"A gradual realisation creeps on you that you will never again be thought of as young" he said.

And he doesn't relish being described as an elderly father to three-year-old Leo.

"Every so often I feel I should graduate to classical music, properly" Mr Blair mused, "But the truth is, I'm more likely to listen to rock music. I listen to what the kids play."

Is turning 50 something to dread? Is it a big deal these days? How do you feel about it? Has Tony Blair matured during his six years in office?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Your reaction

Tony seems to be suggesting that you have to be 'old' to listen to classical music: What rubbish, I love classical music and I'm only 30-something. It's more a matter of taste than age. Make the most of what you have Tony, and have a great birthday.
Veronica, UK

Are these the same people who, back in the 1960s, were chanting, "Never trust anyone over 30"?
Tom Paine, US

As an employee of the NHS, I really can't see that Mr Blair can complain when it was his government which decreed that 'older' started at 50. Please refer to the National Service Framework for Older People issues at this government's behest.
Rosalyn Phillipson, UK

Age seems more important to women than men Cindy, England

As a woman, I do dread reaching 50 (four years to go and counting), as age seems to be more important to women than men. Middle age seems to hang around longer these days as people live longer. I think 50 is the realisation that unless you are lucky, you have lived more than half your lifetime. I'll just have to keep on using the hair dye and the cosmetics!!!
Cindy, England

By voicing his "dread" of turning 50, Tony Blair is perpetuating the ageist attitudes that flourish even in this enlightened age. To be fair to him, although he is not my favourite person (his antics have led me to tear up my Labour Party membership card) I would never describe him as a "boring old fart". As such he should be giving a more positive spin to achieving this milestone.
Maiko, UK

50 doesn't make me feel old, but the fact that she has a 50-year-old son makes my mother feel old at 80, she says.
Mike, UK

I'm 61 and feel a lot younger than Mr Blair looks these days. If he feels old, then he should retire and very soon. Then I may consider re-joining the Labour Party.
Angela Grills, UK

When I see how the young spend their time I am so glad I am my age now Fiona Summers, UK

I am 50 this year too. I am very happy to be this age. I am much more confident now than when I was younger due to life experience. I decided not to have children (which I don't regret) but pursue a career, which I love, in IT. When I see how the young spend their time I am so glad I am my age now, I wouldn't turn the clock back. I work out three days a week and look and feel better than most of those I work with who are all around the age of 30. They eat sweets all day long and fatty food. Heavens knows what their health will be like when they reach my age. I am looking forward to my 60s, 70s and 80s and think I have a good chance of reaching 90.
Fiona Summers, UK

I retired the day before my 50th birthday. Since then I have become involved in the local Lifeboat as shore crew, become more involved in my local sailing club, and had a variety of part time jobs. My wife who turned 50 earlier this year is in her final year at university. Our immediate plans are to see how far we can travel in our small yacht. Until I retired I was really stuck in a rut, now I an enjoy life!
Barry P, England

Old or young at 50? It's all about getting a grip of life instead of rolling over and accepting the "norms" thrust upon us. I'm 53 and there are plenty of 30-odds out there who are far older than me. Come on in Tony, the water's OK!
Paul B, UK

You are as hold as you feel, my mother is 80 and I can't keep track of her, trips to Australia, charging around the UK and Europe. I just hope (God willing) that I have the same energy as her in 22 years time. Oh and my aunt is 101 and still going strong.
John, UK

50 is just a validation of maturity, not a death sentence Lisa, UK

I consider middle age, not old age, to begin at 50! I'm 38 next week and feel that at last I'm beginning to feel comfortable with my life. I'm single, have a lovely home, a great job, good friends, loving family and (hopefully!) a long future ahead of me. I'm looking forward to being 40 as then I guess I'll be considered a 'grown up' at last - 50 is just a validation of maturity, not a death sentence!
Lisa, UK

50 is only a number - my father is 70 this year and still playing rugby in the back garden with his grandsons. My mother is the picture of elegance and beauty at 64. I intend to adopt their outlook and grow "old" disgracefully - its more fun that way!
SH, UK

Maybe this is a cultural difference, but to me "elderly" is the oldest of the ages (eg. my 88 year-old grandmother who is bedridden in a nursing home is elderly). "Old" is over 70. To say that someone is "elderly" at 50 is ludicrous to my mind. Everything is relative. If the next prime minister after Blair is in his 70s, Blair will continue to be thought of as a "young" prime minister.
Jane Ralls, United States

The spirit is willing but sometimes the flesh is weak! I am now 75 years old and still working in the community. I was an elected councillor for 11 years, and now elected to a district health authority. It's not physical work, just as well, but mentally stimulating and engrossing. So I continue to help all age groups. I may retire "next" year? As Tony says, judgement is worth more than intellect.
Jill Jeffs, New Zealand

Turning 50 certainly does not make one feel elderly! I am 55 and did not give a thought to my age until I was made redundant, and discovered how prevalent ageism is in the UK. Perhaps Mr Blair's greatest accomplishment would be to eradicate this form of discrimination, which robs the country of so much willing talent!
Peter Dickinson, UK

I turned 50 almost five years ago and since then I've got five new grandchildren to adore. I still feel, and am told I look, young. Come on Tony - you're as old as you feel, and if you're going to feel old at 50 you will. What I can't get over is that my gorgeous wife is turning 60 this year - but still looks 40!
Brian, UK

50 is nothing when you're still travelling the world at 73 Sarah, Scotland

I'd like to say congrats to Brian for such a brilliant outlook. I am 27, my mother is 73 and I only hope I'm as busy as her when I'm that age. 50 is nothing when you're still travelling the world at 73.
Sarah, Scotland

The older you get, the wiser you should be with the lessons you should learn from experience. This is something that Blair desperately needs and I hope when he is about 70 he might have almost as much intelligence as the kids he mentioned.
Tony Wood, England

The job market is already stacked against those of us who are over 50 yet still feel capable of making a full and positive contribution in the workplace. Blair's comments are an example of 'friendly fire'.
Graeme, UK

It all depends on your state of mind. If you feel old then you will be. Keeping an interest on life and what is going on helps.
John Smith, England

Kids listen to rock? Nah, it's people my age, and his! Kids listen to silly beep beep noises these days!
Phil, UK

I am not yet 50, but my mother looks younger every year! I think you stop being lazy and taking things for granted. All of the people I know who are 50 and over are full of get up and go.
Kerry wheeler, England

Far from dreading turning 50, I am looking forward to it Cherry, UK

I am mid-thirties at the moment but far from dreading turning 50, I am looking forward to it. By then, my mortgage will be paid off, my son will be old enough to fend for himself and I will still be young and fit enough (God willing) to enjoy my life and the extra spending money!
Cherry, UK

Why dread 50? You've had the best of both worlds - children young and one when older - there must be advantages to both. Why dye your hair? Grey haired men are distinguished. I should know, I married one!
A 50+ lady, Thailand

I turned 50 last week and as a birthday present received my redundancy notice after more than 21 years of employment with the same company. I must say I have not really had time to think about the difference between 49 and 50, but off the cuff I would say turning 40 was much more traumatic. I think we are as old as we act. What is it they say: "Life Begins At 50"? If Tony Blair is so traumatised by the prospect he is paying too much attention to the spin attached to a number. Happy Birthday Tony and Many Happy Returns on the Day.
John, Switzerland

This is typical Tony chasing his tail in a frenzy of spin: "...I feel I should graduate to classical music, properly" (I need to relate to the over-50s) "But the truth is," (that should fox them) "I'm more likely to listen to rock music." (Better not alienate the youngsters) "I listen to what the kids play." (Oops, just alienated the over-50s - better blame the kids).
Robert, UK

Turning 50 is marvellous. You know that in a few years time you will be retired, living in penury with the blessed relief of death just around the corner.
Bill, UK

I'm 52 this May and feel as good now as I did when I was 32. Age is nothing but a number and how you feel is all in the mind. We have a lot to offer the world and it needs to be tapped.
Paul, UK

I think the old saying that you are "as old as you feel" is very true Pam, USA

I think the old saying that you are "as old as you feel" is very true. I think to stay feeling good you need to exercise and not eat a lot of junk food, but more than anything I think that attitude is the key. Is 50 old? NO I think not. I am 48 and I still feel like a youngster!
Pam, USA

Yes it is something to dread. Suddenly you become an alien. The job market is closed to you, and so are many other social outlets.
Z, UK

People turning 50 shouldn't have much of a problem, as they've already turned 30, which has to be the most horrifying milestone.
Simon, UK

The word elderly brings to mind pensioners hobbling with sticks. My parents are both over 50 and I still view them as middle-aged! When will be get rid of these negative and outdated terms?
Jacqueline, UK

Tony Blair "dreading" turning 50. Chronological age obviously has no bearing on mental age. Need I say more?
Millie Corcoran, Ireland

If you keep mind and body in good nick, your 50s should be a fabulous golden age.
Wendy, UK

It has been made a "big deal" and "something to dread" by the vast majority of employers who have an undercover ageist policy towards recruitment.
Alan Hall, UK

Age is not a disease Adrian, UK

Age is a bit of paper not a disease and I feel sorry for the perfect computer age youngies - life is just too easy and boring for them. From an over-50 fogey! (one of the beautiful people, not so beautiful now).
Adrian, UK

Turning 50? What's the problem? One day you are 49 the next you are 50. No problem. As to how it has or will affect Mr Blair, how can we possibly know? His whole persona is so surrounded with spin and presentation, we never see the real man anyway.
Johno, UK