No, you don't have to apologize for calling me old. Why should you? It's what I am.
Old has learned a thing or two. Old is experienced. I could do without the aches and pains but otherwise I like it.
Besides, what's the alternative? Middle-aged? No thank you Firstly It wouldn't be true. Secondly I'm glad to be out of that category. Anything with "middle" attached to it implies compromise. Middle-brow, middle of the road, middle class: I don't want any of them
Of course, there's always an exception. Middle Way: I'm totally cool with that.