Gay Stuff : Clubbing, How Old is Too Old?
In your own opinion, what is the maximum age limit to go clubbing, anyone? And by that, we do mean the age that is deemed inappropriate or too old for the clubbing life. Is there such a thing? After all, we always hear there is a minimum age required to enter clubs, but a maximum?
We are not talking about barring people who reached a certain age from entering the club; rather we are talking about the “socially acceptable age.” Because apparently according to the findings of a British study titled The Great Outdoors conducted by Curry’s PC World, people stop going to the club at 31 on average.
However, when people hit 37 and they’re seen in the club and bars (specifically people in their 40s and 50s) having a good time amidst the young ones in their 20s, that is considered tragic. Or at least 37% of their 5,000 respondents thought so.
I personally think there is no age limit when it comes to having fun. If I were fifty and I wanted to go clubbing then I will, age be damned.
But apart from the age factor, the survey states that clubbing becomes less desirable as we age because of the following: being unable to “face the hangover” the next day, plus the various inconveniences involved in “getting dressed up” and “booking for taxis.” Then of course there are others who prefer to stay at home and keep themselves busy with their electronic devices and the social media. Lastly, almost 70% claimed they were happy to have found their long-term partner as that has put an end to their nightclubbing, the reason being they no longer have to search for a significant other.
Which brings us to the question: Why do you go clubbing, guys? Are you a club person? Why or why not? And how old are you? How old, in your opinion, is too old to go clubbing? Share with us your thoughts, opinions, and stories in the comments section below.
Could you be any more of a tool?
No upper age should be excluded or made to feel too old, go have a good time but remember your age and don’t try to be 21 again, I see lots of older men from LA who come to PS and go to the clubs and are wearing outfits that I wouldn’t wear when I was a teen…such a turn off
I think it boils down to heteronormative perceptions of men in that age bracket. They are expected to have settled down and in their marriages. Its even worse here in Nigeria. You’re tagged irresponsible when u club crawl in ur 40s. Personally, while I hate the smoke and the booze, I love to dance and where better to see ppl show crazee than in a club? I am not so sure I might be able to do all them moves as I advance in years, but I don’t think I will knock off clubbing and partying
I’m 42 and have lost a lot of interest in going to nightclubs to dance. But if I do dance and hang out there, it’s for the music because I love House music so much. If someone wants to go there and dance or do whatever, I don’t think there should be an age limit. I hate when people make up rules for how others to live if they are not hurting anyone else. I personally like to see people of all ages and types at clubs just having a good time blowing off some steam. I keep up with current music and fashion, and I’m not just looking to hook up with every guy I meet so I don’t see why I should feel shunned from the club.
Another factor is music. I”m not a fan of the music being played today then from 10 years ago. My preference. If I do find a place that plays some of the older music I will go. when I was in my 20’s I would see some older guys having fun and thinking to myself, when I get there I hope to be just as happy.
How old is too old to enjoy yourself and have a good time
Never was a clubbing sort of person but I did hang out a little in my younger years even though by the definitions framed in this article it wouldn’t really have been deemed ‘clubbing’ .
Coincidentally it was at about the age of 31 that I stopped it all . Job requirements put an end to that .
However , should I ever decide to go out again now after many years in ‘retirement’ , I can guarantee the crowds that I at least have the class and decorum to not be playing with cell phones or other devices rather appreciating what’s there all around me in the here and now .
Actually , now that I think of it ‘clubbing’ would probably be more beneficial and productive than being in this miserable location here on a4a !
Sadly in our culture it is looked down on for men especially over 40 to go out to the clubs. We are such a youth centered society that it boarders on age bigotry to me. When there are not many social outlets for gay men and women to participate in outside of the Bars/Clubs.
Wow,
No matter our age, if we treat each other respectfully, all of our lives would improve. So what if a guy is trying to dance to celebrate a new hip or knee. Why ruin or cast shade on that person for trying to wring some pleasure out of life? If you look like you’re having fun, I’m the guy that’s gonna get a dance in with ya because I like joyful people especially when they’ve been through something.
Takes a lot of balls to even put forth such a question. My response? To each his own!
We go through different stages in our gay lives, and people enter and exit the club scene at all different points in their lives. There is no age limit. Most guys go to gay bars to meet and mingle; they aren’t just going to drink and party, but that does play a role. We tend to go OUT when we are single and lord knows that happens at every part in our lives.
I go clubbing occasionally to see new venues and to go dancing. I love to dance. Yes I’m over 50 … gasp! I rarely ever have any “you’re too old” crap happen to me. San Francisco is a very inclusive and open minded place. Truth be told I also always make sure I have the following day off.
I was never into the club scene my partner was he stop going due to his health issues.
im 50y/o. i only go to clubs if im on vacation or on a occasion like Bday & NYE.
If you wanna go out, and you’re 99 . . . well, you go and enjoy yourself. Age is a number. Let’s not put limits and conditions on what we should and should not do. I hope to be 99 and still getting fucked by cute 77-year-old twinks.
*I hope to be 99 and still getting fucked by cute 77-year-old twinks.*
Now there’s some food for thought ! You made a lot of people’s day with that one .
Go if you want to. Enjoy yourself. And if anybody looks at you side-eyed, tell them to kiss your grown ass.
I’m sorry. I’m old but love to dance. Age is irrelevant for fun.
I’m a gay 54 yr old straight acting male with a handful of younger gay friends, who are in their late 20-30’s. They always invite me to tag along if we decide to hangout for a couple drinks at the local gay bar here. Sure, most guys are in their 20-30’s, but I also see 40-50’s too. Nothing wrong in having fun with the younger guys as long as they are mature and not assholes. Makes me still feel young and I like that!
25 is tooooo old
Why is & does this question get raised towards some 40+older .. why not pose it at the younger?? . They are the ones that act ill mannered and like drunk school kids and Plain Stupid .. I’m 43 myself and I’ll club it better and longer than kids half my age …. and people that think it’s tragic . Go F**k yourself ., Not all of us are in a relationship or get to 31 and get married have kids or otherwise … sometimes some of like the club atmosphere dance and some drinks . Not to go do the Snubfest fashion show or on the prowl for your next hookup like most gay men …
Who cares?
I’m a 56 yo. That being said, I have never liked to go out ‘dancing.’ I’ve enjoyed going to bars that play videos either vintage music videos or comic videos. These days I like to go to ‘straight’ bars and visit/chat with people. The last time I was in a gay bar was probably 3-4 years ago. And the music was too loud, LOL! But seriously we could not hear each other talk. When we go to ‘straight’ places, the music is at a decent level and we can communicate. I use the single quote mark on the straight bars because Margaritaville is neither gay nor straight, nor or the bars that we go to. We are accepted and welcomed by the ENTIRE bar staff. If you find yourself in a place you don’t feel welcomed or comfortable: TIP accordingly and LEAVE. I have left $.03 at a place one night when I felt abused/used.
if you LOOK over 27
Is it ever OK to be ageist? I’m well past clubbing age but still like to go out once in a while. Young people never think they’ll get old. It is a pretty much a young man’s game but if you want to go out and enjoy yourself no matter your age, go for it. If people don’t approve or like it, that’s their problem.
All the good bars and dance halls are long, long gone. “Hipster” bars aren’t worth anyone’s time. The great gay bar era is over, sad to say.
I believe there is no age limit. However, I do feel that some venues are more age appropriate than others. A guy should pick the club that is actually targeting his interests, tastes, or type. Generally, I think that would put the guy in an age appropriate club. To use one of the survey’s scenarios as an example: If the guy is 40yo, and can party down with the frat guys, then he’ll probably fit in just fine with the 20-something crowd without any issue to be concerned with while he’s out at the club. He probably won’t have many his age there judging him as ”being someone tragic” since they’re also in the same crowd for probably the similar reasons.
I am 40yo myself. I do go out to clubs and bars occasionally, but I don’t go to all of the same bars and clubs that I frequented 15-20 years ago. Over time, I have figured out the places I prefer to go when I’m in a particular mood. So, for that matter, I can say “club hopping” is a thing of the past, at least for myself.
If a new hot spot is offering an experience that I find appealing, then I will probably check it out. If I am not in the right mood on opening night, then I will just wait to check it out when I am in the mood. So the new club faces the same scrutiny and the same discretion as my favorite clubs each time I go out.
I’m sorry … should MY actions be guided by YOUR opinion?
No age limit. I think if someone in their later years would like to go and it is a social even for them why not. If he gets lucky then more power to him. The older deserve the same opportunity to go clubbing.
Their shouldn’t be an age cut off for when you can go clubbing,that’s just another discrimination, we don’t need…Well I’m a 43 year old and I love to go to the clubs for the music and I always look for a friendly and fun atmosphere, to many times you go to these establishments and they are filled with snotty stuck up twinks. Which I could care a less. I also love the drag shows,bartender’s are usually really nice too. So I will continue to go without hesitation. Let’s love all people regardless of age. Now get out there and shake that ass..
I’m 30 and have been sober for 3 years, so I don’t really enjoy clubbing anymore. For me, it’s just a headache to go, and being sober around so many drunk people is not my idea of a good time.
That being said, I don’t care how old you are, if you wanna go out and dance and let loose, do you! 20, 50, 80 – fuck it up, y’all ✨
I don’t think there’s really an age limit on how old to go clubbing. I’d still go out to the clubs if I enjoyed the music that is played and if the 20 & 30 something year olds had respect for the older people.
In my opinion. If you have an issue with the age of a person having a good time at a club. Then you obviously are’nt mature enough to be clubbing. Ive seen 70yo men cuttin a rug better than the twenty somethings and having a grand ol time while doing it. Ive danced with them and had a great time too. The club is about having fun and finding a mate for either the night or long term. If you arent attracted to that older person then dont bother with them. Because they have just as much right to be there as you do. More so after living through the hell of 70’s-2000 homophobia, aids crisis, equality marches and so on. These are the people who’ve bled and sacrificed for our right to openly be gay assholes. Give them some respect. They fought a war few of us can even imagine.
Hoo boy. Where to even start with this topic? 21 is just that gimmicky legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Personally, I’m 48 and still like a night out at our local clubs now and then, and I’ve also been known to stay in with my electronic (infernal?) devices. I take a who cares how old you are? view to clubbing.
If you feel too old to be in a club, then don’t go. Otherwise, go for it at any age. I would say after 35, you need to be going to places/events with a more mature audience.
peter pan syndrome…lol
Eh there is always some stupid scientific study that tell people what’s bad all the time even if some may be true, apart from places where it could still be extremely frightening to be gay, there are always going to be be a few folks here and there who may come out and explore their sexuality, find fun friends, even if it is at a later age, I think some of those folks get mixed up with the folks who have been living the past 20 years of their life in club who seem to never do anything different from booze and meth everyday, I came out of the closet at 16, but I didn’t still know anybody else in my life that was gay, had a drug and alcohol problem with that, but got clean and sober at 19, went to maybe clubs about four or 5 times still had a great time being sober, but I still couldn’t find a connection with people I think since I was sober anyway, and I found other places to to explore sexually and romantically, but maybe I still think if someone comes out late people shouldn’t be so quick to judge and maybe even help someone a little older to find some life and fun.
Well I’m in the ” Expired From Clubbing” age group… turning the
“BIG-50” , in August.
I’d love to find a club/bar catering, to the age group of 37 years of age and older. I’m certain this establishment would be a prosperous business with greying clientele. Our age group may be considered tragic, to the youngsters in their prime, but before long they’ll be wearing our shoes, in the 37 and older group.
#timeflysbyrapidly.
At 43 I go to clubs occasionally to socialize with friends as a group. Otherwise, I enjoy spending time at home with my partner and friends who drop by. We chat, watch a movie, have a home made dinner or a few drinks. I used to go clubbing when I was younger, but now I have other ways to socialize and have fun. It is also good to see and experience what is new in the club scene, what the younger crowd is up to, dress, music and so on. Last weekend we went to the nudist beach, had dinner, and then went dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Some of our friends are in their early 60s; It was awesome! One is never too old to go to clubs, if you have the energy, go for it!
As a recent widower I go to the club for social interaction. Just to get out and be around other gay men is a treat. After staying home for years with a mate and now he is gone. Where else is there to go for company? Personally the drive is a pain in the behind but it is all this city has to offer.
No age limit to clubbing I’m 61 and don’t go to clubs but would if I wanted to and would expect to feel welcomed.
Im with you, on this one. At 44 I don’t go clubbing very often (hangovers, husband, homelife), but once in awhile i get the urge to dance somewhere other than my living room and will go out “to the club” to have a few drinks and dance, and little twinky boys who think im too old and it’s “tragic” be damned!
Despite the fact that certain shallow people of our community resist the idea of older gays having a good time, more often than not, I still see older gays at bars and clubs. Age is just a number. It’s better to do that than live the boring hetero normative life.
How sad that anyone would think this should even be a discussion.
Ageism is wrong anywhere it is found and unfortunately is rampant in the LGBT community.
Believe it or not, if we are lucky, we will all age and why that should limit anyone from doing anything they’re able to is laughable.
Time for everyone to grow up and get past this sorry kind of discrimination.
I’m older …. and if I feel like clubbing … I am going. Screw what others think about it!
It’s as if the current club-goers think they’ll never, ever be 35 (or 45, or even 65) so they make it ‘tragic’ to show up once you’re of a certain age. Well, guess what– blink twice and you’ll be middle aged and you’ll probably also resent the youngsters who take offense at your being there and having fun. For a so-called liberal bunch, too many gays can be racist, sexist and ageist, among other ‘ists’.
So much for peace, love and understanding! But my middle aged friends and I go whenever we feel like; getting older does not mean you can’t enjoy loud music, drinks and dancing. Plus, we’re a hard-working bunch, we’ve got enough cash to buy out the VIP section, so we don’t have to care about the shock we’ve caused the youngsters!
uhhhhhhhhhhh
I stopped clubbing at 29 years and I was a huge party animal in my 20s. I’ve not stepped into a club in 12 years. Nor don’t drink anymore.
No matter how, thin, how muscular or well built or how good looking you might think you are..how hip your dance moves are or how trendy or club appropriate you think you dress…if nobody is paying attention to you..YOU’RE TOO OLD…but keep dancing if it makes you happy xoxo
One is never too old to go “clubbing” I’m in my late 60’s and routinely go to the bars where I live. I have been married to a wonderful intelligent woman , have children and grandchildren. I have had a long term relationship with an accomplished man who is recently engaged to be married. I go clubbing primarily for the sake of socializing. I rarely seek a “one night stand ” but am not adverse to the thought. I’m fortunate that people mistake me as being much younger than I am. Again my goal is not to get laid, but more about seeing the people I enjoy. Fuck age. But, that said, I generally prefer my age peers. We’re all on a journey and can all find something of value in one another.
It all depends on how good looking you are. You could be a nastyass or fat 20 something and should stay home. 40 and beautiful and it’s A-okay!
I am a club person and I go clubbing because it’s fun. I’m 60 years old.
You are never too old doing what you enjoy. Years ago I witnessed 2 elderly gentlemen (probably in their early 80s) with walkers enter a club and I thought “wow! more power to ’em!” Also my advice to those who criticize others especially the elderly….mind your own damn business!
Once again the sect which cries out against discrimination and begs acceptance is the first to discriminate against another group of people. What is it with the constant double standard?
It all depends on the club in question. I’m in my 50’s and go to the Wrangler in Denver all the time but then again it’s a club FOR mature guys (and their admirers).
I’m not gonna go to the 18+ dance clubs like Tracks or Beta unless I’m with a group of guys my own age and we want to go out drinking and dancing with a good light show. But if I had a drink for every time some young guys came up to me in those places I’d be close to lethal levels of alcohol poisoning.
I couldn’t give 2 shits what some tweaked out club kid and his support animal fag hag cling on think of me and my friends “invading” their territory. They certainly invade ours often enough.
I’m 35 and I still go to a club on occasion. Not every week mind you but I don’t see why one has to stay locked in their homes past 30.
sooooo
What a crock. I go out whenever i want..wherever i choose. Bars here have every body type, age, and race. Since when is there an age limit on fun?
Im 38 and i look dam good.. better then a 28 year old..and I still go out.. but I dont do it for them… i do it for me.. I love music I love to go and be free around my people… its not always about looking for someone..my advice to the young ones that think theres a age limit… is to follow my league… alot of my friends didnt make it to see my age…my bestie is 51 and we party like mf rock stars!!!
Am age 51. All of the above are excellent reasons to “fade away gracefully” from the club scene. However, one subject that was not touched on is RESPONSIBILITIES. Younger generations (Generation Y, Millennials) are still discovering life, and how to be an acceptable person of society. Older generations, such as myself, are more focused on retirement, energy levels, mortgages, bills, just to name a few. Younger generations (typically) are more focused on having fun with friends. Wether that be partying, drinking, clubs, etc. I can say that because I was once “there”, not so long ago. Thankfully dementia has not set in yet. As a person gets older, we become more focused on older family members and their care, trying to better our lives with work and financial aspects. When life’s realities set in, it’s a scary thing.
But in addition, there is a “generation gap”. Prefered musics, topics of conversation, historical aspects (both general history and “gay history”), and such.
Thus the term “old fart” has become an acceptable term of day to day life, but still respect and enjoy visiting and getting to know folks from the younger gay crowd.
Hope this helps anyone.
Yours truely, the “Old Fart”.
If he can get hard & get a dick hard, hes welcome
just kidding kinda
But really I do believe all are welcome
dont matter who you are what you are or how old you are
The question itself reflects extreme ignorance, narcissism, discriminatory agism and a generalized pathetic vacuousness. The age limit for clubbing should be death — no corpses allowed. Prior to that, everyone should be welcome. Any young gays who think otherwise are ungrateful, selfish twits who snub their noses at the older gays, many of whom sacrificed tremendously to advance the civil liberties and acceptance they mindlessly and hypocritically enjoy. There are important issues affecting us today, such as Trump’s announcement to kick out transgender service members. Get your face out of the mirror and your head out of your ass. You’re not that pretty, and you smell like shit.
I think your question is ridiculous. There no age restrictions of who should and shouldn’t go clubbing. I’m 74 and have a 26 year old spouse, married for 3 years. I love to go occasionally to the clubs where they have drag contests, etc. When I was 50 I was in such good shape I danced on the bar at the Boom Boom room in Laguna Beach and took 18 to 24 year olds home for the night.
I go now to see the drag shows and have fun, often with my friends who are in their 20ies. Sure, I can’t get as many (there are still some) 18 year-olds interested, but so what. My guy is super hot and we have fun without seeking to hookup before the clock strikes 2 am.
I have never been looked at with a negative glare by anyone, old or young at any club in WEHO or Miami or Orange County, CA. Its true that a lot of older guys just don’t want to go to the club because they don’t drink as much, don’t like the loud music like before, etc. But its still fun to hang out at the clubs with old and new friends. If you are nice, polite, non-threatening, smile and are not hitting on the kiddies, there’s practically no one in the clubs who won’t talk to you and be friendly. Most of the kiddies love me because if I know you I’m likely to buy you a drink.
Lastly, Age is a state of mind mostly. If you think and act young, you’ll be accepted by the young around you.
Jay Curtis (author of THE CODE)
… I see one thing still hasn’t changed: the brilliant thought of finding a committed or long-term relationship from the bottom of a gay bar dance floor. So, so sad. At the age of 59, I’ve long been bored with the bar games and the nelly little new-to-being-gay kids. Now, add in the skinny jeans, and all the people standing around with faces lit-up by their cellphone screens.. sorry, way too much for me to handle, process or care about. A neighborhood sports bar with some masculine grown-up men and adult years of experience is much more worth my time.
!!! I’m right there with you, still fun to go out and socialize, I just don’t want to be with a set so very young anymore, ditto!
If going out clubbing makes you happy and doesn’t interfere with your life in a negative way (late for work, etc) then go out! Most guys get burnt out by 40’s and 40’s and our social lives shift to small intimate parties. I’ve always gone out in moderation and find it a great way to meet guys.
There should be no age limit (or at least to me) on when to stop going clubbing unless you’re like in your 70’s or something. Going out when you’re past a certain age shouldn’t be something that makes you not want to venture out there. Now going out there past a certain age and trying to “drop it like it’s hot” is another thing. In other words, no trying to bump & grind, break a move on the dance floor or do what the go-go boys are doing – that won’t work. But just because you hit a certain age shouldn’t mean that you have to be forced to stay at home. Then again; year after year more clubs are being shut down so in the next few years there probably won’t be a club to go out to, so no worries on whether you’re too old or too young anymore… SOON!
I am 58 and went out dancing last weekend with two friends. “Tragic”? I think not.
How old is too old to go Trick-or-Treating? Who cares!
Do what you want (as long as it’s legal), feel as young or as old as you want,(as long as it’s legal), and stop giving a damn what anyone else thinks about it.
I just loved it when I was much younger, I personally, wouldn’t go to those kinds of places now, though, I’m just not tryin’ to keep up with all of that. A good neighborhood gay bar is just fine every now and then, though. I wouldn’t judge anyone my age and older who would/does, its their own thing…
I’m amazed and not that our community is bigoted. Yes, that is what ageism, racism and all forms or irrational discrimination. Reading this blog is for the most part very discouraging, with a few exceptions, to see just how we fail to be a caring community. Enjoy your pecs and beauty, it’s a long way from 21 to 70. No wonder the suicide rate among single gay men over the age of 60 is the highest there is. It’s on US. We’re killing ourselves.
In my 20’s, clubbing was the “thing to do”, the dance floor, the elbows to assholes line for another pitcher of beer, it was fun during that time. Now that I’m in my early 50’s I discovered that I like a different kind of clubbing; 20 or so friends of varying ages around a fire pit or small bon fire, streaming music from Spotify via bluetooth, dancing, talking, laughing, etc. It’s so much better than the ear shattering noise of an overly stuffed club with long bathroom lines.
No age is too old as long as you’re willing to buy the young hot guys a drink (apparently from what I’ve observed); otherwise you’ll be ignored. I’m 32 and I’ve probably been clubbing less than 10 times in my life total. I hate gay culture and the vast majority of gay people. I’m a metalhead with long hair and very grungy “non-trendy” clothes so I don’t fit in and never did. Did I mention that I hate other gay people? lol
Well, first off, I’ve never been to a gay club. Mainly since I’m not into drinking, getting drunk, drugs, etc. Although I would like to see the guys dance and show off their stuff. I’m more of a person who would care about a person, love him, and enjoy each other. Money is another issue. I don’t have money to just throw away on someone I’ll probably never see again. Drinks are expensive, plus cover charges. etc. I have a great BF, and since we have an open relationship, I get plenty of action. I must admit I do enjoy action at adult arcades and theaters though. But I only play safe with guys who I don’t know.
40. AS we age we become more interesting and interested in different things. I feel bad for those gays still thinking that clubbing is the most amazing thing in the world. Art, movies, traveling, get togethers. That’s more interesting. Clubbing every once in a while is fine at whatever age. Just control your libido towards younger guys lol.
I never was into the club scene, too many nosey people. Now people want to dictate what age you have to be to fit in. I like private gatherings where everyone can be themself. My circle of friends is small since I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. I’m old school… hang with like minded people. Sadly gays practice ageism, racism and many other isms.
There is a global epidemic of loneliness and America is ground zero despite, or perhaps more accurately because of, the culture of individualism (I need no one for anything), consumerism (I am only as good as the overpriced made in slave labor third world factory rags with overpriced labels I can afford to buy), materialism (look at where I sleep, what I drive, who I know, why I don’t talk to “those” inferiors due to gender, race, age, income, job, education (or lack thereof)), and philo-spiritual emptiness (despite the “cheap grace” of quickie neo-revivalism called new age, polytheism, or militant atheism), and superficiality (all of the above). Gay America, meet thyself. Next up: cyber heroin otherwise called the smart phone for a pathetically lonely society.
I am 62 and very fit but I am 62. I have zero business being in a club by myself. Gotta have some dignity plus I need to keep my sleep patterns. That being said, I am horny and kinky as ever. I’ll play with any age as long as they are fit and versatile.