For those of us who are seniors, what was the one thing that surprised you the most about getting older?

For me past injuries seem to reappear. I had strained my back during a long kayak trip in my 30’s and now that I’m 65 it’s resurfaced. I suspect its arthritis creeping in. Makes it difficult to get a good nights sleep.

I'm only 65 but this year reminds me of when I turned 40. Seems like more changes at a faster rate. What I truly miss is the stamina I used to have. I seem to have to pace myself more now. I could run around Saturday, doing all my errands, and not feel a thing. Now I come home tired and sometimes need a nap. I hate that. Perish the thought I would also go see my dad in MC on the same day. Then I am truly spent. I do work out as I have for over 10 years, but Zumba just isn't what it used to be. I used to look at all those older people in the back row (I am proudly in the front row!) and wondered why they moved so slow and didn't jump as high as me. Now I know why. I've told my personal trainer that I don't care about getting stronger or lifting heavier weight. Just keep me from losing what I've got. But I still work full time - at home since Covid - and I'm keeping my mind plenty active.

Another way to respond is to ask - for positive reinforcement:

What do you do now to maintain / develop yourself as you age?
What changes need to happen and what changes have you made?
What gets in your way of shifting with the moments of aging?
What new coping mechanisms have you put in place?

I have been taken by surprise that so many of my beliefs/assumptions about old age were false. My mother and all my aunts and most of my uncles lived well into their 90's, one grandparent lived to 102. I spent a fair amount of time with them as they aged. I thought I understood the process.

In particular, I believed that those who stayed active remained capable. Horrors! I had it backward: those who remain capable have the ability to be active! I have learned that even though I have stubbornly kept up my gardening, walking, housework, and exercises, there are some activities that have become more difficult, then impossible. My continued practice does not insure continued ability!

I can no longer get down on the floor--nor up from it. I must stoop and bend at the waist to deal with anything on the floor. I have my workarounds, but I am dismayed that I cannot do some of the things that I could still do at 60.

On the other hand, I have found that the level of contentment that I have in living the life I choose is much greater than at any previous time in my life. I am focusing more on short term and medium term goals. The joy I have in a clean house, flowers in the gardens, and dinner on the table are greater than at any time of my life. Old age has given me the gift of living in the present. I expect and hope that some measure of this continues for the next 15 or 20 years, assuming my longevity matches the family history.

Ditto on the skin. I'm 62 and it is so loose and crepey and dry. Especially on the arms!

Not being able to run, jump, take staairs 2 at a time, squat, sit & lie on the floor (impossible to get up!)

The main thing that surprised me about getting older was that it seemed to have happened so fast. All of my injuries in my younger years have caught up with me in the form of arthritis.  My body is attacking itself.  My doctor tells me to get more exercise, but I’m no longer able to walk without a walker.  I had my hand x-rayed this morning because it feels like It's broken. I didn’t know arthritis could hurt so much.  Much more of this and I will call it quits.

How much my knees interefere with what I want to do.

AND how much my "poop" schedule effects what I sign up for. On a cruise right now: kind of obsessed with pooping before I get off each day.

That I am still here! That I can function, though more slowly and with pain.
that though my hearing and eyesight are marginal, I can function.
most surprising is the fact that I enjoy life much better than I did when younger and without arthritis!!

Living alone without local relatives means I am at least registered with my HOA office and parish. My SFsocial club may call in if I'm missed too long. Also important arrangement that comes with increasing age conditions in case of injury or illness.

Not a senior. Only 26. BUT I am amazed at how caregiving has aged me thus far. My knees and back are not as young as the rest of me.

I’m 56 and when my doctors ask me the normal questions, my response to “are you in any pain today?” I just laugh and laugh and laugh

We moved to a new house in 2019. Who’s dumb idea was it to move into a 3 story house (plus a basement!!!)

making dumb decisions without accepting I’m getting older every day is something I’m trying not to do anymore. :)

freqflyer: Answer - to be stuck with a chronic condition, e.g. presyncope at 75 years of age. However, I am a positive individual who resides with a DH who is less than positive.

I'm in pretty good shape for 61 but mentally I feel old. My outlook is more dismal than I imagined it would be at this age. I need someone to tell me to snap out of it or get an elastic and pull it hard when I start to look inward too deeply.

My mom was so young at heart till she reached her late eighties. I was hoping I'd be the same. Maybe I need to go on a cruise or something. Take up skydiving perhaps. Take up a cause?

Suggestions welcome...................;)

t'm 76 and in decent shape and still active - the active part though, is a little slower than I use to be. eg, running up the steps at home, stooping down to pick something up, without getting stuck, getting out of breath faster. (things like that) i don't like it but what can i do.

I just have to thank you all for being so open. I am late 40s and, after all the years of caregiving people in what I call “very old age” (85+), I appreciate hearing about when things actually start shifting. The younger older age. Weird as it sounds, I feel slightly more prepared hearing all of the experiences:)

"Snap out of it debunked?" Oh............Didn't know that.

Ah well, there's a lot I don't know. :)

Isn't getting "debunked" the cure for "snapping out of it?"

Do I want to be cured?

Maybe I will just pull myself up by my bootstraps!
Ordering some winter boots online now.
Any recommendations?

It is still true that when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!

Gershun, SNAP!

Is debunked the same as being deloused?

Just kidding........

On a more positive note I am considered "glaucoma suspect" and at my ophthalmologist appt today he said my eyes are still looking good. I had my visual field test as well. I hate doing that. I always get nervous about it but he said that I did perfect so I'm relieved about that.

I'm surprised at the ease of wearing sweatpants just about everywhere, without giving it a second thought.

Gershun, a cruise is a great idea. I'm on one now. Seeing new things, meeting new people and not having to meal plan and cook is my of snapping out of "it".

Good for you Barb! Which cruise line is it? And where?

I've always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise. Maybe I should book one. Maybe go on my own without hubs? I know he'd talk everyone's ear off if he came. Sigh........

Norwegian. Started in Southampton and Ending in Athens. We just docked in Sicily.

My dh and I like very different things. Many days, he stays in the cabin and reads or plays the guitar while I sightsee. And yes, he talks to everybody and I don't have to listen...

Barb, sounds great!

Now I have to quickly look for the closest restroom when I go out. Going to the mall I know where the main restrooms are located. I also knew in the anchor stores where their restrooms were, but sadly now those well known anchor stores are gone forever. Eeeeeeek.

If I sit too long and quickly get up, I have a mad dash to the bathroom. Even running water at the kitchen sink will trigger my bladder.

Are we having fun yet?

I know a man who physically resembles Santa Claus. It was very surprising to find out that a man who looks like Santa could actually be five years *younger* than I am!!

So very surprised at how old my friends and family look at their age.

What surprised me most about getting older?

How quickly it happened.

And how crunchy I’ve become. Where was that sweet spot between getting enough exercise and destroying my joints? Obviously I did not pace myself appropriately.

I am honestly loving my sixties.
After working in 40s, 50s almost all the time 60 and more hours a week, it is so great to have all this time, have time for friends, hobbies, studying, learning another language, considering other studies now.
I do take exceptionally good care of myself. In every aspect. I embrace very french joie de vivre. Best clothes, haircuts, make up. I do exercise, lift weights, bike, steps up and down, good nutrition.
So far no diseases although I am aware anything can happen but I don’t dwell on that.
Watching progressive disease and being robbed of so many things, makes me more determined to remain strong.
Hoping as most females in my family live long, totally independent into 90s.
I have friends aged 30 to 80 and see advantages and disadvantages of aging. I would not want to go back to struggles at 20- 30.
I have big plans, which, sadly, I might have to adjust somewhat, things we planned as couple will almost certainly not work out.

My husband and I are retiring soon and have booked a 3 month ‘vacation’ to Costa Rica to escape our Canadian winter. It would have been challenging to do this when we were younger as we didn’t have the time or resources. Not saying we’re rich but will live within our means. Living in a different country, learning a new language and way of life will be energizing.