I'm 57 and have been through many jeans. These are so comfortable. The waist isn't really elastic and I didn't even know there is a "slimming panel" so don't let those things deter you from getting them. The weight of the denim is more like a light cotton with some give. They are so comfortable. I'm 5'5 1/2" and the short worked better than the average length. I like the dark color of the blue. They are mid rise and aren't too low or too high. Try on a few different pairs in the same size as they don't all fit the same. K**ls has them on sale most of the time plus it really is necessary to try them on prior to purchasing.
UPDATE:  DO NOT WASH THESE IN WARM OR HOT WATER. They will shrink.