Don't Call Me Sir

At what point does one become "old"?  Is it a measure of time, of health, of appearance, of actions?  Or maybe it really is that "You're only as old as you feel".   I was given my first senior discount at a Wendy's in Toledo when I was in my mid-40's.  I put the receipt on the refrigerator door at home and for a time it was a subject of mirth among friends and family.

Now that I carry a Medicare card and qualify for senior discounts by any measurable limit, I find being reminded of the fact to be less humorous.  The other day I was in an office building and when I entered the elevator there was already a young man headed down.  We exchanged greetings and joked at one point that the elevator wasn't going to set any speed records.  When we reached ground level and the door opened I motioned for him to go ahead.  His response was "After you, sir."

Listen sonny, your grandfather is "sir", your father is "sir", if you're in the military officers, regardless of age, are "sir".  I don't need people in their thirties calling me "sir".  Yes, my hair is more gray than brown, my beard is almost completely gray and I've probably lost a step from my 4.3 speed, but I don't feel old.

So don't call me sir, don't hold doors for me, don't offer me your seat.  I'll still take the senior discount though.