I’m not sure that I see people thinking I’m worthless so much.
I do see a whole lot of uncertainty on peoples faces at first glance.
That probably has to do with a few things.
I’m obviously a Geezer, I have a full and almost completely white beard and I try to carry myself upright with my shoulders squared a bit. I’m usually peering over the top of my glasses because I can’t fucking see, I look people in the eyes looking for threats and I almost always look pissed off.
That is because I live in constant pain and after walking even a little bit anymore, it gets pretty damn intense.
They get confused because most people think of old people as being harmless and they pose no threat. They also assume most Geezers are fairly good natured.
They take one look at me scowling at them as I walk up to them and they don’t know what to expect.
I can either smile at them with my eyes or I can keep staring into theirs letting them know that I ain’t about to take any shit.
So far it seems to keep the dumb bastards out of kicking distance.
Works for me.
It is the way of the world. For the young, the world is all about them and us old stubfarts are forgotten and left behind. It will be years after we’ve gone that they realized what they missed. We might have been a little more respectful with our elders in our day… but mind you – they were more respectable than the current lot of entitled and spoiled boomers (with the obvious exception of myself and our esteemed blog hosts). When we were young – we could have treated our elders better too.
That’s why us geezers need to hang together! 😉
indeed
it was us who made the “senior care” facilites biz skyrocket when we didn’t deal with the greatest generation properly
Worthless? Not that I can tell, but then I’m pretty fortunate in my physical health. Ankles, knees, hips, back, all in good working order. I walk and ride my bike regularly. Occasionally get annoyance from some younger folks when I start asking direct questions, and from some other individuals because I am a white male. And yeah, this May I turn 70. Not to imply that it’s all been smooth sailing. This past summer I underwent 44 radiation treatments for prostate cancer.
What made me chuckle is that on my walks I have taken to wearing my M1956 harness and pistol belt. It is what I was issued so I know how it works. Ammo pouch holds my cell phone, other pouch a cordless hole punch. If bright sun, I wear my shades, which means I can side glance at people without them knowing. Funny to watch the cars the go by with everyone inside deliberately looking straight ahead and not at me.
I’ve found that most people under 40 can be intimidated with a silent stare. We’ve raised two generations of fucking pussies.
Sorry to get all serious and sh*t. But five years ago, extreme chronic pain, destroyed my life. Completely. It was a nightmare, literally. Waking up to the sound of my own screams.
Took me TWO YEARS to find, and be accepted as a patient, for pain management. Yeah … large quantities of pure morphine.
I got my life back. And no, it isn’t for everyone.
.
Signed, participant in life (and armed at A L L times)
my mom called it my open grave eyes. she told me later even she got chills when I got that look. I don’t know why, I always tried to be a nice guy. until you showed me
otherwise.
I live in the boonies and when I go to town, encounter younger folks, they are all rurally raised kids. They show respect and deference to their elders. Even the middle aged folks; they were raised likewise. Yes, there are challenges like hearing. Even with the ear amps I have difficulty but everyone is patient. I think they see the parallels with their grandparents or parents and I get some reflected patience from that.
I’m blessed in that I’m in a cancer fight but my parts work as they should, maybe a bit slower, but I still run a chainsaw, plant and till, work in my shop. And try to pass along what I’ve learned to the kids when they visit. As has already been said, looking out is the same, I just look like an old man.
Dead on – I am in a similar situation, and feel pretty damn lucky to not live in a woke, star*ucks, hole foods area. Keep fighting the good fight!
That is the truth in a lotta places and I don’t mean the ones you read about. Those are a minority. Those others will be gone soon because they aren’t smart enough to talk to old people.
I tell young people, talk to old people they know shit.
I’ve always wanted to be the old coot that little kids will point at and whisper: “Just leave him alone. He’s crazy! And probably mean!” I may look like a grey haired old fool, but like Phil, I do NOT fit a “victim profile” that the feral hooligans instinctively go for. They may be stupid, but their street sense will tell them to pick an easier target.
As for being a “useless eater”, I’ve always said that I have five words for Social Security: “I WANT MY MONEY BACK!” Uncle Sugar has been doing gummint sanctioned extortion of my paychecks since 1968, and I have every intention of being mean enough and tough enough, to live long enough to do it.
63 years old and i am still healthy. but do you know what really pisses me off? is younger women holding the door for me when i go into a store. that’s my job to hold the door for them. Chivalry is a forgotten word.
Don’t deny the others the blessings of giving. Take the kindness with grace.
Youngins always amaze me.You expect them to be dumbass little shitwads and some of them end up showing you some respect act like human beings….and I’m always pleasently suprised..
I’ll be 59 in a couple months.
Spent 20+ years .mil
I can still hold my position until properly relieved.
Phil, the way you live your life and carry yourself is iconic. F*ck them.
20 year Navy vet, I’m about to turn 67 in a couple of weeks. I suffer from degenerative bone disease, bursitis, probably some arthritis as well. Every morning I wake up in pain. But, I get up, pull on my pants, stand up as straight as I can, then get on with the day. I have heard it said that “growing old is not for the faint of heart”. They weren’t kidding.
As for being useless? Not by a long shot. And I would warn the younger generations to never underestimate an old guy. He might just hand you your teeth if you mouth off too much. I give you exhibit A:
http://anodtothegods.com/?p=35207
70 in April. Still pushing down daises.
Still working on cars, still working on electronics, still programming, still doing De-and construction.
Sure don’t have the stamina nor the back nor the legs, can’t run, can’t hike any more (knees are failing fast), by by the Grace of God I’ll leave this place with a clear mind even if I DO mess myself due to failing sphincters!
Yeah, growing old is a state of mind, but it’s also having to deal with failing equipment. One foot in front of the other, push on.
Y’know, the Secret To Long Life is to wake up every morning…
In this case, ignored is synonymous to worthless.
“They look at you like you’re worthless.”
People tend to ignore, ir diss, the worthless.
I don’t mind one bit. Indeed, I favor it.
Iiiif they are dismissive of me, I have the upperhand.. I work mmmostly unnoticed. And when things go haywire it isn’t me others expect to spring into action. Yet aren’t they surprised.
Being deemed worthless is hiding in plain sight.
I gotta take an exception to “geezer status” age admission and I apologize if I upset anyone (well not really).
One only attains geezer status after reaching age 70, IMHO.
Even though you might already outwardly look like one and your general attitude sort of confirms it, it’s only practice until you’re of age.
BTW, I’ll be 76 at the start of my trip around the sun in about six weeks or so.
ps Getting old sucks but I refuse to grow up. (my motto)