Are you aging at the same pace as others your age? (55, grandparents)
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I've noticed over the past few years that folks our age always seem older than ourselves (reunions, celebrities, etc.). At the same time, I've always thought of people 'our age' (parents, grandparents) as being much older than we feel. Do you suppose others are thinking the same thing about us?
Perhaps our own perception of our aging process is not as reliable or accurate as we think it is ... or do we see ourselves so regularly in the mirror, that our aging process seems more gradual than it really is? Anyone else notice this?
Last year I went to my 40 year High School Reunion. First reunion I've been to since graduating.
I think everyone more or less looked their age. The females tended to look a little better than the guys.
About 15% of our graduating class died. The rest of us were in fairly good health - one guy walked with a cane and a few seemed rather overweight. I can't talk about those who did not attend.
The only comment I can make is that from my observations and "research" if you want to call it that, people as a whole look younger in this generation than the late-middle aged and senior generation of 50 and 100 years ago. (This extrapolation is made by looking at old photographs.) Medicine is better and people are living longer. In other words, 55 year olds in 2013 tend to look younger than the 55 year olds of 1895.
However - a big however - there is much more obesity now.
However - a big however - there is much more obesity now.
Yes, and obesity is not defined by anything overtly visible. Our parents' and previous generations were generally not so overweight. My parents and all their friends aged on the slim side. Will look up the stats on this. Boomers grew up on the types of "foods" (sodas, sugars, carbs, fats, etc) that those generations didn't have as much of in their childhoods.
I see a lot of folks my age looking older than me. I see some my age looking younger than me. The three friends I have who are my age look better and younger, and perhaps not coincidentally did not have kids.
I know just a handful of others within a year or two or my age, a few cousins, a few good friends, some ex-colleagues. It's hard to say, in general. One friend from graduate school is a year younger than I am (68) but is already stooped and goes up stairs like an 80-year-old. However I understand she has had rheumatoid arthritis since childhood, so that must make an enormous difference.
One thing I have noticed fitness-wise is that at my age (69) it takes SO much longer to get back in shape (status quo ante) if we haven't worked out in a while. I recently laid off exercise for about five months - no particular reason, no decision, just got lazy. I started back a month ago and progress has been painfully slow. I'm still not there. It's downright scary! (I know, I know, I was a damn fool to lay off). Still can't even jog for 20 minutes without stopping. Did 16 minutes today, ditto two days ago. (20 minutes is sort of a minimal acceptable work-out. So I've been "exercising" for a month and I am still not at the point of being able to exercise. I have to believe I will get there, and indeed I am moving in that direction. Worse than scary, though).
Saw Christie Brinkley (age 59-almost 60) with her daughter Alexa Joel (27). Both looked amazing but when you see someone like that, you know it can be done!
One of my sisters in her 50's works out a lot, has 3 jobs going, never stops - she looks amazing. While she's concerned about getting older, no one really knows how old she really is. I personally think inactivity can play a part.
Escort Rider - I just started swimming again after a few months and yes, it's taking me a while to get back into it. Sure wish I could talk one of my dogs into going with me. (I took care of a Lab once - he spoiled me on that part - swam right next to me the whole time).
I can relate. We just went on a family vacation to NYC and our goal was to walk 10 miles a day (we did about 5 miles a day - we were actually sick during that time!) Then, we get home and haven't done so well - need to do this!!
I'm not against those coloring their hair either - some look better with it done - my husband's aunt is 92 and still dyes her hair (love it!). Some have the coloring for gray/white - I don't - my mother sure did - went white at 36. I personally do think that makes a difference.
OTOH, to each their own - whatever makes YOU happy! (Right now, I'm really trying to eat clean and have lost about 8 pounds - have a lot more to go - but I do feel better after that).
A lot of that is self delusion and often others say the same about you and me.
That's so true. Perhaps worse, however, is the fact that people are frightened by something so meaningless. One poster is concerned because he can't jog for twenty minutes. So what? Others wonder how they look compared to others their age. Why? It no longer matters how we look; all that matters is that we're alive and independent.
People are frightened. Previous generations that I remember just relaxed. Think about the afterlife if you believe it. That's your only future and it may not be so bad.
I would have repped you but the system said I had to spread it around.
Sitting - very bad - since the invent of internet and forums like CD () I find myself sitting way too much. I feel 100X better if I stay on the move - feeling better improves your overall appearance.
Escort Rider - you'll get it back. Where's there's a will~~~~~
<Ugh - it's been so hot & humid these last 2 days - it's like soup outside>
I think a person's past lifestyle and their attitude about old age ages them. At least that is what I have observed from people and family I know who are around my age. I see some lonely people my age whose family has moved away and they seem to have lost interest in getting out. And I know some who have busy social lives with friends and hobbies and enjoy every day.
I still do what I have done all my life, take care of my family. I have an adult paralyzed grandson who lives with us that I care of when he needs things done he cannot do for himself. Two other grandsons who attend college and work also live here. That makes for a lot of laundry and kitchen work But I count that as my daily exercise.
I enjoy being outside more than indoors, so I do have a lot of noticeable sun damaged skin. So that may make me appear to age faster than others to a stranger.
I have slacked of in exercising and some of the heavier housework doesn't get accomplished as often as it used to simply because I tire out easily because of severe sleep apnea that went undiagnosed for decades. And I avoid having to get on my knees because when I do I wonder if I will be able to get back up
All in all, I imagine I am probably aging slower than some and faster than others.
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Saw a picture the other day
) I find myself sitting way too much. I feel 100X better if I stay on the move - feeling better improves your overall appearance.
