What do the elderly talk about when they get together?

[Anonymous]

I’m in my 60s and would say your Mom is very active. It takes a lot of time to just be me. Appointments a few times a week, Drs, hair, nails, occasional facial, shopping, exercise, and paperwork. People are starting to have hearing deficits and that is very hard for me.
We talk about physical issues, compare Drs, brag about kids/grandkids (we enjoy seeing each others pics) we complain (a lot) about everything from the grocery store to uneven pavement. There’s hardly any gossip because we really care about each other and need each other. All of this gives me freedom to visit kids/grandkids when I want. Personally, can’t stand cruises or any sightseeing trips. Done with that.
I am enjoying this season of my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother has been retired now for about 20 years and her day is reduced to basic routines and eating out once a day with friends. She tends to see the same people every week at least once but usually twice and beyond eating out and attending church has nothing else going on. She has about three groups of four that she alternates days with weekly. She doesn't do anything other than maybe watch a TV show like Dancing with the Stars a couple of times a week and the news each day. She travels 4 times a year. She knows very little of my life and other family members because she doesn't care to always saying she's busy. I'm trying to figure out what these ladies talk about. I would have a very hard time keep conversation going without actually doing anything new or thinking about anything new. Ailments? I'm generally curious how to get through daily dinner parties at that age with such a sparse agenda.

Why don't you tell us when you are old, op?

[Anonymous]

I'm 70, reading this thread is a bit shocking, but it makes me realize that if so many of you are this dumb and clueless about people then your conversations when you are older are going to be less than fascinating.

[Anonymous]

OP, your mom is involved in multiple groups, has daily social interaction, and travels and ,presumably, lives independently. Please count your blessings. It may not seem exciting to you, but the social interaction she has is so, so good for her and, frankly, a blessing as she ages. While it may be hard that she seems not focused on others and especially you/your family, its good that she's engaged and busy!

my mom can't really have a conversation with her peers anymore, and instead, she calls me anywhere from 1-15 times a day, usually talking (semi coherently) about how whatever random ache or pain she has, about miserable she is, how her life is not worth living, how no one cares about her and she is so lonely (despite us visting 3-5x/week and multiple outings and a staff that tries to keep her engaged); how the doctors "out here" are incompetent, how she had no idea her life would turn out so horribly, etc. She has stopped asking or inquiring about anyone else, including her grandchildren, for probably 2 years, aside from the occasional "how are the kids" and then not listening to the answer.

[Anonymous]

Talk about each other behind each other’s back, just like everyone else. Gossip rules

[Anonymous]

OP your mom sounds like she has a way healthier social life than my mom does. She's doing great. Who cares what she talks about as long as she is enjoying her life.

My mom talks about ailments, complains about doctors/neighbors/anyone, gossips and starts drama. She also has angry rants. She has turned a lot of people off. It's a shame because she used to be able to hide that side of her more.

[Anonymous]

Gossip and health problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think your mom's social life seems healthy. Maybe less judgment?

Not judging and it wouldn't matter if I did anyway. She does what she wants. Just trying to understand it.

Nobody wants to talk about this with you. I’d rather talk about a movie with your mom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talk about each other behind each other’s back, just like everyone else. Gossip rules

So talking about her DD who she just can’t figure out?

[Anonymous]

Maybe they speculate about what inane topics their boring, uptight, phone-addicted lawyer daughters posted recently on internet message boards to discuss with total strangers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 70, reading this thread is a bit shocking, but it makes me realize that if so many of you are this dumb and clueless about people then your conversations when you are older are going to be less than fascinating.

Slay

[Anonymous]

You’re so lucky you have your mom, and she sounds like she’s leading a vibrant life. My life as a 48 year old mom consists of working, or barely working, all day at my hybrid job, sending my family adorable animal memes, and checking DCUM constantly. I may get some walking in, or elliptical. We see friends as a couple probably monthly, and I noticed that conversation was really boring and stifled at our last dinner with friends. We need to laugh more, listen to good music, maybe even play card games like older generations did. We are all too uptight while serving salad. Blah.

[Anonymous]

pickleball!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother has been retired now for about 20 years and her day is reduced to basic routines and eating out once a day with friends. She tends to see the same people every week at least once but usually twice and beyond eating out and attending church has nothing else going on. She has about three groups of four that she alternates days with weekly. She doesn't do anything other than maybe watch a TV show like Dancing with the Stars a couple of times a week and the news each day. She travels 4 times a year. She knows very little of my life and other family members because she doesn't care to always saying she's busy. I'm trying to figure out what these ladies talk about. I would have a very hard time keep conversation going without actually doing anything new or thinking about anything new. Ailments? I'm generally curious how to get through daily dinner parties at that age with such a sparse agenda.

Maybe you should show some interest and ask her.

[Anonymous]

Parroting what they heard on Fox News