Popular Post ExpatOilWorker Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I have just recently had the experience of working with 3 elder guys all between 60-65 on 3 different projects. Two of these guys were really hard to work with and had a very set mindset to the point where they were intolerant to other peoples ideas. Sort of like My way or the high way and I have forgot more sh!t than you will ever learn, kind of attitude. They will impose rules on other people, but not follow common rules and courtesy themselves. The last one is like every kid wants his grandfather to be, easy going, share his experience but let the younger guys do it their way. Since we are all getting older, I was wondering if getting grumpy is a natural process of getting older, similar to grey hair and wrinkled skin? On the other hand, most often we are a product of our environment, so is it possible to steer yourself toward the happy grandfather type of personality? Any personal experiences out there? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SpokaneAl Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 When we get old (of which I am well on my way) we will be just like we were when we were younger, only worse. Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Speaking as a 59 year old, I tend to agree with you and find most old people intolerant and unpleasant to be around, with a few notable exceptions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ToddWeston Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 (edited) As a 49 year old I have a different take on the situation. I think we the younger ones have changed. Look at some posts here, someone will say they are an OAP or you can get an idea of their age and all of a sudden some kid decides to berate and discredit the person. I'm not saying because they are older they are wiser and some are up for a good debate but some common decency amongst gentlemen should prevail. In my previous life 80% of the people I dealt with were seniors. the lack of basic respect coming from youth, very few listen to them, it must be extremely frustrating and hence the attitude change in temperment. I still hold a door open for anyone older than myself, call me old fashioned but I think they deserve a lot more respect than they are given. I see the way my neices and nephews speak to my parents (their grandparents) and it's not acceptable and Uncle Todd steps in with a firm bark and all is well. The thousands and thousands I've dealt with are much easier to difuse with a little kindness and respect than some of the punks I've had dealings with. And before anyone bites my head off that respect is earned I was brought up that you must respect your elders. Edited October 22, 2013 by ToddWeston 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jaideecm Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I agree with you, I think it is all the medication they take for their blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. That being said I just turned 65 yesterday and I don’t want to hang out with them either. I hang out with mostly younger Thais and have a great time. I go with them camping, hiking and party with them. I ride my bike every morning at 6 to 7 AM I also walk 7 kilometer and work out weight training 3 to 4 days a week. My doctor says my body is that of a 40 year old. I take no medication only vitamins daily. It is all a state of mind not the age. If I don’t take care of myself I will turn out like them and that is scary. Enjoy Life, Randy 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seajae Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 mate, I am 60 and although I am no longer able to my trade one thing I always stood by is that you are never too old to learn something new. We may have a shitload of knowledge in our own specialties but there are a\lways new methods being developed/found and everyone has to weigh them up. That doesnt mean just accepting them but they should at least try them and discuss the outcomes otherwise something that is good for the business will go astray. Sounds just like ignorant old pricks to me with closed minds, if you think your way is better then go for it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seajae Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 "It is all a state of mind not the age". This is it exactly, you are only as old as you feel. I am much more at home with younger people because they keep you going. Even when I was involved in coaching sport I found that I was able to go down to the kids levels and associate easily with them and get them to play a much better quality of game than other coaches. When you think old you become old, I am still not believed when people find out my age, most take me as much younger. Just that my body doesnt realize this, bugger, bugger, bugger............ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post soi41 Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I met an elderly man on the streets of Blackpool, he didn't look happy. Conclusion: British men in the agegroup 50-70 are bitter and twisted! And about as Thailand related as the OP. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clutch Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 The older you get the more cynical you become and living in LOS for a long term possibly expedites the process. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willyumiii Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I saw this happen to my father as he aged. He went from one of the nicest, most courteous people you could ever meet to a very rude and grumpy old man. When I asked him why, he told me he just didn't care what others thought anymore! I think part of it is that as some reach the end of their life they realize they will never achieve all they wanted to in life and get bitter about it. As I get older ( 60 now) I sometimes find myself slipping into this attitude, think of my father and try to snap out of it. At 60, I do have a 5 yer old daughter..I think that helps me try to think like a younger man.....I hope!..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trainman34014 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Funnily enough i think being a real Grandfather helps us to become more 'Grandfatherish' in our attitude to younger people. I have nine Grandchildren between the ages of three and sixteen and i love spending time with them all and having fun with them. Sadly these days i don't see them as often as i used to because they are in three different countries well away from Thailand. However; i also have two Thai Nieces aged two and four who call me Grandad and i see them almost weekly. I would also say that older peoples health plays a large part in their moods and i do everything i can to remain healthy and active; good diet, exercise daily and so on. When people are in pain for one reason or another or just physically uncomfortable they will soon become 'angry old men'. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post GuestHouse Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I'm working with a 29 year old at the moment - if any casual conversation is not about him, he either sits there sullenly with a bored look on his face or works eagerly until he can bring the conversation around to talking about himself and his limited experience of life. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExpatOilWorker Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 An aching body or just a lower physical energy level could be a large part of the grumpy mental stage, but some physical fit old guys can still be a challenge at times. We can all have an odd bad day, but I like the idea of being conscious of the old man mood trap and snap out of it when needed. Being close to your family and allowing and accepting them to make comments like lighten up old man could also help. The feeling of being there for somebody, by actually being a Grandfather or like some having young kids late in life also sound like a great stimulus. Like many things in live it might come down to self-awareness and education. Interesting enough, of the 3 guys I came across the easy going grandfather is the only one with a college degree, the other 2 have a more blue collar background. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JLCrab Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I always wonder when a doctor tells a 60+ plus year-old that they have the body of a 40 year old what is it they tell those who actually are 40 years old. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddWeston Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I met an elderly man on the streets of Blackpool, he didn't look happy. Conclusion: British men in the agegroup 50-70 are bitter and twisted! And about as Thailand related as the OP. It was originally posted in the health forum when I commented and moved into the general forum by the time you came up with your conclusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddWeston Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I always wonder when a doctor tells a 60+ plus year-old that they have the body of a 40 year old what is it they tell those who actually are 40 years old. Lie and say if you don't stop x and x by the time you're 45 you'll look 60. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post pomchop Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 Not sure which is worse: A grumpy OLD know it all or an arrogant YOUNG know it all. Seen plenty of both. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somtampet Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Most of my mates are at lease 8 years younger than me,and the ones that are 65+ moan like crazy about anything thai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post robblok Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I really think it depends on who you meet, some of those oldies are infuriating and others are good. It depends on how flexible and happy they are. As my dad is aging he is still great and even gets better. Many OAP that I met think they deserve respect because of their age, like it is something special to reach a certain age. You don't have to do anything for it its not a badge of honor. Real accomplishments and character that is what counts not reaching a certain age. If your dumb at 18 reaching 65 does not make you any smarter. If you have real character and really did something you get the respect without asking for it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mobi Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 I think the UK Television comedy series, 'One Foot in the Grave' says it all. I am 67, and see myslef in some of the OP's observations. I can't speak for others, but my main problem is that as I get older I no longer have the patience to 'suffer fools gladly'. OK, I admit some of them may not be fools, but to this blinkered old goat, they certainly seem to be. I have grown old as an expat in Thailand, so I cannot speak for people in western countries such as the UK, but when I visited England this year I found the young men there to be bright and intelligent and they didn't get on my nerves. My two son-in-laws, both in their thirties, were a pleasure to be with. But living in Pattaya, which is famous for the dubious 'quality' of expats, I find very few who I wish to spend any time with. Honestly, they just seem to be so ignorant,frequently racist, highly critical of everything , not only in LOS but back in the UK and are frankly, dishonest and very devious and untrustworthy.. Just why it is that ex-tradesmen, artisans, lorry-drivers and the like, think they are God's gift to the skills of running a bar in a country where they don't even speak the rudiments of the language, and have zero experience in the catering or entertainment industry is totally beyond the powers of my grey hairs to comprehend. But maybe that's because I've got one foot in the grave. 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mobi Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Oh, I forgot, one of life's greatest truisms - especially in Thailand - is: 'There's no fool like an old fool.' Been there... done that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bocceball1 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I'm an old guy (60)...and my thoughts on this subject are.....people are who they are...Some grumpy, some nice, some stupid (and I think their the happiest because they don't know any better), some ignorant (ignorance is having the chance to learn but not taking it and stupidity....well your just born that way and can't help it), some a--holes, some pacifists, some loners, some loud, some quiet and shy....and the list goes on. IMHO....you meet these guys in all ages....young and old.... Sooooo there are guys who are old (young at heart) who are great to be around....(others may not think so because they are jealous and don't want to be around this type because they think him arrogant) And there are young guys who are miserable because they were the High School captain or some kinda jock, who never achieved the greatness they thought they deserved (get that word ...."deserved")...and well some of this young guys grow old and become miserable old grumps telling stories of yesteryear and all they can do is repeat it ....boring! the examples go on....... Live life as though this is your last day, have no regrets, and treat others as you wish to be treated.....SIMPLE 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tolley Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Grumpy old man syndrome is really a biological fact. With falling testosterone levels men naturally become grumpy. And if you add to that life experience and dealing with idiots all your life and trying to be patient with them well it all becomes to much for many. Of course I dont fall into that category.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post barrybankruad Posted October 22, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted October 22, 2013 "Youth is wasted on the young' (G.B.Shaw) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Grumpy old man syndrome is really a biological fact. With falling testosterone levels men naturally become grumpy. And if you add to that life experience and dealing with idiots all your life and trying to be patient with them well it all becomes to much for many. Of course I dont fall into that category.... Now lets all go to supplement that test ill supply the needles the world would be a better place I am not sure you are right there as I am quite sure my good old dad does not ad any testosterone to his body. But it is known that testosterone has an impact on mood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tolley Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Grumpy old man syndrome is really a biological fact. With falling testosterone levels men naturally become grumpy. And if you add to that life experience and dealing with idiots all your life and trying to be patient with them well it all becomes to much for many. Of course I dont fall into that category.... Now lets all go to supplement that test ill supply the needles the world would be a better place I am not sure you are right there as I am quite sure my good old dad does not ad any testosterone to his body. But it is known that testosterone has an impact on mood. It doesnt have to be one thing or the other. I mean you can be a grumpy type but still active, intelligent, good company etc but just have a grumpy nature. And you can be grumpy, mean spirited unhappy, bad company etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpofc Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Growing old gracefully. Staying positive and being happy with your lot. There is no end of stuff on the net you can research about 'Irritable Male Syndrome' Jed Diamond Ph.D seems to be the 'guru' on the subject. http://www.theirritablemale.com/ You can even take an online test. http://theirritablemale.com/quiz2.htm Strive to be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetlejuice Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 (edited) From my experiences of old people, all the bad points about their characters back when they were young become exaggerated when they get old and then as the years go by it becomes impossible to reason with them.When it comes to technology and what is considered appropriate in this day and age, I am never ashamed to take advice from my kids and the younger generations, as I fully realise that what may have been acceptable in my heyday is considered as outdated and archaic today. I also try to avoid the urge to give younger people advice when they don`t ask. All I can do is discretely give my opinions and pass on the benefits of my life experiences to my kids and then just leave what they do up to their own discretion. Providing us oldies keep to these golden rules, than we will never be regarded as cranky old has beens and will be given more credibility and be more accepted by the younger generations. Edited October 22, 2013 by Beetlejuice 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpofc Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Get off my lawn! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crumpled Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 How old is old for this topic? to a 20 year old anything above 40 is old and anything above 50 is ancient. Over 60 and why are you not dead yet??? If a person is old and set in their ways let them be or simply accept they are that way. They have had many years to mould themselves into their lifestyle and attitude. I am nearing 60 but do not feel that way. I have hung out with older and younger people. Neither have been perfect. Many of the older people I meet and I'm talking 70+ years, are quite normal and relatively happy people. Some are really grumpy old b*stards, yet they can be happy in their grumpiness. The grumpy ones I leave to themselves. Set in their ways? Why not? Is there any need to change what they know, have learned and been taught by others and by life? Not everyone is perfect, young, old or inbetween. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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