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

Losing my will to live kind of snuck up on me, and I'm only 62 and in good health. Have a nice day.

Now I am surprised at how many foods that I use to enjoy now taste meh.

We always had pizza for Sundays, but the pizza now taste like the box it comes in.... [sigh].

Now I understand why my parents had so many sweet items on their grocery list !!

Pain in hips and shoulders.

Sorry about your thumb ff.

Helloall - join the crowd. Seniors looking after senior seniors is becoming more and more common. It doesn't work well for us.

I think I am surprised at 85 that it isn't worse . Not that there aren't some problems I could do without, but life is reasonably manageable. So far I have managed to not get the big ones - cardiovascular disease, diabetes type 2 and cancer. My lab tests are normal. I haven't needed any surgery and I haven't broken anything. I feel good about all that. Counting my blessings each day that I am OK.

Oh good grief, now my right thumb is aching [primary hand].... my Mom had arthritic hands, so maybe this could be the start of it.

I can't believe how many times the thumb gets a workout. Writing isn't easy, there goes my draftman's type of printing. unless I use pain cream on my thumb area.

And forget the cellphone. It was hard enough to pick up without hitting the Alert button, and now almost impossible. Forget texting on it, the thumb gets very grumpy.

I can do email with ease, but the younger generation rarely uses it. If one doesn't text or use the social media they are on, you don't hear from them.... [sigh].

I never dreamed being 65 meant being the caregiver to my soon to be 90 year old dad. I thought that was the age to enjoy retirement. This is so much harder than an 8 hour a day job. I haven't had a day off in 9 months.

Oh, Yeah, I forgot the lines and bags under my eyes that increased after age 60 7 years ago. I use lotion and creams on my skin every night to keep smooth skin, but it does not turn back the clock. However, I still get some complements that I look good! Take what happens with wisdom.

Looking in the mirror and not recongnizing who is looking back at me! I dont feel this old, when did all the wrinkles happen. Frabby skin on my arms and legs - not sure when I lost all the muscles!

Golden23,
You are so right. I am really sticking to Mediterranean way of eating, I simply like it, cannot stand anything processed etc.
I don’t drink much, I am glass of champagne/ wine on occasion type.
But it is all about moving, how we keep flexibility. I am on the run most days doing all the chores, I refuse any help as it keeps me busy and I find cleaning great stress reliever.
Talk about shovelling snow with our Canadian winters!
Now I still have to clear all the leaves.
I do exercise but I am not so consistent, my husband was 2 hours a day exercise type, now sadly Parkinson makes it almost impossible to do any exercise. Have to accept that with too much pain there is not much one can do.

Golden23
I am definitely not of Viking Heritage but who knows, European nevertheless, reading lots on longevity lately and Italians of course do much better, so do French, partially to Mediterranean diet. And they drink lots of vino!
Just going to order Great Age Reboot as you recommended it will be interesting to share opinions.

I agree it happens too fast. My goodness I am 85!!!

Yet my earlier life seems eons ago. I am very fortunate in not having arthritis, can still do squats, not on many meds, haven't had any surgeries other than tonsils as a preschooler and episiotomies when giving birth. I don't like the changes in my skin, the decreased strength and stamina, increased digestive issues and such.

I hear you ff about knowing were the restrooms are. More of my time is taken up with looking after myself and making adjustments. But I am better at dealing with life and relationships and wouldn't trade that for anything!

I am finally downsizing to a smaller more convenient home and still hope/plan to have some adventures and new experiences.

Yes Beatty, kudos to us! :)

I forced myself too. I try to focus on how good I will feel afterwards - and am always glad I did.

Well done us!! 😁😁

I forced myself to go for a walk today. It was sunny and cold. I love those type of days and I always feel better after a walk.

Goody to those retirees! I retired last year for health reasons but now fill up time with volunteering, fun and rest as needed. If I feel overscheduled, for example, my system does not take stress as well as it did when i was younger, making me feel more upset and experience worse skin eczema. I sometimes feel overtired and have to skip gym one day or so to relax at home until back to "normal".

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!

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?

Barb, sounds great!

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...

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........

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".

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

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.

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!

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

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

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:)