Kind of weird. I always thought 65 y/o and older is elderly.

take the discounts and laugh in their face! I'm 61, cycle 3500+ miles a year, scuba and skydive and can out race kids a third my age. But you can bet your bottom dollar when I see a "Senior" discount offered, I am all. over. it!

[just1paul]

Originally Posted by Aery11

I think AARP started this myth (for very commercial reasons). The day I turned 50 I got a card in the mail from them telling me I was now eligible for senior's discounts and I could join their wonderful organization. I have believed NOTHING since about being 'old' (and I am now 67). And I still won't join AARP.

^^ THIS^^

[DaveinMtAiry]

My entire life I have considered 60 the magic age where you enter "old" territory. At 57 I kind of still feel this way.

[TheShadow]

Originally Posted by skydiver_jim

take the discounts and laugh in their face! I'm 61, cycle 3500+ miles a year, scuba and skydive and can out race kids a third my age. But you can bet your bottom dollar when I see a "Senior" discount offered, I am all. over. it!

^^^^THIS^^^^ (except for the laughing in their face part) Call me elderly (I'm 57), call me middle-aged, call me old, I don't care. Just give me at least 10% off because I like discounts! I ask everywhere now, it probably embarrasses everyone I'm with, but hey, they usually end up with a discount too. I also ask about discounts for veterans, AAA, AARP, and locals (in nearby tourist areas). I've even gotten a discount just because I asked. You'd be surprised how often I get a discount. I also haggle with proprietors..."Is this your best price?".... In many places (furniture stores, jewelry stores, antique stores) it's part of how they do business and they sort of laugh behind the backs of those who pay full price.

[picklejuice]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

If you are 17, then 55 is really old. Both feet in the grave. Just ask a teenager.

Yes, indeed. Heck, teens think high twenties (28, 29) is ancient, let alone fifty something!