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At what age are you considered an old person? Well, that really depends on who you are asking. If you decide to pose this question to a 5-year-old, there’s a high chance you’ll be called a grandma or grandpa for being over 30. If you ask a 60-year-old, they might tell you that they’re still in their prime and don’t feel old at all.

The truth is that old age does not simply start at a number that’s set in stone. It’s all very relative and depends on a lot of different factors. 

For example, this list, comprised of the most recent contributions to the "[Heck] I'm Old" subreddit, can be a great determining factor. Do you know what a floppy disk is? Have you used a telephone booth? Do you think the '70s were 30 years ago? Then, welcome to the older generation! No worries, we still have a lot of fun here too, it’s just that our joints are creakier.

The thing about getting old is that we’re going through it, we’re getting older each day, but we don’t feel it. So if someone asks us what’s old when we’re in our 20s, we say, well, 60s. When we’re in our 40s, we think 60 still sounds pretty good, so maybe old is closer to 70. When we’re in our 60s, we move the goalpost once more to somewhere in our mid 70s. 

This is the natural progression that scientists have found out about when surveying people about old age. And while the overall average for what’s considered the beginning of being old was 68, because of how wide the estimation gap was, this number is pretty much meaningless.

#2

Anyone Remember The Metal Lid You Had To Use A Butter Knife To Pop Off?

Anyone Remember The Metal Lid You Had To Use A Butter Knife To Pop Off?

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Mat Hall
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you could have been sensible and used the spoon that you would also use to get it out of the tin with. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Rob Miles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We just used the spoon we shoveled the rich, chocolatey goodness out with to open it.

Frances Pitchoune
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. For me, it was with a tablespoon. Because afterwards, I took a big spoonful!

Cynthia Flandorffer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember doing that until the knife broke than it was pliers. And I am only 47!!

realenancy170
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was always a little left that you could not get out without a lot of shaking it back and forth. Loved that stuff, I used twice as much powder as they said to!

Jaybird3939
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pouring milk in the container, shaking it around and getting the last little bits of Quik!

MacintoshID
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used the spoon that was going to scoop out the mix into your mug.

Danny Boy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I recall this was in the before time, when plastic wasn't used for everything and products we sold in recyclable containers... oddly before we started trying to recycle all the more or less non-recyclable plastic containers that everything now comes it...

Queen of Kingsbury
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to spoon, so then I could eat a spoonful of the Nestle quick goodness

Queen of Kingsbury
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used a spoon, so I could then eat a Spoonful of the Nestle Quick goodness

Charley128
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did and always will hate Quick. They say it's rich, smooth and creamy. Never was. False advertising to fool kids into drink sugary junk.

Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even as a kid I hated that stuff. I much preferred the cans of Hershey's syrup that you had to poke holes in to get to.

Mental Liberals
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But haven't touch anything nestle in more than a decade - terrible company!!!

Heffalump
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

slam the heels of your hands into the sides and see if you can make the top hit the ceiling. Bonus points if Mum doesn't catch you.

Brenda Francis
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1 year ago

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#3

Meirl

Meirl

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Joshua Seaman
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn. I'm 42 and feeling this one. 😑 But 42 is also the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, so that's some solace 😄

The insignificance of this contrived start point is especially evident when talking to 60-year-olds themselves. Out of all the respondents aged 65–74, only 21% said that they feel old. And even those who are over 75 weren’t so convinced—only 35% agreed that they are old.

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This reiterates another point that researchers have explored. They discovered that the gap between our real age and “felt” age widens as we grow older. Apparently, about half of 18 to 29-year-olds feel the age that they are while a quarter feel younger. Compare that to 50-year-olds, half of which feel younger than their actual age, and people over 65, 60% of which feel like the number in their passport doesn’t do them justice.

#5

I Know You All Or Almost All Of Us Remember This

I Know You All Or Almost All Of Us Remember This

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Howl's sleeping castle
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have a book from my college library that I forgot to return. The book was printed in 1964 and the author wrote about how in few years it will be possible to send man to moon

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So, if there’s no real number to go off of, are there any other indicators out there? Well, the ones that everyone agrees on are a few. They are:

  • Failing health
  • Inability to live independently  
  • Inability to drive
  • Difficulty with stairs
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#7

A Trip Down Memory Lane

A Trip Down Memory Lane

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Howl's sleeping castle
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had one with shutter, round dials and all. It was black and white. It worked fine till early 2000.

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#8

Maybe It's Just Me, But When I Pay For Music, I Want Something Tangible In My Hands

Maybe It's Just Me, But When I Pay For Music, I Want Something Tangible In My Hands

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Joshua
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still collect CD's. Besides superior sound than a compressed MP3, I just always liked looking at the accompanying booklets.

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#9

Who Else Remembers Cigarette Vending Machines That Had No Way To Check A Persons Age And Operated On The Honor System?

Who Else Remembers Cigarette Vending Machines That Had No Way To Check A Persons Age And Operated On The Honor System?

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Natalie H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember those cigarette vending machines! They were in the bars I hung out in, drinking tequila and shooting pool when I was 16 (underage)🤭🤫

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However, some other indicators aren’t so clear-cut. For example, two in three 20-year-olds believe that forgetfulness of familiar names is a sign of getting old. By the time they are thirty, though, only less than a half of the respondents identify it as something only old people do. The same murkiness is apparent when talking about retirement, having gray hair, having grandkids, becoming less active sexually, and having bladder problems.

#10

Remember Getting Your Feet Measured By This Bulky Thing?

Remember Getting Your Feet Measured By This Bulky Thing?

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David Hopkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most all shoe stores still have them. Not many, but I nearly always see at least one whenever I go shoe shopping.

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#11

I Know I'm Not Alone

I Know I'm Not Alone

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Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this picture makes me feel that upholstery vinyl piping burning into the back of my legs wearing those shorts in the summer. --- forget about the buckle burn..

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#12

"When I Was Your Age, The Internet Came Through The Phone And It Sounded Like Screaming Robots"

"When I Was Your Age, The Internet Came Through The Phone And It Sounded Like Screaming Robots"

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Maybe all this vagueness is related to the fact that we’re all quite scared of getting old. The survey shows that many younger adults expect old age to be worse than it actually is. A lot of people believe that getting old involves memory loss, illness, loneliness, depression, and financial difficulties. However, older adults do experience some of it, but it is at way lower levels that young people believe it will be.

#13

35 Mm Film Canister Holders

35 Mm Film Canister Holders

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On the other hand, old age is also not as fun as we might imagine. Older people report not spending as much time with family or traveling as younger people hope they will. There isn’t as much time to find new hobbies or start a second career either. Older folks still do that, just maybe not as commonly as expected.

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#16

So Very True! More So On Monday Mornings

So Very True! More So On Monday Mornings

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have enough energy to scream when I wake up, but I certainly share their feelings.

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#17

Did Anyone Else Use To Put These Together As A Kid?

Did Anyone Else Use To Put These Together As A Kid?

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Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh come on! Where is the plastic tip for the nose with the spinning propeller?

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#18

Who Remembers This Toy Phone? I Had One As A Kid. Did Anyone Else Have One?

Who Remembers This Toy Phone? I Had One As A Kid. Did Anyone Else Have One?

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are still sold. A lot of the classic Fisher Price Toys are

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Still, older people are happy. In fact, they’re as happy as any other generation, proving that your contentment with life does not depend on your age. The common denominators of a happy life are as usual: good health, good financial situation, and good friends.

#20

If You Know What The Tape Is For, Your Back Probably Hurts

If You Know What The Tape Is For, Your Back Probably Hurts

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#21

This Is 💯% True

This Is 💯% True

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Andy Smith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mid 90s were king with SNL. When you had Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, David Spade, Phil Hartman, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock, etc etc.

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So, if this list made you feel old, don’t feel bad about that. There’s nothing wrong with it. All that it really says to you is that you have more experience than others. And isn’t that valuable? 

#22

Norman Lear (101), Mel Brooks (96), Dick Van Dyke (97) With Youngster Judd Apatow (55)

Norman Lear (101), Mel Brooks (96), Dick Van Dyke (97) With Youngster Judd Apatow (55)

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#23

Does Anyone Else Miss The Butter Rum Lifesavers?

Does Anyone Else Miss The Butter Rum Lifesavers?

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#24

The Good Old Days Of Dodge Ball When We Used Real Rubber Balls

The Good Old Days Of Dodge Ball When We Used Real Rubber Balls

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#25

Then He Played The Cassette In The Car On The Way Home. And Wept Thinking About That Summer And That Girl He Never Had A Chance With :(

Then He Played The Cassette In The Car On The Way Home. And Wept Thinking About That Summer And That Girl He Never Had A Chance With :(

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#28

Who Remembers These?

Who Remembers These?

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm old enough to remember when the only fast food was from the local fish & chip shop

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#30

Remember When You Could See These Just About Everywhere?

Remember When You Could See These Just About Everywhere?

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#31

Who Remembers Mcdonalds Ash Trays?

Who Remembers Mcdonalds Ash Trays?

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Kevin the Manager
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember all of my clay creations in grade school starting out as elaborate sculptures but ending up as ash trays. Gifts for my folks, who positively did NOT smoke.

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#32

My Mom Had One At Her House. But My Dad Never Had One Cause He Said They Weren't Practical. The Shows Of Having Divorced Parents

My Mom Had One At Her House. But My Dad Never Had One Cause He Said They Weren't Practical. The Shows Of Having Divorced Parents

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#33

Who Remembers All Wooden Playgrounds? All Metal Ones Were More Fun Though

Who Remembers All Wooden Playgrounds? All Metal Ones Were More Fun Though

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#34

It Happens To Us All Sooner Or Later

It Happens To Us All Sooner Or Later

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wen to Sizzler with a couple of friends one of whom said jokingly "You're in luck, it's a discount for Pensioners tonight" & I was promptly given the discount by the cashier. I was 51 at the time & the Age Pension was only available to those 65 & older...

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#35

When I Was Growing Up We Never, Ever Had A Single Snow Day. No Matter What Our Butts Were At School

When I Was Growing Up We Never, Ever Had A Single Snow Day. No Matter What Our Butts Were At School

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Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember going to the school in heavy rain. It was a 30 minute walk and by the time I got there I was soaked to the skin and got sent home to get changed and come back to school (Our towns schools had a hard on for reporting you to child welfare for the dumbest reasons) My mom told them she isn't going to spend the day washing a rapidly growing pile of wet clothes and if they reported her she would be down the school with a hammer and a big bag of rusty nails and she would nail each effing teacher she came across to the wall by their ears. Shortly after it stopped raining and I asked if I should go back to school to which my mom replied "F*ck 'em"

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#36

Did Anyone Else Spend A Fair Amount Of Time Reading These?

Did Anyone Else Spend A Fair Amount Of Time Reading These?

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Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And cheating by putting your finger on the last question while you looked at the results of the one option you chose and then went back if you died

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#37

Evolution Of How We Listen To Music

Evolution Of How We Listen To Music

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Cassie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not many people had CDs in 1983. Tapes were still king through the 80s and CDs rose mostly in the 90s.

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#38

Zed And Sweetchuck

Zed And Sweetchuck

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Cyber Returns
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Police academy! Awesome film that went downhill with each sequel except the when Zed and Sweetchuck were in it

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#39

Remember When A Gallon Of Hawaiian Punch Came In A Big Can?

Remember When A Gallon Of Hawaiian Punch Came In A Big Can?

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#40

Who Remembers Root Beer Barrels Candies?

Who Remembers Root Beer Barrels Candies?

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#41

This Is Radar From M*a*s*h. Now I Really Know I'm Old

This Is Radar From M*a*s*h. Now I Really Know I'm Old

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Rinso the Red
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact - he had a disfigured left hand. It's one of the reasons he always had a clip board in the show.

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#42

This Certified Classic Premiered 30 Years Ago

This Certified Classic Premiered 30 Years Ago

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#43

How Do You Do, Fellow Peebles?

How Do You Do, Fellow Peebles?

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Crybabyartist
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

comiseration hurts so much. I never heard of anyone anymore.. but then again... I dont want to even hear that c**p!

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#44

I'm This Old

I'm This Old

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Cyber Returns
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I so old that we had our OS on floppy disks and there was no mouse and no GUI. Everything was done on MSDos and it was either orange or green screens

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#45

Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler And Brendan Fraser. 1994 And Now

Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler And Brendan Fraser. 1994 And Now

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#46

Who Remembers These Batteries And Thought They Were So Cool!?

Who Remembers These Batteries And Thought They Were So Cool!?

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#47

Titanic On Vhs - The Struggle Was Real

Titanic On Vhs - The Struggle Was Real

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Crystal Hypes
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think Gone With the Wind was 4 tapes. I kept having to get up and change them for my grandma!

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#48

This Year, Toby Froud, The Baby In “Labyrinth,” Turns 39, The Age David Bowie Was When The Movie Came Out

This Year, Toby Froud, The Baby In “Labyrinth,” Turns 39, The Age David Bowie Was When The Movie Came Out

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#49

These Were So Fun

These Were So Fun

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Just another idiot
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember Nepster baby! Until Metallica sued the pants off of them. We collectively "shared" so much music! LOL

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#50

That Belongs… In A Museum?

That Belongs… In A Museum?

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Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.