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I'm aware there's no clear-cut reason why calling someone Ma'am implies they're old. I actually looked up the definition myself, years ago, in an attempt to answer this same question for myself. I guess it's just a matter of the customs of the place where you live. The other people I know feel the same way and my boyfriend, who is from Seattle, feels that way about being called Sir so it's not just a California thing. It's just not common usage around here, that's all. The same goes for calling people "Mr." and "Mrs." although not as much so. Those forms of address are reserved for formal business settings or other uptight-style occasions.
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