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Sure I have heard the idea that you are only as old as you think you are. That notion might make sense for someone who has barely reached retirement age or is younger.
As we age we hit the inevitable. Our bodies wear out, injuries and ailments catch up with us. Eating right and exercise may delay but do not stop the ageing processes. Personally I think the notion that we are going to ward off or significantly delay ageing is wishful thinking and all but nonsense.
How about a specific rebuttal to the "family medicine provider" quoted in the original post, then? Are the huge differences in functioning among individuals at a given age all genetics, in your opinion? He or she is saying that genetics are only one factor. How do you know that attitude and lifestyle cannot significantly delay ageing? The person quoted is in an excellent position to observe such things.
I think "old" is partly a lifestyle/state of mind, but you also don't want to come across looking stupid.
My affluent uncle is 61. He divorced this third wife for the second time around the end of last year. Since then, he has been through probably half a dozen "sugar babies" 18-26. His daughters are 18 and 22, and think him going through all these girls their age is disgusting.
There are some things you just aren't going to be able to do as the years go by. A 40 year old former college jock is not going to make it to the NFL.
In general, I think most people can still be relatively healthy into their 60s and possibly well into their 70s, provided they take care of themselves. I have peers my age who are into routines and lifestyles where they seem old. I know some folks in their 60s who are healthy, active, and seem younger than folks my age. 80 is where I think people are indisputably old, as that is exceeding or very near to life expectancy.
When my mother was around 86 or 87, she remarked to me that she never imagined she would get 'old'. Up to that point she did not consider herself thus. So, to a certain extent, 'old' is a state of mind.
When my mother was around 86 or 87, she remarked to me that she never imagined she would get 'old'. Up to that point she did not consider herself thus. So, to a certain extent, 'old' is a state of mind.
My mother-in-law is 85 years old. She said she considered herself middle aged a couple of years ago! Who was I to correct her??
I roughly consider 50-64 young old, 65-79 old, and 80+ very old.
Last edited by texan2yankee; 04-03-2017 at 07:47 AM..
How about a specific rebuttal to the "family medicine provider" quoted in the original post, then? Are the huge differences in functioning among individuals at a given age all genetics, in your opinion? He or she is saying that genetics are only one factor. How do you know that attitude and lifestyle cannot significantly delay ageing? The person quoted is in an excellent position to observe such things.
I'm going to weigh in here .... even though this is not directed at me.
Yes. Genetics play a very significant role. Lifestyle is in there AND attitude as well (placebo effect).
But, by and large, from what I have read about the subject, genetics plays the most significant role. Doesn't stop me from doing everything I can to delay the process though.
I roughly consider 50-64 young old, 65-79 old, and 80+ is very old.
Very reasonable. I think I agree with that.
But the issue I was trying to raise in the original post is what about the 65 year old who looks and functions like an 80 year old, or vice-versa? That is the thing which intrigues me. Is it genetics alone? I think not. I believe (even though I have no "hard" proof) that our attitudes and expectations can, in many cases, influence what happens to us down the line.
We buy a one-story house as a hedge against one day not being able to use the stairs. So we don't use stairs at home and perhaps subconsciously avoid them elsewhere whenever possible. After enough years of that, voila, we have great difficulty using stairs. I use stairs instead of the elevator or escalator as a matter of routine (age 73). I find that tiny sliver of physical activity to be worthwhile - all the tiny slivers add up.
I'll be 75 very soon. I just don't see myself as being old. I don't feel it. I don't believe I act it.
Once in a while it will dawn on me...... geeze in 5 more years I'll be 80. Gulp. But that lasts for a minute or two. I always expect myself to keep doing all the things I've had to do for all of my life. Maybe a little slower, maybe put a bit more thought into it, but still do it.
In general, I think most people can still be relatively healthy into their 60s and possibly well into their 70s, provided they take care of themselves.
Thank you for that. I'm sure everyone here has been waiting anxiously for a 30-year-old poster to tell us his opinion on what life can be like in one's 60s or 70s.
But the issue I was trying to raise in the original post is what about the 65 year old who looks and functions like an 80 year old, or vice-versa? That is the thing which intrigues me. Is it genetics alone? I think not. I believe (even though I have no "hard" proof) that our attitudes and expectations can, in many cases, influence what happens to us down the line.
We buy a one-story house as a hedge against one day not being able to use the stairs. So we don't use stairs at home and perhaps subconsciously avoid them elsewhere whenever possible. After enough years of that, voila, we have great difficulty using stairs. I use stairs instead of the elevator or escalator as a matter of routine (age 73). I find that tiny sliver of physical activity to be worthwhile - all the tiny slivers add up.
Use it or lose it.
I agree with his grouping too.
Yesterday I ran into a man that happily told us he was going to be 70. I thought for sure he was 80!
Then my roommate is 70 and people are surprised. He could pass for 55.
Before I can tell someone whether I feel "old", that someone needs to tell me what he/she considers "old" to be. Otherwise we're just talking in circles (or worse).
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