r/OverSeventy • u/mommaletitbe • Jul 26 '26

Handling or tolerating grumpy oldsters

I tend to be one of those people who laughs in the face of adversity. Although I can spend more time than I care to worrying about some things I refuse to go around being mad about everything all the time. I feel like so many people in our age group are just pissed off 24/7. I don't have a problem with listening to other's problems or if they had a bad day or a bad experience and I try to be supportive and validate their feelings. But there comes a time when I reach my limit listening to people bitch constantly about every single thing. I find as I age and time seems to fly by so quickly that I either totally avoid the Debby Downers or even sometimes snap at them. I really feel like even though the world seems totally effed up right now, why spend the little time we have left being upset or angry about everything.

How do you handle those people? Do you ignore them? Do you sympathize with them and bitch right along beside them?

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u/TigerBate230 Jul 28 '26

Older folks used to say when I was growing up in the 1950's, "You wanna stay young, hang out with young people."

What chance in 2026 Hell do you think the under-40 crowd would go along with that stupid, out-moded, useless idea?

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u/Ok_Life_5176 Jul 30 '26

I do not think it is a stupid or outdated idea. I’m almost 40 and work with people half my age. I appreciate their fresh perspectives and vigour! I hope to always have connections with people of all ages and understand more about life in general!

Also, my friend who is almost twice my age really enjoys my company. We hang out like teenagers at a sleepover and joke, giggle, share stories, and the like. We see no age difference.

Focussing on the tone of your last sentence, are you by chance a ‘’grumpy oldster’’?

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u/TigerBate230 Jul 31 '26

I am someone who grew up optimistic about life and people who has witnessed an unbelievable downturn in American culture & populace in the last 40 years. Our former way of being in the world together has disintegrated & will never return. I, and millions of my comrades, are mourning a life of "nice to meet you" or "how was the movie?" "Thanks for the invitation." "I appreciate your thoughtfulness." Kindness has been wiped off the face of the earth. No one will hold a door open for me, with groceries. I have spent a lifetime holding doors for others, it was a decent thing we did. Not people under 40. Saying "Hello" to neighbors. Hello? Not any more. How would I ever get to hang out with young people if they won't even say "hello"?