topic Re: What to expect as you age? in Community Chat

What to expect as you age?

tarsmom — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:14:24 GMT

I am soon to be 63 and work full time in an office. Lots of computer work, deadlines and we all pretty much keep to ourselves during work hours. I have always been someone who's viewed as "high-energy" even a little "hyper" and I have about two years left to work.

I'm a little surprised that as I get older, I don't have that energy I used to have. My hands have arthritis, my neck and back are tense and I guess I didn't expect to feel like this as I get older. My mom (rest her soul) told me over 15 years ago, "honey you're not 23 anymore, you can't expect to have the energy you used to have."

Do you ladies (and gents) feel this way too? I honestly don't have many others in my age group to ask. Most of them are retired, or are on disability themselves. I don't want to complain but I am not around hardly anyone my own age so I guess I'm trying to be 30 in a 63 year old body.

If you are retired, did you get your energy back after you stopped working? Or are my energetic days behind me? Most days something is hurting, not bad enough to stay home, but I am feeling it.

It would help me to hear your thoughts

Thank you!

Edited to add: I had a recent physical and everything looked good - blood work, slightly high cholesterol - everything else ok.

Re: What to expect as you age?

panda1234 — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:27:44 GMT

I feel it too. I use to go 100mph nonstop but now I have to stop and cool off before I can continue. I work with nurses my age and they can do 16 hours on their feet, not me.

Re: What to expect as you age?

chiclet — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:31:46 GMT

I used to be one of those people who was so hyper and never stopped. Now at 67 and retired I can do just so much before I get tired. I think some of it is getting older and some is that I just don't have to do anything at certain time and am out of shape. Today I plan to clean the floors and that is a job but when younger I would do it in no time so I could go on to something more fun. Now nothing really fun to look forward to so I just do it to get it over with. Also it is important to stay in shape. I am supposed to be walking but it is so hot outside and the mosquitos are awful.....Always an excuse. All said the body just wears out.

Re: What to expect as you age?

Ladylaughsalot — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:37:19 GMT

I am 64, and I no longer have the energy I used to have. No matter how hard I try I just can’t get that level of energy back. Luckily, I don’t have aches and pains on a daily basis, but I don’t have the strength I used to have, and I do have aches from time to time.

Re: What to expect as you age?

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:37:33 GMT

I am 63 as well...(in a few weeks) and I also have a lot of energy, always have .... I work 3 days a week at our small business, on the off days I do yard work, house work, etc....those chores never seem to end!

I am not one to want my DH to help me around the house....he does things very differently than I do and my health is very good so at this point I do not need help, as others will with ill health need....very thankfull for that!

I have noticed that I am able to put off doing things like putting dishes/laundry away as soon as things are folded or washed, I don't know why, maybe priorities are different or maybe I am just tired of doing those chores. One thing I have noticed is that working outside in the heat zaps me quicker than it did before, I am sure that is age related.

I have a friend that is soon to be 65, she has a high pressure job and really has very little energy to do typical household chores....she is tired and stressed and looking forward to semi-retirement in about 18 months. Which I am happy for (as well as the rest of us that runaroundtogether) because she is really crabby....I am sure her attitude is stress related.

I have no answer for you but I am thankfull that I am able to still do what I enjoy doing without help and without feeling to tired. My mom died at 62 so I cannot compare myself to her.

Re: What to expect as you age?

haddon9 — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:46:09 GMT

I'm 64 and besides my knees hurting going up and down stairs and having a hard time losing weight I feel the same as I always did. I never was I high energy person to begin with and I have envied those who were.

Re: What to expect as you age?

CinNC — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:41:14 GMT

I was a very high energy person when I was younger. In my 30s, I would get up on Sat (after working all week) spend 5 hours gardening (starting at 5am), clean the house, go grocery shopping and then cook dinner for guests. My ex-husband used to give me a hard time if I was dragging on Sunday.

Now my knees are shot, and quite frankly, my priorities are different. As well as my motivation. So, yes, I think we change....mentally and physically.

And since I'm now retired, I don't always feel I have to do the dishes immediately.

Re: What to expect as you age?

StylishLady — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:52:06 GMT

I'll be 84 in October. I realize I have slowed down a little, but I'm still able to work out, tend to my gardens and do most everything I did when younger. The main thing is not to dwell on it. Go with the flow and enjoy life.

Re: What to expect as you age?

blueroses47 — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:06:59 GMT

I just turned 71, and yes, there is a big difference in how much I can do compared to what I used to do.

I have a bad back, arthritis in my hands, but good health otherwise.

I do heavy work in the house and garden (REALLY heavy work in the garden, digging out hard beds, etc.), but I can't do as much without fatigue as I used to, can't clean the whole house on a weekly basis in half a day the way I used to, and then have energy for something else. I still paint rooms myself with my husband, help him move heavy furniture, do things a lot of women my age don't seem to be able to do, though.

I find that I can work all day and accomplish a lot, but now after dinner, I can barely bring myself to even clean up the kitchen. That seems like something that can wait until tomorrow, and often does. When I was younger and working full time, I did so much in the evenings, but now evening time I feel half-dead, so to speak.

I work out seriously at the gym about three times a week, and I'm sure that helps keep me at the level I am.

I'm not complaining, I think I'm very lucky to do as much as I do....and I just hope I can keep going this way as long as possible. I know I will have to adjust as time goes on.

Re: What to expect as you age?

Eileen in Virginia — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:21:22 GMT

I’m 64 (almost 65) and I’ve slowed down some since I retired 8 years ago. Like you, my health is generally good. DH and I need to exercise more and could lose some weight, but we’re happy with our lives. I notice that my joints are “creaky” when I get up in the morning or after sitting for awhile - nothing awful, but I don’t jump up and hit the deck running. Regarding your neck and shoulder tension, do you have a good ergonomic desk chair that supports you when you’re working at your computer? Are you eating nutritious meals and snacks to fuel your body so you’re able to deal with your work environment? Do you drink a lot of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks? Do you get enough sleep at night?

Your mother was right - you can’t treat your 60’ish body like it’s still 23. That doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel, just cut yourself a break. Are there parts of your job that you can delegate or cross-train others to do. This might enable you to ease up on your workload or take a little time off without worrying that the work was getting done. Also, if you’re considering retirement in a couple years, it could be seen as you being proactive in helping your company prepare for that happy day.

When I was working, my colleagues considered me a Type A+ personality and predicted I’d be back at work within a couple of months. I fooled them! As others have stated, I don’t need to worry about meeting a packed schedule or getting stressed out about missing deadlines anymore. I’m only responsible for myself and, to a lesser extent, DH. I do things at a slower pace that allows me to stay up later reading or watching a good show and sleep in so I wake up naturally. If I want to volunteer, I do it in my terms. I guess what I’m saying is I have more control over my life than I did when I was working. In conclusion, I’d have to say that I’m really enjoying life at this age. As long as my health is good, I just deal with the hiccups life throws at me as they come. Good luck!

Re: What to expect as you age?

brandiwine — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:30:27 GMT

Yes things ache and you don't have the range of motion and you don't have the energy you once did. One thing that has really made a difference for me is doing aqua classes. Easy on your joints, but great cardio and strength training. We use weights designed for water. We also work on balance in moving water. I can stand straight up, bring a leg up, grab my toes with my leg straight and hold for a wonderful stretch. Stretching is something we all should do everyday. Attitude is the most important thing in getting older. When you retire try to find a group with similar interests, sewing, knitting, books, exercise, etc. You'll meet new people and gain new interests. It's wonderful.

Re: What to expect as you age?

newname0 — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:00:36 GMT

I am 72. I think it has to do with motivation. When I don't have anything to look forward to the housework suffers but motivate me with something then I get going. I guess that's what you give up when you're not in the day to day schedule of a workplace.

However there are other things to enjoy - leisurely drinking coffee on the deck, studying the bible on radio, etc. You find different things to do.

I am looking forward to visiting my son in upstate New York at the end of Aug. and that really motivates me now.

I think you will develop your own retirement schedule. Good luck and enjoy.

Re: What to expect as you age?

spiderw — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:34:27 GMT

I am 72 and retired years ago. Physically my joints ache (knees especially), my energy levels are less and I am not as active as I was. With age you do slow down and all of my friends are in the same boat. There are some older people who because of good health manage to keep up with their activities but no matter what I think your stamina isn't as strong and you tire easily or take a lot of breaks!

Mentally and emotionally I feel young and still am as out spoken and passionate about certain causes. I still try to fight for what is right and just in the issues I believe in and have never wavered from that. I have a lot of wisdom which I try to share with younger people, I have learned from my mistakes and while I have regrets and guilt, I do not allow those emotions to rule my life. I feel I am as well informed in all that I care about as I have always been.

While my physical being may slow down, I have gained much knowledge through life's journeys and am still learning. The best is I still have a sense of humor which has been an asset for me since I was young and has given much joy and laughter.

Enjoy life each day and do what you can to have a full one. The most important thing is to have good health, that also makes a big difference and If I had one wish, I would wish for continuing good health.

Re: What to expect as you age?

151949 — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:48:14 GMT

I've had a shift in my thinking since I'm now disabled due to numerous orthopedic issues. I no longer care to go to events where I have to walk forever just to get from my car to the event.Or things like fairs where I have to walk miles once I get in the event. It just doesn't interest me anymore!I am much more interested in going to places with people my own age and interests, whose abilities are very similar to my own.

Re: What to expect as you age?

ALRATIBA — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:55:31 GMT

I don't expect anything ... we all age differently - different places - different circumstances. But - generally in my family aging has been a fairly easy, natural process. Good genes? Maybe. Who knows?

I worked until I was 68 and then took off for three weeks in Italy. That was 8 years ago and I'm still going! I just turned 76. Most of my friends are older than me.

We all live in NYC ... and have fairly active social lives, involved in various activities. In fact, a friend and I were just trying to figure out if we can re-arrange some things on our calendars to attend a luncheon that just came up.

I'm basically healthy ... a few age-related things like arthritis. But you learn to manage it and cope. And there's always a Tylenol not far away.

Re: What to expect as you age?

Ainhisg — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:56:18 GMT

I am only 55 but retired. I feel every bit my age. I don't have the flexibility, strength, energy or stamina I used to...nor the motivation. I've always eaten fairly well and have stayed slim. For the last several years, I have power walked 3 times a week. Unforseen circumstances occurred this winter, and I didn't walk for several months. Started back in and had bad hip pain. I kept powering through it, but it was getting worse, and then I tried rest, ice, Aleve, alternating all of these things...still had it. Saw my doctor, and I have tendonitis caused by arthritis. If I'd kept up my walking, the tendonitis might not have developed. I've never had anything like this before that limited my activities, and it really made me be in a funk.

Anyway, I followed the advice he gave me concerning medication/rest/exercise and also started doing easy yoga. First time into yoga, and that has been a godsend. I can't believe how much it's helped my pain, flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. I highly recommend Peggy Cappy's programs. They're available as DVD's, online streaming, and are free if you have Amazon Prime. They are for beginners or people who are not in great shape and are wonderful.

I also took this recovery time to start strength training and bought a Nano Gym (which is similar to a chair gym). I love it, too!

Started taking Turmeric to help with arthritis and really got serious about making sure I'm taking all my vitamins and supplements.

I power walked for the first time in over a month two days ago, and while my hip hurt slightly when I was done, it wasn't bad and hasn't hurt since. I am hoping that I am over the worst of it and am almost glad all this happened since I discovered yoga and found a strength training program that I like...all forms of exercise that I needed!

So I guess the point of my long post is that if you're not taking care of your health now, START! Do some cardio, strength training, and yoga, because "motion is lotion." The aches, pains, limitation or loss of mobility will likely come. A person can't stop the hands of time, but we CAN control the quality of our lives to some extent, and I am glad I got this wakeup call when I did.

Re: What to expect as you age?

Zhills — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:21:43 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
I don't expect anything ... we all age differently - different places - different circumstances. But - generally in my family aging has been a fairly easy, natural process. Good genes? Maybe. Who knows?

I worked until I was 68 and then took off for three weeks in Italy. That was 8 years ago and I'm still going! I just turned 76. Most of my friends are older than me.

We all live in NYC ... and have fairly active social lives, involved in various activities. In fact, a friend and I were just trying to figure out if we can re-arrange some things on our calendars to attend a luncheon that just came up.

I'm basically healthy ... a few age-related things like arthritis. But you learn to manage it and cope. And there's always a Tylenol not far away.

I did not notice a difference in aging until I got sick.

Always been healthy and could do anything I wanted to do. Sickness, surgery and now I am almost back to the me I have always been!

I see my neighbors that are in their late 80s and 90s going strong and it is an inspiration.

You shouldn't "expect" to start slowing down until you reach 90 at least! Just expect to keep on keeping on!

Re: What to expect as you age?

chrystaltree — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:23:59 GMT

I'm 58 and 12 years away from retirement. I wouldn't think of retiring before 70 as long as my health is good. I'm more interested in maintaining my mental faculties than I am in anything else and work that requires the learning new and complicated things is the best way to do that. At 58, I have no slowed down at all mentally or cognitively. I would expect that to happen at such a young age. I have as much energy and stamina as I had 10 years ago. Obviously, not as much energy as I had in my 20 or 30's but I can compete with anyone. Having said that, I indeed have some chronic or age related issues. I had a knee replace for the arthritis in my knee, so that took care of my knee pain. I have some neck/shoulder pain now that is age and posture related. I work from home so my physical therpist thinks posture and sitting at my desk for 7 or 8 hours is the cause. I do have some minor arthritis in my neck but it's what one would expect a 60 year old woman to have. So, I'm using heat and doing the exersizes and paying attention to my posture. I have spinal stenosis but that doesn't bother me much at all these days. I think perhaps because with the new knee, I walk normally and put less stress on my back. I get twinge in my lower every now and then. There was a time in my life when "something hurt everyday" but not now. I am not the suffering type, when something hurts I do to doctor and do whatever it takes to remedy the situation. Pain is definitely not a necessary part of aging.

Re: What to expect as you age?

qualitygal — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:28:27 GMT

Well if you liken your body to a car, then I'll say all things wear out. YES, there's the lucky exceptions with great genes and all. But I think the majority of us, are beginning the aging process. We have some new/updated parts. A few of us are like bionics. Teeth, hearing, energy, eyes, that sort of thing...we're lucky enough to live in a country that we can get this help.

It happens. Do what you can to take the best care of you that you can.

Re: What to expect as you age?

SilleeMee — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:54:52 GMT

I'm 62 and retired but not by choice. I was forced into an early retirement at the age of 47 because of disability. The last year of work was the most agonizing and painful thing I ever went through. But I had to put in the hours to get a descent retirement check. Now after all these years have passed, I look back and wonder how I ever made it during that last year and how my co-workers coped. I'd like to think that my co-workers were easing me away and were more than willing to support me and pick up for me when I couldn't. I'm am so thankful for them and I really miss working...more than anything.

Scleroderma took away the use of my hands, almost completely. I can't tie shoelaces, button a shirt or thread a needle....'fine motor skills' like that. BUT the good thing is that I can still hold a fork and a knife!