topic Re: Getting Old (Aging) in Wellness

Getting Old (Aging)

Mistreatedbycs — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:29:25 GMT

Did you expect getting old is all of what it is and what you expected?

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Puppy Lips — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:36:18 GMT

No. I am much more tired than I thought I would be. I stupidly thought my life would get easier too, with less worries. Still waiting for that to happen. I am not of retirement age yet, but friends have started to pass away. Time is moving much too quickly now. I fear what the future holds for my grandkids, with the way things are going right now in our country.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

juanitalinda — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:39:41 GMT

This is a question I have been thinking a lot about. Aging ... getting older ... is a sliding scale, isn't it? My mother is 92 and her body no longer allows her to enjoy most of the things she used to love. She can't work in the yard, drive to visit friends, hear the TV, or even read the captions anymore. I don't think any of us thought that old age would end up taking away so many things that we enjoyed.

I sit in my late 60s and realize that I am no longer able to help her as much as she would like. I hadn't realized how quickly my reflexes would slow down and how insidious arthritis would be when it started creeping in.

I hoped age would bring wisdom and acceptance, instead she deals with pain and confusion. I can see how that happens . We are both changing our views on aging.

But, like I said, it depends on how old you are and how your body and mind are aging.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Citrine1 — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:42:01 GMT

I tend to agree with @Puppy Lips . I envisioned my old age as easy and breezy. Haha. It's anything but. I'm fortunate to enjoy good health but, at 65, I thought life would be easier and I could just sort of sit back and relax.

Suffice it to say, that's not the case.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Pook — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:42:35 GMT

I just assumed that I wasn't going to let myself get old with issues and that it was more a choice!! Boy was I wrong and I cannot even pinpoint when things started happening. I used to laugh at my mother and her friend who had me thread a bunch of needles for them and make fun of the way my mother picked up things with a small knee bend with the butt way out. Then there was the rocking to get up. Now I get it!!!

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

KailaS — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:02:59 GMT

For me, getting older has been marked by several serious illnesses, care for my parents ( dad died three years ago; mom, almost 95, still is alive and is legally blind, deaf, and has cognitive dysfunction), and stress because I have no help and cannot do what I used to do. Some folks I know are enjoying their time. I honestly am exhausted.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Shelbelle — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:44:26 GMT

To quote Bette Davis

Getting old aint for sissies !!!

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Sooner — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:58:17 GMT

As a child of older parents, I have lived my life around older and very old people--not kids and cousins my age. My cousins were almost all old enough to be my parents.

So, I have no illusions what it is like. Better for some than the others, but also something we have little if any control over. Just make the best of as much as you can, take every blessing and be grateful for them. But isn't that pretty much what life is about all along?

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

godi — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:01:19 GMT

No. Don't get me wrong I am thankful to still be here. Some days are so hard to get moving. Some days fear overwhelms me. Some days I wonder how I'm going to make ends meet. Some days I laugh and enjoy a good time. But everyday I am grateful for it all. 🙏❤️

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:12:27 GMT

I've had some medical issues and surgeries that kind of came by surprise since my siblings never had any of the same issues. Fortunately, I managed well and recovered. I'm sorry to sound like a broken record, but had it not been for my significant weight loss, life would have continued to have its share of physical struggles. I spent the majority of my adult years living with certain limitations, being embarrassed and choosing clothing to hide in. Losing the weight has greatly improved my overall health and physical abilities. Shopping for stylish clothes has been especially fun. I recently saw a relative who is also a doctor. He was very complimentary and assured me that I have extended my life. I feel so good now and look forward to enjoying my family, taking getaway trips, and growing old with my DH, for as long as The Almighty allows.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Sweetbay magnolia — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:09:35 GMT

I don't think I had any expectations. Life in general is what I make it, and I am thankful to be here. Energy is less than before, but I had lots to begin with.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

spiderw — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:12:27 GMT

I had many older friends who paved the way for some of the old age issues. They complained about constant doctor visits and I have found that to be true. It seems doctor visits are my social life now!! However, I am thankful I do get my checkups often.

I have lots of wisdom and pass it on to nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. I think they appreciate it and store it in their minds.

I didn't think I would be on my own at this stage of life but I am and I deal with it. I am surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends.

I don't think you know what to expect as you age until you reach that stage. I am grateful for each day and try to make the best of it all.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

RedTop — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:12:59 GMT

I am 65, and have been retired 8 years.

I worked a part-time job I liked, and never gave much thought to "retirement", just thought I'd keep working, probably die at my desk in my tiny office.

But while I was off from work, recovering from knee replacement, I saw some health issues going on with my husband that concerned me and made me start thinking about some things. I returned to work, but was not happy, and truly felt my place was at home with my husband. I knew I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to him while I was at work. The answer I prayed for, came in October, and I immediately put in my notice, and left at the end of the year.

I love every day of life at home with my husband! We are content, happy, and very blessed. I don't feel old, don't have any aches and pains, or have my life dictated by my health issues. I do live my life around my husbands health issues and my mothers advancing dementia, but am just glad to be able to do what I do for my family.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

tucsongal — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:20:45 GMT

I’ve worked with older people for decades and in home health for 20 years. I know what can come with aging healthwise, socially, emotionally and financially. Of course it’s always a little different when it starts to hit home: I can still remember being crouched down in a store looking at something on the bottom shelf and having to work a little to stand up again 😀.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Goldengate8361 — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:36:57 GMT

I am 60 and, so far, I have been surprised by many pleasant developments. Internally, it is all good. I have been surprised, however, at how much age seems to matter to others. It is truly annoying to me that others might make something of my being 60. The world is sometimes judgmental and many folks stereotype. That "gets old."

e: Getting Old (Aging)

hckynut — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 11:59:30 GMT

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

desertrat8 — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:35:42 GMT

@hckynut I feel just as you do. I'm 81 and can't believe it! (only when I have to write it lol) This past 18 months have been a bummer for sure. In that respect I'm very weary of all the so-called bad news. Would be nice to have some GOOD stuff. But I feel 60....yay.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

rockygems123 — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 01:46:42 GMT

@RedTop wrote:
I am 65, and have been retired 8 years.

I worked a part-time job I liked, and never gave much thought to "retirement", just thought I'd keep working, probably die at my desk in my tiny office.

But while I was off from work, recovering from knee replacement, I saw some health issues going on with my husband that concerned me and made me start thinking about some things. I returned to work, but was not happy, and truly felt my place was at home with my husband. I knew I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to him while I was at work. The answer I prayed for, came in October, and I immediately put in my notice, and left at the end of the year.

I love every day of life at home with my husband! We are content, happy, and very blessed. I don't feel old, don't have any aches and pains, or have my life dictated by my health issues. I do live my life around my husbands health issues and my mothers advancing dementia, but am just glad to be able to do what I do for my family.

@RedTop

You have such a beautiful attitude, seems like you have made some great choices for you and your family! I'm sure your hubby will live much longer with you there to be with him! All the best to you and your family.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

Carmie — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 01:54:15 GMT

I never really thought about aging. I am 67 and don't feel any different than I did when I was 30, except for two bone on bone knees. The rest of me feels great.

I read without glasses and my memory is still sharp and I have no health issues other than the knees. I plan to keep on living and fighting until the end.

Of course, I don't look 30 anymore, but that is okay. Some day I plan on getting knee replacements. Hopefully, I will be able to climb steps faster and walk further.

I always tell myself that I am only one day older than yesterday. No big deal.

My DH is also in very good health and hasn't slowed down at all. He still thinks he is 30.

Re: Getting Old (Aging)

luvzchiz — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 02:17:55 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
To quote Bette Davis
Getting old aint for sissies !!!
@Shelbelle
My mother used to quote this along with, "It's not the golden years but the rusty ones."