Proof of age, please!
By Jayne Warren - 26/03/2009
We recently highlighted a problem faced by the growing number 60 somethings who are challenged to provide "proof of age" when buying goods and services at places that offer 'OAP concessions'. It was sparked by an email from MT reader Jenny Stafford who wrote: "Having just reached 60 I am finding that there are an increasing number of occasions when it would be beneficial to have a recognised ID card which confirms my age - my bus pass just doesn't seem very professional."
Indeed it doesn't. In rural areas many older people simply don't have bus passes because they drive (no buses), and with increasing identity fraud lugging your passport around with you is not exactly ideal. I called Help The Aged to find out if there was such a thing as an OAP ID card and they concluded that there wasn't. But they did agree that there is a growing need for them as today's average 60 year old just doesn't look (or act) their age.
On the bright side, its not too much of a downside is it? Here are just some of your responses so far:
"I have problems quite often when travelling on trains and buses. The inspectors are always hassling me for my Freedom Pass - but that sometimes doesn't work as I am either told they do not accept it or 'that's not really you is it madam?'. I will be 64 this year (with God's help) and I really do think the over 60s need some sort of pass which is accepted nationwide." Elizabeth (by email)
"I have been asked for proof of my age several times when claiming discounts - it always cheers me up! For ID I use my photo driving licence which I always carry anyway as I live in a very rural area and so haven't bothered to get a bus pass - no buses! Presumably most people have either a bus pass or a driving licence so I don't think there is really any need for yet another ID card to prove you are a pensioner." Ann Riggs
"I have been exhorting the powers that be for years to do something along the lines you suggest for 'older' ID. The problem was particularly manifest when I retired in 1989 at the age of 60 and had to persuade my local Council to allow concessions at our local leisure centre for men as they were only available for women aged 60 (an outrageous piece of discrimination). And certainly, if you are active and retain youthful good looks it is sometimes difficult to convince people that you are not younger than you look. So I agree - a proper card would be a very good idea." Walter J. Bourne
"I hit 60 tomorrow and I've been thinking about proof of age. Yes, an ID card might be useful but not the Government one - that just smacks of Stalinism. More to the point - where would it be useful? Perhaps a future article might deal with all those places where an over-60s discount would be available." Philip Kellingley
"I’ve never been asked to prove my age – perhaps I just look old.
Even when buying pensioners’ railcards at our local railway station we weren’t asked to proved entitlement – all they wanted was our money! So I don’t think I’d need or want an extra OAP identity card - it's just one more thing to forget or lose. (Incidentally, my husband always pretends to be very hurt when cashiers in the supermarket don’t ask for proof that he is over 18 when buying booze!) Mary Hodges
"Yesterday, my retired next-door neighbour - who ought to know better, since I am 65 - asked me if I had a new job yet! My friend
remarked: 'It's because you look too young - you ought to dye your hair grey, paint a few lines on your face!' I don't feel the need of a card, since I have my bus pass, but do wonder if I am entitled to sit on the pensioner's seat on the bus -especially when I have had to run to catch it. Incidentally, I climb at least one mountain every six weeks, cycle, walk miles each day, garden, swim, write poetry, play scrabble, and do lots of other things. Aint life grand!"
Catharine Hilda Atkins
"I think you are wrongly applying the term 'OAP' to the over-60s. I always thought that men received their state pensions at 65 and women at an earlier age - but in these times of supposed equality, I'm no longer sure." John Gray
"I retired 16 years ago and have a ID card issued by the pensions office because my pension is paid directly into my bank account. No problem." Bill Launchbury
"I have found the best solution for when they look at you as if they
don't believe you are over 60 is to look back at them as if you are!
It never fails!" Andrew Strathdee
"I have exactly this problem and I think it's because all previous age stereotypes 'looked old' due to extraneous causes - such as pollution, poor diet, strenuous unremmitting work and serious social problems. This may not be a 'Golden Age' - but our forebears wouldn't be complaining too much if they were enjoying it. A 'proof of age' ID seems to be a necessary possession for over 60's today. Can I have one with my date of birth backdated to 1948, please?" Bill Houlder
"Oh the memories of proof of age! When barmen looked at you more than twice before serving you a pint, the girl in the kiosk at the Odeon never would let you in to see an X-rated film and coppers asked your age because you were puffing on a fag. Now when entering a garden show and asking for concessions I am pleased to say my age is regularly checked. (My wife would never ask for a concession but thats nowt to do with being queried - its all about vanity aint it?) Nobody wants to have to carry their pension book, but they have a card for youngsters these days - so why not one for us 'lucky' old uns?" Davidge George
"I took retirement in 1997 and also found I was being questioned as to my age. I contacted The Department of Social Security who sent me a Card (BR464) which had their logo on it, and the words: 'The person named below is entitled to a National Insurance Retirement Pension'. It may be worth asking if they still issue these if requested but it's worth asking. Unfortunately I don't get called for it now - but it was most useful for a few years." Kate Burgess
"I have a citizen card which is perfect for proof of age as it clearly marked as 50+ or 60+. It is also good for internal flying in the UK." Seamus Quinn
"My citizen card, which costs just £4.50 has been useful when buying a 60+ National Express coach ticket at my local council tourist information office and getting a two-course meal offer for £7.25. And citizen card retail partners are organisations who offer half-price citizen cards to customers using their own branded application forms." C. Adams
We looked into the Citizen Card suggestion - and indeed it might well be the answer for those who do want ID but prefer to leave more valuable documents safely at home. Application forms are available online at www.citizencard.com and from supermarkets, convenience stores, off licences, post offices or newsagents. You can also call them direct on 0844 499 4688 during normal business hours (Monday- Friday 9am-5.30pm). The standard cost of a CitizenCard is £12, urgent applications are £26 and it is valid for as long as you wish to use it.