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Before retirement, John was a business owner with over 29 pubs, a nightclub and a home improvement company. He says that since turning 70 he feels though age is merely a number, that he still feels the same as he did when he was 48.
However, John says that, “Unfortunately, this is not how other people feel, and I often find that people treat me much differently when I tell them how old I am, it can be very patronising. I sometimes think that maybe I should slow down, but if I’m still feeling capable then why should I? I don’t want to age gracefully and give up my hobbies and interests for the sake of living slower.
“I have become more aware of ageism as I’ve got older. I’m still very active, I like to go to the gym and still ride a Lambretta scooter with my mates, something I’ve done since my teenage years. When we turn up to places on our scooters the reaction is comical – we take off our helmets and everyone is surprised to see that we’re old men!
When I was attending a music festival, I got a few stares and nasty remarks from people for just dancing and enjoying myself. This has also happened within my own social circle – some of my peers would question me or try and put me down for not allegedly ‘acting my age’. It’s a real shame to see that so many people see age as such a defining factor in a person’s life.
“The treatment of older people by politicians and employers is like a double-edged sword. They are happy to extend the retirement age, yet it is so much harder to find employment as an older person. I also find it unfair how you are suddenly treated like a liability once you age. For example, I now have to renew my driving license every 3 years since I’ve turned 70 and my insurance has gone up.
“Do not let your age hold you back from doing things that you want to do! You are only as old as you feel. I haven’t let go of my passions as I’ve got older – I’m still very much into Northern Soul and Motown and I can go out and dance for hours.
“Society expects us to spend our time in a certain, often more conservative and slower, way as we get older. People will sometimes try and make you feel silly for being unapologetically yourself – it’s important to tune them out and continue to do what makes you happy.”
