I note of late that virtually every negative post directed at another poster contains the word "old". "You dirty old man", "you old fuck", and on and on.

What's wrong with being old? I mean, there are obvious downsides and, when I give it considerable thought, there are few really good things about it, but why should "old" be used as an insult?

There was a time when elders were held in high esteem. A time long gone, it appears.

I am 65, and don't consider myself to be old. I think of my 91 year old mother as getting up there in age, but not as "old".

I am far, far wiser now than I was 40, or even 10, years ago. I do what I want each day, unencumbered by having to chase the almighty dollar (or peso in my case). I have a nice house, a great wife, great kids, and a decent pension. The government here gives me a 20% discount on prescription medicine, doctor visits, and other stuff. In addition to my USG pension, that government will start paying me social security when I turn 66.

I just don't understand why "old" is constantly used in an insulting manner on this board, especially by posters whom I doubt very much are in their 30's, or in tip-top physical condition themselves.

Just some random thoughts.......