For me ageing is a psychological change as well as a physical difference. I have an underlying sense of urgency these days, knowing that my time on the planet is limited, and I’m getting more selective about what I choose to do. Every day feels precious.
Perhaps it's because nothing has changed significantly that you feel tired. Maybe you could do with something new to get you back on track? A new hobby or a holiday? Something to to look forward to, to inspire and reinvigorate you. I hope you find a new lease of life. I appreciate your sharing how you feel about age.
I don’t think it’s that. I keep pretty busy and am sometimes told I am doing too much. I have cut back on somethings that were not that enjoyable, but the rest I enjoy and interact with a lot of different people.
At 83, I definitely don't feel (or act or dress) 'old' but that doesn't mean that some characteristics of aging don't affect me. The biggest is a lack of energy. You may not feel that at 78, but it has crept up at around age 80 for everyone I know in different degrees. It can be coped with - a ten minute lie-down brings me back to doing whatever I was doing (a lot of friends agree) - but it cannot be denied.
My 100 year old friend says "You're not old until you're 90!" She has all her marbles but is physically limited in what she can do.
I have to say, Ann, that I do need to push myself to walk further on some days because it gets harder, especially if I've had days when I don't go out for a walk. So I know what you're saying about lack of energy. If I have a week of walking every day, it feels easier. Most days I have an after-lunch nap and I have always done this when I can. It gives me an extra boost of energy for the afternoon. Your centenarian friend has added to the observation about 90 being the point when you get old. That's interesting. Thanks, Ann.
I live on an incline up to the shops (which I never noticed for years) and some days I trudge up and some days I move quite easily – I have never figured out why these differences occur. The one VERY visible change is pre- and post-choir. I often trudge to choir but I always skip out very easily. I guess I should sing all the time!
The thing about age 90 is that it can't possibly be a sudden thing - we must get slower and slower getting towards it. But I am happy that my life is very little changed from 30 years ago, aside from restrictions caused by my more frail husband, i.e. less travel, less eating out etc.
The people age 60 who say "I don't feel old" are fine, but they are kidding themselves if they think it will last forever. I was sixty nearly 25 years ago, so there is a huge difference in this span we call 'old' as is being increasingly recognised.
I guess I feel the same. I walk every day, but my two mile walks with the dog (last year) are now one because my feet hurt and things like that. I keep feeling there is something I’m missing, vitamins, something! I did see a doctor, but I seem okay there.
I have recently found that I get out of breath much more quickly than I used to. I assumed it was old age, but my husband insisted I get checked out. The doctor agreed. I had blood tests, ECG, Echo and a whole lot of lung tests (I might have forgotten something, but it was very thorough). What I learned is that my heart is fine, my lungs are better than average (for my age etc) - and what is the answer? I am getting old!
I've always felt young... it's my faith that gives me reassurance.
Last year, I faced a full mastectomy due to breast cancer... and got up out of the bed in recovery to go to the bathroom.
This year, I'm going through cardiac failure (regurgitating mitral valve). It feels as if my body keeps screaming at me to slow down, but I don't want to.
I'm only 64. Young at heart. Child of God. Why won't my body cooperate?
I'm so sorry to hear of the trials you're going through. Your positivity, despite all this is inspiring. I hope you continue to feel young and optimistic. Thanks for sharing your feeling about age.
I think the key word in your question is “feel”. Whether you are 50 or 90 you can only act in a way that is consistent with your own perception of yourself. Hence the saying “You are only as young (or old) as you feel.” I believe that much of the physical and cognitive decline people expect to experience as they age is optional.
I totally agree with all you say here. We have a choice as to how, and when, we grow old. I decided in my sixties I was not going to let age change my fitness levels, nor my capabilities, and I haven't. Thank you for the insight in this comment.
For me ageing is a psychological change as well as a physical difference. I have an underlying sense of urgency these days, knowing that my time on the planet is limited, and I’m getting more selective about what I choose to do. Every day feels precious.
This year I do. I feel like my energy level has taken a dip. I’m 75 and I can’t think of anything that has changed significantly, I just feel tired.
Perhaps it's because nothing has changed significantly that you feel tired. Maybe you could do with something new to get you back on track? A new hobby or a holiday? Something to to look forward to, to inspire and reinvigorate you. I hope you find a new lease of life. I appreciate your sharing how you feel about age.
I don’t think it’s that. I keep pretty busy and am sometimes told I am doing too much. I have cut back on somethings that were not that enjoyable, but the rest I enjoy and interact with a lot of different people.
I'm still feeling a youthful vigor, my lifestyle and nutrition have never been better
Long may it continue, Harrison.
At 83, I definitely don't feel (or act or dress) 'old' but that doesn't mean that some characteristics of aging don't affect me. The biggest is a lack of energy. You may not feel that at 78, but it has crept up at around age 80 for everyone I know in different degrees. It can be coped with - a ten minute lie-down brings me back to doing whatever I was doing (a lot of friends agree) - but it cannot be denied.
My 100 year old friend says "You're not old until you're 90!" She has all her marbles but is physically limited in what she can do.
I have to say, Ann, that I do need to push myself to walk further on some days because it gets harder, especially if I've had days when I don't go out for a walk. So I know what you're saying about lack of energy. If I have a week of walking every day, it feels easier. Most days I have an after-lunch nap and I have always done this when I can. It gives me an extra boost of energy for the afternoon. Your centenarian friend has added to the observation about 90 being the point when you get old. That's interesting. Thanks, Ann.
I live on an incline up to the shops (which I never noticed for years) and some days I trudge up and some days I move quite easily – I have never figured out why these differences occur. The one VERY visible change is pre- and post-choir. I often trudge to choir but I always skip out very easily. I guess I should sing all the time!
The thing about age 90 is that it can't possibly be a sudden thing - we must get slower and slower getting towards it. But I am happy that my life is very little changed from 30 years ago, aside from restrictions caused by my more frail husband, i.e. less travel, less eating out etc.
The people age 60 who say "I don't feel old" are fine, but they are kidding themselves if they think it will last forever. I was sixty nearly 25 years ago, so there is a huge difference in this span we call 'old' as is being increasingly recognised.
I guess I feel the same. I walk every day, but my two mile walks with the dog (last year) are now one because my feet hurt and things like that. I keep feeling there is something I’m missing, vitamins, something! I did see a doctor, but I seem okay there.
I have recently found that I get out of breath much more quickly than I used to. I assumed it was old age, but my husband insisted I get checked out. The doctor agreed. I had blood tests, ECG, Echo and a whole lot of lung tests (I might have forgotten something, but it was very thorough). What I learned is that my heart is fine, my lungs are better than average (for my age etc) - and what is the answer? I am getting old!
It seems to me, Ann, you learned you were in good shape.
I've always felt young... it's my faith that gives me reassurance.
Last year, I faced a full mastectomy due to breast cancer... and got up out of the bed in recovery to go to the bathroom.
This year, I'm going through cardiac failure (regurgitating mitral valve). It feels as if my body keeps screaming at me to slow down, but I don't want to.
I'm only 64. Young at heart. Child of God. Why won't my body cooperate?
I'm so sorry to hear of the trials you're going through. Your positivity, despite all this is inspiring. I hope you continue to feel young and optimistic. Thanks for sharing your feeling about age.
I feel young and old and everything in between at all times of the day. So there's not an overall feeling, ever. At least not yet
The secret may be, Jane, to not let the 'old' feeling dominate, but to hang on to the 'young' as long as possible. Thank you for sharing.
I think the key word in your question is “feel”. Whether you are 50 or 90 you can only act in a way that is consistent with your own perception of yourself. Hence the saying “You are only as young (or old) as you feel.” I believe that much of the physical and cognitive decline people expect to experience as they age is optional.
I totally agree with all you say here. We have a choice as to how, and when, we grow old. I decided in my sixties I was not going to let age change my fitness levels, nor my capabilities, and I haven't. Thank you for the insight in this comment.