I’m about to turn fifty in the USA. I’m planning to get some shots (pneumococcal, shingles and RSV) for which I’ll be eligible. Which things did you get when you turn fifty in your life?
A free mammogram
My first colonoscomy, I felt so grown up !
Also at 50 I became much more attractive to women for some reason. I hadn’t really changed but I look back now and see that I was perceived as being more mature and stable than before, and being a straight male with no children became a big plus.
AFAIRecall, at 50, the NHS sends out FOBT kits, or they did when I was 50, which rather put me off icing a birthday cake.
But at 60 I got free public transport within London, and free NHS prescriptions. And until this year some cash to go towards extra fuel costs in the winter.
Boy, that would’ve meant something a lot more fun 25 birthdays ago.
Just because you’re fifty doesn’t mean you need to give up e.g. oyster shooters. You’ll probably tap out sooner, but OK.
Remember, you’re only as old as you behave.
My Mom received a great deal of deference in public venues when she was in her 80s and 90s. I’m nowhere near that age, plus I’m an Old Fart of the male persuasion with a permanent scowl, so I don’t receive – or expect – any favouritism. But I still like it when cute checkout clerks call me “dear”! 