Many older people have to cheap out because their income is tightly constrained. Other older people I know who have a better income still often pay-to-play at

Many older people have to cheap out because their income is tightly constrained. Other older people I know who have a better income still often pay-to-play at status games (older than me - I'm middle aged). Some cheaper older people I know argue for alternative status ladders that are not dependent upon money. There's lots of dimensions of snobbery. Only a few acquantances seem to be able to escape from status displays. I'm a slow learner, maybe in part from avoiding status oriented jobs. I am observing status and dominance games, since I know the skills can help me, but I'm not interested enough to enjoy playing.