What makes you feel old?

What a lot of REPLYS to the question... I was 60 in May and it's the only time I've ever not told people how old I am. I can't seem to say that age as it sounds old. Since turning 60 I've had bowel cancer screening sent to me, a email from funeral directors to organise my own. And discount from my energy supplier. I've called it my special birthday... Cos it has been. But I dislike saying the figure. I think like a 45 year old and other than osteoarthritis in one knee I'm very fit and active. But 60 sounds old esp when you have to scroll down to find year of birth.

I am 65. I don't feel any older than I did ten years ago. I have always looked at is as just getting older not old.

If you think back to when your mother and father or your grandparents even were the age you are now I bet they were not doing half the things you do.

On day trip to London, young commuter gave me their seat!

I feel my age because of arthritis in my knees and hands. This affects all the things I love doing for example, rambling, cycling, swimming (only affects breast stroke) and badminton. I will not give up though.m

when you're offered a seat on the tube more often than can be explained away as a one-off aberration

oh Bluecat I so agree with you about Arthritis - it's a pain (sorry) & does slow you down. I am only 61 but have walked with a stick for a few years now as my balance is poor & I fear falling - it's a bit like a "security blanket".

I love gardening & moved into a house last year with a very neglected garden, previous owner had had a lovely garden until ill health meant he could no longer maintain it. I have loved the hard work, digging & pruning bushes - it's taking shape now but I recognise my limits, regular Paracetamol & frequent rests. I try not to overdo it as if I do the next day or so I'm useless. Work is in bite sized pieces now.

As for looking in the mirror I don't first thing in the morning as it takes a while for my face to rearrange itself (mind you I've felt like that for the last 20 years)

I'm only 51 but felt old this week when a younger man offered to carry my shopping back to my house. I've got sciatica and was struggling to walk.

When friends starting "acting old". A friend has volunteered to organise the Christmas meal for our book club and has got into such a muddle over a very simple thing

PS all you peeps who are complaining about being offered a seat on the train/tube don't know you're born! Struggling along a moving tube carriage towards the only empty seat 4+ weeks ago I went "flying " and had a close encounter with the floor of a very painful kind. I still bear the bruises and have a very swollen knee.

I worry when I see my friends who are a couple of years older than me, seem to be more active than me. It can all be very depressing.

soldiersailor I was like you... I did all the DIY on our building of flats we own. I still do the garden stuff and some outside painting, minor rendering for pavers, etc. but have to leave the big stuff to stronger folks now.

Don't ignore sciataca, though, I had it off and on, and it was the red-flag for a prolapsed disc that slipped out so gradually that it was a couple of years before it got unbearable. Had to have the surgery because it become stuck to my spine and actually grew roots into it. It was not a simple 'slipped disc' op. I went private as I wanted a specialist and not a registrar to do it. Not cheap!

If anyone has prolonged sciatica... get an MRI. Don't ignore it! My surgery was only 80% successful because of the damage from leaving it go so long.

Hi I am a newby and live in Lymington. It makes me feel young when I' m on the dance floor and have more energy and lasting power than the youngster

Getting out of the bath and getting out of the car seem to take longer than they should. But that doesn't make me feel old so much as just out of breath!

Also when my youngest gets het up about anything political. I just can't summon the interest - don't see the point. Years of observing have proved that there's nothing you can do about it.

Then those ominous words come out: "At my age.."

Unexpectedly catching sight of wrinkled flabby arms - when did they appear? Likewise neck (wrinkled, not flabby). I was quite chuffed recently though when one of my dog walking acquaintances (sp?) said I didn't look old enough to have a 14 year old GD.

Developing sciatica after carrying a heavy case onto and off a train. Made me feel old as walking now very painful so even have to catch the bus to the local shops ! Unheard of before!

yes I,m older physically changing pace .Emotionally/ mentally becoming more successful which is hugely enjoyable Am now a elderly states person .
Just love it

I agree with DaphneB about being offered a seat on the tube. A couple of weeks back a 20 something woman gave up her seat for me and I just felt so grateful. I would have felt rather insulted not that long ago but not anymore!

Have really enjoyed reading these, all very familiar! Heartening to know I'm not alone, good to be able to relate to similar aged gransnetters!

Find out if there is a local U3A in your area- I started one about 4 years ago and it is fantastic way of meeting people and getting out . We also have great fun

I was hurt, when I should have been so grateful, when a lovely young lady offered me her seat on the tram.Being old really hit home then.I'm seventy seven.
I look old,( well in my sixties so others say)feel old, have lots of problems, but I'm not giving in. In my head I still feel I'm in my twenties/thirties.
I had a total knee replacement four weeks ago and it's been tough but I'm getting there. I can't wait to get back on my bike. I'm a member of the cycling for softies brigade.No big hills and an electric bike.
I feel lucky though that I am not, at the moment, housebound and crippled with ill health. I feel so, so sorry for those who are.That's when old age really gets you down especially losing your independance.