Re: What to expect as you age?

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@tarsmom wrote:
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.

@tarsmom

I'm really quite surprised you expected to be high energy until when? ..... Right up to the day you die?

I'm not even close to retirement, but I can tell you that family health history will significantly impact most of us at some point. The joints are affected by many things .... old injuries, arthritis & pain levels, your usual activity levels, etc etc

Eat right, stay healthy, exercise .... and keep in mind you're not 21 anymore, so you don't have unrealistic expctations. Just keep moving.

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

The older I get, the more & more important it is to get

the proper nutrition.

The body wants to have whole foods, plants and little fat.

People will imply they have Superman blood while eating

a diet of candy, hamburgers & milk...but the body doesn’t do

well with eating foods not designed for humans for optimum health.

The aches & pains associated with age is inflammation.

Change the diet, reduce the inflammation.

And like @qualitygal using the car analogy , I equate food to a fuel.

Optimum food is the optimum fuel for our bodies.

You can have a $500,000+ Rolls Royce, but use icky fuel?

It’s totally useless.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

(thread title only)

I expected a return of the amount of effort I put into aging, nothing more, nothing less. Retired at 52 and never looked back. My belief is living each day as it comes, good or bad, and learn how to deal with whatever each one brings.

All was not good as I aged, but now 27 years later, I can confidently say I feel great and welcome each day, good or bad.

hckynut(john)

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

I think we all have different experiences with aging.

Sometimes these general questions are helpful to verify that what we are feeling is common, normal and shared by others.

Yes, at age 70 my energy levels are diminished. Just make sure your heart is healthly and not the reason for low energy or stamina.

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

I've been retired 5 years and am a realist who accepts the aging process. I am not one who is in denial about aging. Strength, energy level, changes in vision and hearing, mobility and balance, weight, and sleep pattern can all be a normal part of aging for many of us. I try to enjoy each day and know that pain and discomfort will sometimes be a part of my day. I have many more good days than bad. I totally love retirement.

Regal Bee · ‎07-20-2017

My energy levels are directly related to my passion for a project or job. If I really love what I am doing, I have tons of energy and can outwork anyone.

I totally accept that energy decreases some as we age.....that's life. I feel blessed to have maintained my work level, overall. I try to eat well and stay away from junk as much as possible. I am very active so that is good for my body.

My only concern is that I no longer want to go to as many places as I used to. My desire for lunches, shopping and just going out with friends has decreased.....I'm not happy about it but I don't fight it either. (This could be just a season.)

I appreciate my life and I am grateful for an overall positive outlook.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

I guess I can say I’m 70 (10 days away) w/o too much of a cringe. Having always worked from home, I made my own hours...never felt pressured except jewelry orders due at holidays or wedding season.

I always made time to keep up w/ my exercise routine. Except for arthritis in a few fingers, neck & shoulder pain if I try to work too long w/o stopping to stretch, I’m physically doing OK...I just knocked on wood. 😜

What I’m seeing the last few years is that I do have less tolerance and a shorter fuse. I get frustrated in situations where, for example, orders are wrong, banks make a mistake, the cable guy forgets to show up, etc. These things never stressed me out before. That’s what I’m working on.

I don’t want to be a sour old lady.

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

@haddon9 wrote:
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.

@haddon9 Have you tried Andrew Lessman's glucosamine/chondroitin for your knees? since I have been taking it, my knees no longer click or are painful, but if I sit too long, I can get stiff, lol, but there has been such an improvement.

Suzeecat · ‎05-05-2010

I'll soon be 63 and still work full time in a high-stress law office. I have definitely noticed less pep in my step. As I have gotten older I have had to deal with relatively minor health issues but the number one issue affecting my energy level is chronic insomnia.

I am more focused on healthy living than ever before. I exercise regularly, see my dr. regularly, take supplements, eat healthy, basically do everything I can to live a healthy independent life as long as possible. I live alone and want to stay independent. I also find myself being extremely cautious about trips, falls, etc. As we age, we don't bounce back as quickly. I've seen people deteriorate quickly and dramatically after a serious illness or inury at this age.

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

@tarsmom I expect to go along as I did in my thirties, but at the end of a long day in the garden, I am dragging. This is what I miss about being older, not having as much stamina, and of course the body gives pay back if I overdo. I can remember decorating Christmas cookies at 11:00 at night when younger, not any longer, lol.