For the most part I don’t mind. At 66 I bought my e-bike and marvel at how well I’m riding it. I just tried on some dress slacks I plan to wear to my company end of year event, and marveled at how nicely they still fit (haven’t worn in a year). I walk 3 1/2 miles a day, and marvel at how good that still feels. I love that I now have my financial situation pulled together so I can do some bucket list travel. I stopped dying my hair during Covid days, so freeing! I love my p/t job, and my artistic hobbies.
But 2 1/2 years ago when I was hospitalized for 3 weeks with paralyzing piraformis syndrome, that took a year of daily p/t to get back to myself, I hated that getting older means not bouncing back as quickly as I used to.
I absolutely hate how many around me are passing on, and cry just thinking about it. Aunts, uncle, in laws, even some friends.
So yin/yang. I can’t make aging go away, but I can embrace what I still am able to do, and do it well. And adapt where I struggle.
I have a new GYN who is my age- and boy, what a difference. I know she’ll be retiring in a few years (that’s how I landed up with her- two older MD’s in the practice retired) but for now- Wow. Someone who doesn’t consider every single thing “That’s what happens post-menopause”. A doctor in her 60’s who had kids, etc? Priceless if you can find one!
My OB/GYN has been the same for 30 years. When I told her ( I was 40) my primary doctor had told me “you need to accept that women your age gain weight and feel sad” , she pulls out a book. What’s that? I asked. It’s a list of primary doctors here, and we are finding you a new one who isn’t a #$&@, she said.
I definitely feel that my body is aging fast…so I joined the local fitness club and am joining the other old ladies bobbing around in the water aerobics class. Next on my list is weight training on the machines. I feel like I am becoming grumpier…nah, I KNOW I am becoming grumpier. Luckily, I am now near to the grandkids and in a much more relaxed community, so at least my anxiety has ratcheted down.
I read something that aging is not a linear process. Apparently, there are two major “milestones”: about 44 and 60 years when aging accelerates. I must’ve skipped the first one so afraid I’d get a double dose at the second one!
Yeah, it was 60 when I noticed I suddenly looked older. And it’s so annoying feeling so stiff when I wake up in the morning! I’m going to PT for left ankle and right knee pain. At least I still feel sharp, mentally.
DH is in incredible shape at 70 and runs 3 miles a day. He recently got up on the roof to clean out our chimney. So he is fine physically, but he’s getting pretty forgetful. I guess we’re a good combination!
I feel that in getting older I feel fortunate. I get to see my kids get married and grandkids get older. Every phase of life I have enjoyed with them. I feel I am in better health now, than when I was working and not exercising. I am able to read and do things I want to do not what I have to do. I am currently visiting D1&2 and grandkids. I love talking with them and spending time with them.
In short, I feel fortunate. The rest is just small stuff.
I’m rejoining the gym next month. I do work out downstairs, but feel it would benefit mentally to join some activities with others. I will be an official silver sneaker which cracks me up.
It’s a bummer knowing my time is limited and I’m tired of thinking about it so much. So, it’s a mental fight not to do that, but to keep busy.
I like retirement now. The one great thing…not having a boss or having to do anything, or going out in bad weather.
I didn’t like my sagging face…so I had a facelift. Best thing I’ve done! I never think about that anymore.
I started noticing changes at 42, mostly back issues and graying hair. I changed my workouts to address my back problems, and I dyed my hair.
At 57, I let my hair go gray. At first, I felt invisible; it was weird. I eventually changed my hairstyle to one that makes me feel really good about myself. I now get compliments rather than being ignored. I think it’s because I feel good about myself and carry myself with more confidence.
At 64, I began having back problems in a different area. I changed my workouts to address my new issues. I work out a lot, but I have crepey skin on my upper legs, and even though I am thin, my belly isn’t as flat as it once was. Hey, I am not 40 anymore.
I recently learned that my hips are on the osteoporosis borderline, so I’m addressing that through exercise. I refuse to fall apart!
Yes, I’m getting older. I have lines on my face, but a good moisturizer is the most I will do about that. I get tired more quickly sometimes, but I have time to rest. I am trying to move through my seasons with grace.
I’m 62 and probably should go gray, but I’m hesitant because my former running partner told me how invisible she became once she did. For now, I’ll keep coloring my hair because DH likes it.
I’ve always colored my own. Since it’s no hassle and very low cost, I doubt I’ll ever stop. My 88-year-old mother still does her own (going lighter/softer as she’s aged) and looks great. It’s one of the reasons people now think we’re sisters (much to my chagrin).
I had no choice but to stop coloring my hair. I became VERY allergic to dark dye. I wasn’t thrilled about being gray at first. However, when I see pictures of myself from the years right before I went gray, I honestly think that it was good that I made the change. As I mentioned, I did feel invisible at first, but I really think it had a lot to do with my own discomfort with feeling like I looked old. After I grew my hair long and started going to a hairdresser who knows how to cut my hair, I began to feel much better about myself.
You can be visible so many different ways than your hair! Don’t let your gray define you - OR, let your gray partially define you! Put a colorful headband on it! A fun barrette. A beautiful scrunchie.
Dress younger. Use color. Wear lip color. Choose colors that suit you not just the color that is on deep discount at the store. Choose one or all of the above.
Also if people are making you invisible, use your voice to make yourself visible! Speak up. Disagree. Don’t let yourself fade away!
I’ve been thinking about this thread. And I mentioned that I am “not ok” with getting older. “Not ok” as in, I refuse to let it hold me back if I can help it.
I will own my age, but I will not let me age own ME.
While this is a great attitude, older (than, say, 60) people who say that age is just a number are deluding themselves, IMHO. And, thankyouverymuch, I will take that seat on the subway offered to me by someone under 50.
I am okay with getting older. As I’ve aged, I find myself doing more things that I wouldn’t have done when I was younger. My goal for 2025 is to improve my limited Spanish and become a certified immigration representative. Why not?
At 61, I still color my hair. I buy expensive skin care products and get facials and the occasional manicure. My medical records always state “patient appears younger than stated age”. Good genes and good skincare help, I guess. I have several medical issues but I am taking care of myself and accepting that medication is sometimes necessary. I no longer see medical issues as the result of some personal failing, such as not enough exercise or overeating. Sometimes your pancreas just doesn’t do what it should!
When I met with the diabetes educator she mentioned the research that had been done on our bodies and aging, with 40 and 60 being the ages when things really changed. For me, that is 100% true.
My aunt always says it is better to be seen than viewed. I think of that phrase often. I hope I’m seen for a long time. My sibling died before the age of 50. Dad was barely 65. Mom, almost 81 but her parents died in their late 50’s.
I think getting older frees you from thoughts of what you should be doing to thoughts of what you want to do. It’s been very liberating.
Can you explain this more? “Age is just a number” can unfortunately be used at any age in life and not be a positive. It doesn’t just apply to 60 or 70 or whatever +.
Life circumstances will certainly give ALL of us different views on the subject. I don’t think I or anyone can diss someone for the life experiences or attitude that leads someone to how someone deals with getting older (see, I’m not using the word “aging” - cause I don’t like it!)
