At what age did you (if ever) really say "damn, I'm really old!" (relatives, retired)

[AnywhereElse]

Attitude plays a big part as does health. I have known several people in their 80's and they said that mentally, they still feel like they did in their 20's. For me, at age 60, soon 61, I am often perplexed looking in the mirror because I just can't believe that I am 60. I am surrounded by much, much older people in this state and they often call me "kid" and try to "mother" me so that may play into the whole thing.

[Curmudgeon]

It occurs to me that if we truly had the ability to turn back the clock we'd really miss out on a lot. While we have the "ravages" of age as reminders that we're not young anymore, we also have the unique experience of being able too look back for decades and rejoice in our accomplishments whether they be the children we've had and raised, things we've done that have positively impacted and enriched the lives of others and more.

Old age may not be for sissies (I'll let you know when I've reached it () but there decidedly are some benefits.

[animalcrazy]

I think I'll feel old when I stop decorating for Halloween and looking forward to doing sparklers on the 4th of July with my shorties. Oh and that waffle cone dipped in chocolate and covered in M&M's after our 12 mile bike ride yesterday kept the inner child happy. As long as she's happy we will be young inside. What happens out side is another matter but many tell me that I look younger then my years. White hair and all

[JohnD_fla]

So, unlike those feel good talk shows that try to convince us to the contrary, the consensus here is that there IS a 'hill' and we all pretty much know it once we get there.

So, what's the verdict...more gym, bigger clothes, plastic surgery, liposuction, expensive dental work, anti-aging skin creams, Ms. Clairol, viagra, rogaine, wig collection, etc...? Many decide to keep fighting the good fight with these things and more, and that is both time consuming and expensive. But isn't this just delaying the inevitable? I mean, time and Nature always win. Considering that we're all gonna get old and stuff is gonna start to fall out and sag no matter what we do, wouldn't it be easier to just give up and let ourselves go? Would the latter be morbid and defeatist, or merely accepting reality.

[Lodestar]

I think there's a difference between "let ourselves go" and trying to accept the differences of age with some grace and good health.

It takes a while to make peace with the changes and just when I think I have new ones come along and the challenge comes again. But I still keep my annual check-ups and follow my physician's advice to stay as healthy as possible. (Truth? My sugar creeps up and then I have to watch it for a while. Stuff like that. So I have to admit I'm not continuously on top of it all. It's a lot to keep track of!)

And I still make an effort to clean up every day and wear clean clothing. I put on some make-up but I've also decided that I don't need the "full works" that I used to wear. And I'll even spritz a little fragrance on.

I've accepted that my figure will never be perfect but I try to stay around optimal weight for my height. Have learned to hang onto railings and look at my feet when I go up and down stairs. Write things down when I think of them. Like that.

I am under no delusions that I have a clue when disability will change my life totally and am already working on acceptance of that and planning for what I will be able to do to stay emotionally vital when/if it happens. But here's what I think: It's entirely possible that some day I will be stuck alone in my bed for long periods of time with myself. Yikes. And want to make sure she's as pleasant of company as possible.

So, no. So far no letting myself go. Just toning it down a bit. Maybe some day. . .

[PDD]

When you go to the doctor and he/she is younger than your kids, you're in the old people club.

[cholo57]

The one that stands out:

Not long ago one morning, I stopped at McDonald's to get me a cup of coffee...like I usually do before work....and after I paid for it, I've noticed that the new kid behind the counter hands me more change than usual.
"Strange" , I says to myself...."he made a mistake, I'll mention it to him"....
And after I do, his response was: "Oh no Sir, that's with the SENIOR discount" .

I'm 57 at this time, and don't feel old and I try to stay active on and off work,...like others have mentioned, it's all about the attitude you take.
My Mother is 89 years old and when we visit, we have to ask her to slow down, my father will be 89 yrs. shortly, and still going.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

It occurs to me that if we truly had the ability to turn back the clock we'd really miss out on a lot. While we have the "ravages" of age as reminders that we're not young anymore, we also have the unique experience of being able too look back for decades and rejoice in our accomplishments whether they be the children we've had and raised, things we've done that have positively impacted and enriched the lives of others and more.

Old age may not be for sissies (I'll let you know when I've reached it () but there decidedly are some benefits.

Just because I have acknowledged being old didn't mean I felt it was a bad thing so I agree that it is a unique experience to be able to reflect.

If I were able to turn back the clock I would never want to be 20 again not if I couldn't bring along the experiences and adventures I have stored in my mind. Start all over again? No thank you.

[gentlearts]

My 65 year old husband, who I think is fit and youthful looking, got a call from a customer at his PT job. The lady asked for "the distinguished elderly gentleman". He sulked for days.

[luvmyhoss]

Not yet and I'm Medicare age or above