Is there need for another dedicated forum for older posters?

[Upgradable]

I'd hoped when PS 2.0 launched that admin would add another forum to the Cafe for older posters. As a 40+ woman with 2 teenage children and a marriage of 23+ years, I sometimes find it difficult to find a comfy place to post life issues. Are there any other folks out there who feel the same?

I've come up with a couple of suggested forum names:

Old Folks Forum: OFF
Anniversaries Anonymous: AA
Masters Of Our Domain: MOOD

 

[Scorpioanne]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

As a 50 year old with a 29 year old son (eeek!) I consider myself a newlywed (6 years on Saturday) so I am not certain where I'd fit in. I like the idea of a "cafe" for over 40s as we have issues peculiar to our age (menopause, retirement thoughts, aging parents, heck aging ourselves!). I do enjoy hearing about the lives of posters who are getting married and thinking about babies.

 

[snowflakeluvr]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Honestly, I think it's a grand idea! I find that even the less than generational difference between us(me, also 23 years and a teen among other kids) and younger posters can make cyber conversations somewhat strained depending on the topic(family issues, parenting, spousal stuff). At 46, I am not "old school" but I AM "older" school than many of the young(er) posters. I think technology, etc has evoked some of the change. Not a judgement, just an observation. Call it anything you like. I would really enjoy it!(and may become a regular poster)...

 

[rainwood]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

I too think this would be a great idea. I'm 56, just celebrated anniversary no. 32. How did that happen???? There are topics where being "experienced" makes a difference. And sometimes I'll read a post when someone is complaining and I want to reply "You think THAT's a problem? Wait until you get older and you'll see what real problems are like." That's when I know I'm in the 'Hey, you kids, get off my lawn!' frame of mind and try to remember that different ages have different problems, and it's not my place to judge. At least in print. On the Internet.

 

[smitcompton]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Hi,

I don't know why you can't just start posting these topics on hangout. I don't want to be segregated as in the "wrinklies are over there". I like to keep up on what the younger generation is about, and this is as good a place as any. I also think your opinions might be devalued or discounted if people know your age. Age-ism is alive. It is not a figment of anyones imagination. Just my 2 cents.

Annette

 

[Guilty Pleasure]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

As the previous poster suggested, why don't you just post topics that are interesting to you? Perhaps some younger women might like to read such topics, or perhaps they won't, but just like any other thread on this board, posters read and post on the threads that interest them and ignore the rest. In my opinion, no need to segregate yourself.

 

[rainwood]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Hi,

I don't know why you can't just start posting these topics on hangout. I don't want to be segregated as in the "wrinklies are over there".
Annette

I didn't read it as though we'd be segregated in one section. It's just another forum that's dedicated to certain stages in life, like LIW, BWW, the mom threads, etc. Everybody could still participate in any of the other sections and threads they wanted to be in.

And I haven't made any secret of the fact that I'm not 27 so if people are going to discount what I say because of my age, that ship has already sailed for me. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't feel like my opinion is being discounted because of my age. So I don't see how posting in a 40+ section would be like wearing a big scarlet O on my chest. Plus, I don't think I'd be able to fool anyone for long. I feel I'm pretty current and forward thinking on most things, but that's not the same as being 27.

 

[lyra]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

I'm all for it. I seem to be saying "but I'm almost 50" a lot...

 

[Gailey]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Yup, I could go for that. A place to talk about:
Bunions
David Cassidy/Essex
Dentures
News that The Bay City Rollers are going to regroup for a concert
Arthritis
Impotence
How to get your knees lifted like Demi did
What to do when you first encounter a strange pair of shoes on your front doormat next to those of your offspring (of the opposite gender)
The Weather Channel (you know when you're over the hill when you purchase cable in order to get the weather channel)
Bi-focals, oops sorry, Progressives.

Anyway, enough of my problems, what else can we discuss?

Sorry Uppy, didn't mean to be fippant, just couldn't help myself I think it's a great idea.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

The Bay City Rollers are getting back together????? The first album I ever bought (yes, I said album!) was S A TUR DAY Night!!

 

[iheartscience]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

I don't see anything wrong with it, but I think it would be pretty dead, just like Newlyweds is. Not sure if so much segregation makes for lively conversation.

 

[Ella]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

 

[Gailey]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

The Bay City Rollers are getting back together????? The first album I ever bought (yes, I said album!) was S A TUR DAY Night!!

Yup, seems like it:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/st ... on_1161499

My first BCR album (not my first album ever) was Once Upon a Star:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Star

I wonder how many of them have prostate issues these days?

Did you ever wear the trousers Uppy? I did

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

Is this the ageism I was warned against?

 

[Gailey]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

Is this the ageism I was warned against?

I think Ella may have a point Uppy. Not much point in a forum if it doesn't get enough traffic. I'd be happy with a stickied thread to start with.

 

[risingsun]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

You have my vote, Uppy for a 40+ forum. I do think that we are dealing with some unique concerns and could use each other's wisdom and support. As for Mrs. Gailey, she will just have to behave herself as best she can

 

[Gailey]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

You have my vote, Uppy for a 40+ forum. I do think that we are dealing with some unique concerns and could use each other's wisdom and support. As for Mrs. Gailey, she will just have to behave herself as best she can

'Bout as much chance of Ivana Trump dating a man of Donald's age again.

How about a thread called "Naughty Forties"?

Soz ladies, I promise to be good - tomorrow .....

 

[risingsun]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

You have my vote, Uppy for a 40+ forum. I do think that we are dealing with some unique concerns and could use each other's wisdom and support. As for Mrs. Gailey, she will just have to behave herself as best she can

'Bout as much chance of Ivana Trump dating a man of Donald's age again.

How about a thread called "Naughty Forties"?

Soz ladies, I promise to be good - tomorrow .....

Some of us have seen our forties come and go I'm sure you will be better in the morning...not

 

[Gailey]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

You have my vote, Uppy for a 40+ forum. I do think that we are dealing with some unique concerns and could use each other's wisdom and support. As for Mrs. Gailey, she will just have to behave herself as best she can

'Bout as much chance of Ivana Trump dating a man of Donald's age again.

How about a thread called "Naughty Forties"?

Soz ladies, I promise to be good - tomorrow .....

Some of us have seen our forties come and go I'm sure you will be better in the morning...not

Oh OK then, just for you RS, how about "The Nifty Fifties"

 

[monarch64]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

Is this the ageism I was warned against?

I think Ella may have a point Uppy. Not much point in a forum if it doesn't get enough traffic. I'd be happy with a stickied thread to start with.

This is exactly the type of ageism I am against. But you guys do whatever you want.

 

[Arkteia]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Actually, I voted for "10+ married" because to survive in a marriage for 10+ years requires some navigation skills. I like "AA", though, especially given the fact that after certain age it becomes truly difficult to master 12 steps... How about AWC - "age with color".

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

Is this the ageism I was warned against?

I think Ella may have a point Uppy. Not much point in a forum if it doesn't get enough traffic. I'd be happy with a stickied thread to start with.

yeah, how many women gonna admit they are "over the hill"? ...

 

[PinkTower]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

The Bay City Rollers are getting back together????? The first album I ever bought (yes, I said album!) was S A TUR DAY Night!!

I love your posts, Uppy. One of the main reasons is that I immediately ID you as someone who has some of the same issues/interests as I, such as teenagers.

I've even thought of making a sort of cheat sheet somewhere to list everyone who is near my age. I think part of the reason we can feel sort of out of the loop is that, since I have had small children, or been a newlywed, or a bride, I can post about my experience. The inverse is a bit harder. Unless you are living through teenagers, you aren't so interested in their issues. I sort of sense a sentiment of "I will think about that when I get there" or "when I was a teenager." Those of us who are in this phase know that "When I was a teenager" is not the situation. Everyone was a teenager if they are an adult. That analogy would be like me, as a teacher, giving examples to a parent of when I was a child.

 

[ksinger]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Well, I'll chime in since 48 is mere months away. I don't know if we need a dedicated forum, but our perspectives and experiences ARE different, and I do feel distanced from many (not all) of the concerns of the 20 and 30-somethings that make up the majority of posters on PS. I realize I'm speaking in generalities, but at our age and older, you've had more sheer time to experience more "stuff". For me, I'm on my 2nd(final) marriage, (so, done the divorce thing, remarriage thing), helped a parent die, have had cancer, have had contemporaries have cancer, or MS, and have a friend who is preparing for dialysis. Almost everyone I know is dealing with an aging parent and their care, and worrying that they'll never get to retire now. So yeah, the concerns are generally different.

We could just chase each other around the threads.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

We hesitate to create new forums, as Thing2of2 mentioned, they often get no traffic. This is why we do not have separate forums for moms, pregnancy, etc.

I suggest starting a thread for older posters in FHH similar to the Mommy, Pregnancy, and TTC threads. If it becomes popular I am happy to sticky it for you.

Is this the ageism I was warned against?

I think Ella may have a point Uppy. Not much point in a forum if it doesn't get enough traffic. I'd be happy with a stickied thread to start with.

yeah, how many women gonna admit they are "over the hill"? ... :lol:

Hey there, I may be over 50, but I'm FAR from over the hill! 50 and fabulous baby, even if I do say so myself!

 

[soocool]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

I am all for an over 40s forum. I am on elsewhere and it is great to talk with a bunch of people who can relate to the era you were grew up (60s, 70s, 80s) and the challenges we now face as we get older, i.e. empty nesters, facing retirement, making our money last after retirement, age related illnesses and how to deal with them, helping our aging parents, estate planning, how to dress as you get older, grandkids, downsizing your house, etc. Not to say that I don't appreciate the thoughts or opinions of younger posters, it is just better to hear from those who know exactly what you are going through.


I usually just stick to Hangout because most of the other forums just are not relevant to me at all.

 

[Upgradable]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Deferential..... that's what I should be about this. But my airconditioner is out and I woke up with water all over the kitchen floor from the aged dishwasher. So please take this into consideration when I'm less than concilliatory this morning.

Getting older, and the context in which we find ourselves at a later time in life, are not similar to trying to conceive or waiting 9 months for a child to be born. Those are singular situations with more than a modicum of predictability to them, and I sort of resent the implication that maturity is comparitively self-limiting! That analogy justifies exactly why I think a dedicated forum is a good idea.
You cannot even imagine what it's like until you get there!

A a woman in her forties who has been engaged, gotten married, given birth to two children, I may have something of experience to contribute to LIW, BWW, Newlyweds, TTC, and Pregnancy. However, lets be honest, the further away you get from those events, the less relevant my opinions and experiences become to those currently going through them. Current brides don't want to hear my opinion about Save The Date cards or Destination Weddings. I certainly wouldn't be making any new friends were I to share!

But I do not find it helpful in the least, when asking advice about how to handle situations with my 16 year old daughter, when someone who is less than five years away from that age herself feels she can give seriously considered advice! And when I wish to ask other about these weird skin things that are showing up all over my arms and upper thighs, I really don't want to be putting that out there on Hangout. Do you want me airing my Granny Panty, menopausal, hot flashing, hair growing, boob sagging, crusty heel issues with the likes of Dancing Fire? I don't. Sometimes I just want serious responses.

Excuse me for not continuing my rant. I have to get my 18 year old disabled son to brush his teeth for the bus, then try to push his 195 pound frame out the door because he'd rather sit at home with me all day and watch Barney.

Put that in your Nicoderm patch!!

 

[Ella]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

As I said before, we are happy to consider it if we have a need. To show a need it would be helpful for us if you would start with a thread, and if it proves to be popular we will consider a forum.

 

[gemgirl]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

Uppy, start a thread in FH&H. We'll all contribute and I'm sure that in a very short space of time, our Mods will notice it's success and will make it a sticky for us. There's so much to talk about!

Meanwhile, I'm sorry about your dishwasher. That's a pain in the --- but if your air condish is not working, go out and buy a new one TODAY. That's one of the perks of being older. No more making due or waiting for whatever. I knew we needed a new one before summer even started, so I took myself to the appliance store, chose the one I wanted, had a handsome young man load it into my SUV, and then once home, had my handsome husband bring it in and install it. Done!

 

[Amethyste]

Re: Is there need for another dedicated forum for older post

I think it is an awesome idea!!!
Gosh - I am 40 too and hmmmm... I feel that soon, I'll be getting AARP offers in the mail!

I may be over 40 - But Geez, I am FABULOUS!!!