How do we know when we are old? It was first made clear to me when I was nearing retirement age and was stopped in the street by a lady with a clipboard doing a survey.

Having covered all her questions, she seemed quite satisfied with the result. When it came to the end of the questionnaire and the tick box for age range had to be completed, her expression changed.

The tick box stopped at 55 and I didn't. While I was quite flattered that I hadn't been considered to look too ancient to be asked my opinion, I could see the time rapidly approaching when my views would not be invited.

The countdown had begun.

Now I have retired, I find the best way to cope with any false assumptions made on the basis of age is to treat them with a sense of humour.

When recently approached by a couple of likely lads and invited to comment on the pierced tongue of one of them, flapped at me with enthusiasm, I laughed and replied it looked good and suited him.

This, of course, did nothing for his self-image, as having approval from an elderly person was the last thing he wanted. I slipped away while I had the advantage.

I had to recover by sitting on one of the chairs so thoughtfully provided by Marks and Spencer just inside its doors.

Retirement also means little perks, such as getting into the pictures for 50p less than ordinary mortals and having a bus pass that allows for cheap travel.

When newly retired and feeling very similar to the employed person I had been a few weeks earlier, I tried to resist the disappointment I felt when my senior status wasn't challenged on requesting a discount cinema ticket.

Stop looking for the cashier to stare at you in amazement and don't expect the bus driver to do a double take at your youthful image on presentation of your passport to cheap travel.

Don't worry - they won't even look at you.

-Marnie Middleton, EvelynTerrace, Brighton