What does it feel like to get old?

[Travel60]

Years ago I saw a commercial (forgot what product but remember commercial). In it there were two older, frumpy-looking people sitting at a tiki-type bar on a beach nursing some drink with an umbrella. They looked old and tired, somber. Behind them are two figures coming into focus in wet suits, walking out of the surf and toward the bar. You figure they are young but as they get closer, they both pull off masks and headgear and you realize they are silver-haired seniors laughing and having fun.

When I saw the commercial, I said to my husband "I want us to be the couple coming out of the water, not the ones sitting at the bar." I used that as a goal as I've aged. I like to say that I'm fighting old age as hard as I can....trying to eat healthy(ish), exercise, keeping my weight reasonable. I've had a few minor medical issues but nothing that stops me. At almost 70, I still water ski, snorkel, SUP, hike, etc. Aging well is hard work!

 

[Rockbro]

Years ago I saw a commercial (forgot what product but remember commercial). In it there were two older, frumpy-looking people sitting at a tiki-type bar on a beach nursing some drink with an umbrella. They looked old and tired, somber. Behind them are two figures coming into focus in wet suits, walking out of the surf and toward the bar. You figure they are young but as they get closer, they both pull off masks and headgear and you realize they are silver-haired seniors laughing and having fun.

When I saw the commercial, I said to my husband "I want us to be the couple coming out of the water, not the ones sitting at the bar." I used that as a goal as I've aged. I like to say that I'm fighting old age as hard as I can....trying to eat healthy(ish), exercise, keeping my weight reasonable. I've had a few minor medical issues but nothing that stops me. At almost 70, I still water ski, snorkel, SUP, hike, etc. Aging well is hard work!

You're an inspiration.

EDIT: I want to add that I still run 5 miles a day/5days and spend an hour at the gym 5 days. I'm not a critter . Just getting up there.

 

[PolyTigger]

Keep going to WDW and you are young again. When the magic stops you will feel old!

 

[PolyTigger]

Remember while at WDW Mickey never ages, neither will you!

 

[Rockbro]

Keep going to WDW and you are young again. When the magic stops you will feel old!

Disney is my go to place. I fall asleep listening to Grand Floridian piano music on a certain device, have a Mickey waffle maker, we go at least once a week, and I'm pretty sure if I were to pass today, they would make my home a Disney museum. The magic won't ever stop.

I just realized that Walt said this is not meant to be a museum!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Hangovers last forever (I’m 38).

I remember when I hated going out on Friday nights because I was tired after a week at work. I only wanted to party Saturday night. Now I beg for Friday night so I have two days to recuperate. And even then I’m not 100% come Monday.

 

[1GoldenSun]

I just keep on getting better every year. I'm a "late bloomer," so I didn't peak at 16 or 25 or even 30; I'm still waiting to hit my peak. I'm guessing this will happen around 85.

 

[MIGrandma]

I have no idea...I’m not old yet

 

[mrodgers]

Years ago I was trying to read the stamped model and serial numbers on a transmitter's data plate when the guy I was working with hands me his reading glasses, "Here try these!"

I laughed at him, "It's the stamped numbers, but just to make you happy I'll put them on.... HOLY MOLY THE NUMBERS ARE SO CLEAR!!!!"

Stopped on the way home from work. A pair in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, my office, on the production floor at a piece of equipment, in the control room, in the control room for another piece of equipment, in the QC lab, and a pair in the car.

 

[Gamedog]

Getting "old" is 90% mental, 10% physical.

Having said that, I don't "feel" like I'm a day past 21. Stay active, be mindful of what you eat and keep your brain working. You hear a lot of people say these things, but there is a reason for it... Never let your mind limit your abilities and never let your abilities limit your mind.

 

[The Mayor]

It sucks. Plain and simple it sucks!! Wisdom comes with age but so don’t aches and pains that seemingly arrive overnight.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I was in a big accident in 2018 and had a long road to recovery. Now it seems like there was a pre-2018 me and a post-2018 me that's older and different, like I turned into my uncle or something. It may have been the accident or it might have happened, anyway.

Same feeling. I broke my arm very badly in August of 2019. After that, my body seemed to say, "welp, that's it for me!" I developed stomach trouble, my vision got even worse than it was before, Things that heretofore had still been firm began to droop. I get tired more easily. A few weeks ago I cleaned my room. I sat on the floor to dust the bottom shelf of a bookcase, and couldn't get up. I had to crawl to my bed and pull myself to my feet. Etc, etc, etc. We all age at different rates-my aunt is going to be 70 this year and is as spry and fit as an athlete. I'm 53 and sometimes I feel like *I'm* 70. Sometimes I come upon a mirror and think, 'where did *that* old bat come from???'

 

[mrodgers]

Getting "old" is 90% mental, 10% physical.

I disagree. It is the exact opposite. I still continue to try to do things, then realize my 10% that is mentally old is getting screamed at by the 90% physical.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I disagree. It is the exact opposite. I still continue to try to do things, then realize my 10% that is mentally old is getting screamed at by the 90% physical.

Yep. In my mind I see things that I used to do easily that I should still be able to do easily. Then I try to do them....

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I can't even remember the last time I had to run. I don't know that I could without passing out. If you ever see me and I'm running, man, take off too because something bad is happening.

 

[Meriweather]

I'm at WDW right now.....67.
My tolerance for crowds is not good anymore, I will not wait in a line for more than 15 minutes. My hips hurt after a day of walking.
I can hear fine....maybe it would be better if I couldn't. I have become more sensitive to noises.
I wear reading glasses.

 

[ronandannette]

When I turned 40 my vision became funny and I remember the eye doctor telling me, welcome to 40. He said that seemed to be the magic year. My biggest issue is not being able to sit on the ground without someone helping me up.

At 54 I can definitely still do it, and dip at the knees to pick something up off the floor, but man-oh-man, it's nowhere near as graceful-looking as it used to be.

Huh. I’ll be 50 this year along with Disney World and feel like I’m just reaching my prime. I have wisdom on my side, have my accomplishments, and expertise in certain areas. I have an impressive collection of memories. My life isn’t half empty, it’s half full. Hey, I should put that on a t-shirt.

Or maybe go with "My Life Isn't Half Over, There's Half Left".

 

[Kitty 34]

I'll ask Mom (90) when she comes down for her glass of wine.

 

[tvguy]

I think the thing I observed with my mom was her losing grip strength in her early 60's I'm 63 and I have started to experience that. I keep a gripper and plyers in the kitchen to help.
My hearing is okay, but not what it was. My mom needed hearing aids in her late 70's. I expect if I make it to the age that will happen.

Stiff joints, other than that, and not being able to eat those huge portions they serve in restaurants, no big deal.

 

[Travel60]

You're an inspiration.

EDIT: I want to add that I still run 5 miles a day/5days and spend an hour at the gym 5 days. I'm not a critter . Just getting up there.

It does get harder every year, especially since gym has been closed. We've actually eaten healthier because we aren't eating out and try to only go to grocery store every other week.