To wonder when old age starts

Of course we are still middle aged at 65+! Old age is now 85+!

At 73, I'm still fit, active and young - in my head. Have to admit that when going to clubs, U3A meetings or on coach trips, I do notice most people are 'fifty shades of grey' and I don't feel I belong with these 'old people'. But catching my reflection in a shop mirror soon brings me down to earth with a bump!

so when does old age start?
grannie When you start worrying about it!

I am easily the oldest at my place of work. I foolishly never paid into a pension scheme and, as I am a waspi, I can't retire until I reach 66 next year. We work with the public and it is really depressing when I hear my much younger colleagues referring to "elderly" clients and realise that these aged people are actually much younger than me!??

I don't know about old age, but I decided many many years ago that middle age was always 5 years older than me. I am now 65 and still waiting to be middle aged. Though I struggle to get off the floor when playing with my darling, but manic DGS, and he shoots off to get into yet more mischief / danger.

My DH is 65 today and hates it. He works from home and looks after his appearance/skin as he doesn't want his profile pic to make him look old...

I'm 69- DH is 56.
I am fit & healthy & still do dance classes, yoga etc.
He is very overweight, not at all fit & does nothing that requires an effort despite my encouragement to get him to keep fit.
It seems so wrong but what can you do!.

I so much want to leave when the party's over, and wish we could have euthanasia on request (with obvious safeguards) on the NHS (possible in Switzerland, The Netherlands and Oregon, but not here yet.) I don't want my chidren's inheritance poured down the bottomless pit of "care" homes etc etc.
As for age itself, I once met a very elderly five year old - prim, disapproving and correct. Hope she evolved into something more joyful...

Annsixty,, how well you describe me!

I am 83, still fit physically, but the death of my dh last November, and I felt 10 years come on me.. until then, I felt a lot younger... now I feel old...but mostly it is mental... if anyone has an answer for me, I would greatly appreciate it..

I eat well, exercise, get out,, do all that I am instructed on the web to do,, don`t sleep as well as I would like, but then I never have...

so what else can I do? I cry, weep.... and I so hate that.. I tell myself positive thoughts,,, ....

Age is only a number chronologically. Some people have physical conditions that make them feel I'll and frail . Others go on if in good health as they have always been. Do not listen to statistics and those who are negative thinkers anyway.
I am 75 and feel very well and am never pre occupied with ageism Inside you do not feel age and that is what is important.
If you have your health then you have your wealth.

Until I was affected with chronic pain, middle age and old age was always going to be 5 years older than whatever age I was and then I got arthritis and feel old all the time now. Everything I do hurts and causes me to ancient. I'm only 66 but feel at least 10 years older. If you have good health, then maybe you can delay the aging process?

I've just renewed my driving licence for the next 3 years only. I will be 79 in a couple of months. I'm not old and have no intention of ever being old. No old folks classes or gatherings for me. I will never be old enough for them.

As long as you are fit and healthy, then you are as old as you feel.

I am a perfectly fit and well 66 year old
When asked to complete forms I hate to have to check the box 65+ which is the last one on the age list!

When my granny was well into her eighties, she used to help out ‘the old man next door’ who was ten years younger than she was. I guess it’s a matter of perception.

My DH is seventy next wee. He's still working, and doesn't intend to retire anytime soon. He has a full head of hair AND it's still all brown (well a few grey hairs round the edges).
Me. I'm retired, enjoying life, hair went white some 20 years ago, but I colour it 'cos I don't feel grey. I don't think I look old, although I have a few lines, and I'm developing a double chin .
No I don't think we're old (yet).

We do age. There is no getting away from it. Mick Jagger et al are still active and amazing but they are old men now.

However my best story is when my doctor prescribed pilates to help my posture, backache and prolapse problems. On my first day , I saw my MiL was in the class. She at 92 was as surprised as I was. "How else would I keep fit?". she said.

I find things take me longer:. To focus my eyes, to think of a name, to get anywhere as I don't run anymore. It isn't a sudden change but gradual in my case.

I have recently joined U3A walking group but it does feel strange being with all older people.

My OH says old is when you get poo sticks through the post or told you need to renew your driving licence. I think old is when you decide you can’t do things any more because you’re old. I’m trying to avoid that stage.

I completely agree with MOnica. 60+ is old statistically, although we may still be fit and active.

Why do we attach such stigma to the word? Is it fear and something to do with the way we pretend death just happens to others?

Just reclaim the word, embrace reality and think how lucky we are to have reached this age, and hope to have more good years to enjoy life.

Agree with other posters on here, perhaps we'll feel old if dealing with illnesses pain and grief. Otherwise age is just a number!

You may wonder when is 'old'. And then you get your new passport photo and you know old is now!

I am old but I don’t feel elderly. I am involved in lots of things outside my home and village.
I was amused the other day, when visiting my sister in hospital , someone asked if I was her daughter! She is only 18 months older than me but because of life- long mental ill health she looks much older.

I think it starts when you start thinking about it.
Wish I hadn`t read this post now hehe.

I think I am being made to feel old by my body but not in my mind because I am waiting for a hip replacement.
I am mostly housebound as my mobility is so bad.
I hope to feel a new woman afterwards.

I refuse to be old. I'm a WASPI so I'm not officially old anyway. Old suggests you're old, infirm, useless and simply waiting for death. That's definitely not my plan. My cousin is 99. She still travels to France on her own to see her daughter and family. She goes to a rock and roll night once a week and lives life to the full. Yes she's slower that she used to be and her body doesn't always want to do what her brain wants to do but she never lets that stop her living life and having fun.