AGING

This week I read an article in the paper.  I can't even remember what it was about, probably because midway through I received shocking information.  I am elderly...that's right, me, a person who still listens to country music, loves make up and clothes, has her hair highlighted, and thinks of herself as middle aged is ELDERLY.  I do remember that the article referred to an elderly 68 year old man who had been in an accident.  I am 68 and I have never, not once thought of myself as elderly, but obviously other people do.  I wonder what makes people decide when we are elderly?  Is it our age, or the way we look or dress?  What age group considers 68 year old people elderly?  Are they teenagers, thirty somethings?  I remember when I was young I thought my grandmothers were old and they were in their sixties, but they kind of acted old.  They dressed matronly, they were kind of serious, but their lives were a lot harder than mine is.
I'm not loving this getting older thing, but it is what it is. I try really hard to stay up with things...thanks to my kids who keep me technically informed.  I can accept the fact that I'm getting older, I'll be 70 in 2 years.......but journalists and everyone else, don't rub it in. Okay?  You can say I'm aging, you can say my age, just don't be calling me elderly. It  makes me kind of cranky.