20 Answers

If you let them be.  I consider myself old (compared to 20 years ago) so I accept it.  I DON'T like being referred to James' "old lady", I'm not.....

It didn't use to bother me, until recently.........  :)

I think could be either, depends on the context it is used in, it could be offensive, sympathetic, humerus etc, like many words or sayings even inflections or voice tone can be the difference between  complimentary and insulting

This is slang and not slur and I've often felt this was biker talk and/or old school. Oddly enough my grandmother was called Baba which means "old woman" and grandad was called Gedo meaning "old man" in Polish/Ukrainian!! Heeey! Maybe that's where they picked it up!!!    :)

I think the terms "Elderly Gentleman/Elderly Lady are far more respectful...but maybe thats just my opinion!

First of all itsmee you look fabulouse now back to your question I hate the term any body would think we live in the dark ages we live in the 21st century back in the 19th century people didnt live as long as we do now and you were classed as old between 35 yrs and 40s but now we are living much longer and the kids now look in their 2os when the are still in thier early teens so what are they going to say when they get old and how do you say how old you are when I feel most days in my twenties but Im not as they say its only a word at the end of the day good question

That depends on the person who is wanting something from you.  

I find it rather disrespectful  I think  elderly man or elderly woman is more appropiate.

Like anything, it would probably depend upon what context it was used in, and the obvious intent of its usage.

How about my old mans a dustman,and he weares a dustmans hat,he weares cor blimey throursers ,so what do yoy think of that,????

"Old" is a state of mind, less your cheese; in which case open a bottle of wine & be merry ! " ;)

No!!!

A lot of people call me an old git, I would rather be called that than old man, there is a radio programe on in the UK with a lady in the afternoons, the other members of the team call her old women but only in a light hearted way.

In stead of referring to some one as old, how about referring to them as. Recycled teenagers. lol Well depending on how they think.

I do not like it when someone refers to their wife as 'old lady' or husband as 'old man' I think it's disrespectful.  However, depending on the company, it seems to work out fine amongst same culture. Also, I don't like 'Wifey and Hubby'..   I have never introduced my wife as anything but my wife..

My dad once introduced my mom as 'the cook' he got a smack in the back of the head, right then!!  :)

Old man or old lady could be a great compliment depending on how you look at it and who is saying it.  Anything can be a compliment.  Anything can be an insult.  Intention and feeling behind it is what counts.  I think its great to see a little old lady and a little old man walking down the street holding hands. If you make it long enough to be called a little old lady or a little old man, how lucky are you to have seen all that you have seen and experienced.  I love the little old lady and the little old man.  I hope I become one.

Like Ann, I find it disrespectful. 30 is old to 10. 40 is old to 20. 50 is old to 30. 60 is old to 40, and so it goes.  It is relative. 
Call me old in conversation with someone else, but don't do so to my face.  

No as long as it don't come from the old lady..

yes, it's a slur, unless you know the person VERY well. There's nothing wrong with being old, but you just don't go around calling someone by adjectives. You should call them by their name, or sir or ma'am .