At what age did you realise you were "old"?

70ish. I’m now approaching 78.

Following a five year period of bad health ( breast cancer, stroke with 5 weeks in hospital, 18 days in for a fall, and various other things ) I went to GP for check up on broken toe and he asked 'what are you going to do with the rest of your life?'

I was 66 at the time and absolutely floored. Just hadn't accepted my age, as I hadn't accepted it was time to go grey. I tried being grey for three weeks, but decided it was too early and coloured my hair with aid of DH

When I hit my 70s and my body decided to do it's own thing and not in a good way

My hubby felt old when he was putting air in his tyres. A middle-aged man said "do you want me to do that to save you kneeling"? 😏

When 7 year old grand daughter informed me I was the oldest in the family !! Matriarch at last !!

Quite a few years ago I was standing at a bus stop with my then teenage daughter when a couple of lads drove by. They sounded the horn and whistled. I thought it was directed at me, I've never minded wolf whistles etc, always found them a bit of a laugh and quite complimentary. Anyway I quickly realised they were whistling at my daughter!! That was the first time I felt old! I know it's not the done thing now, but I wish I was still whistled at

When my husband was transferred to care home after my 2 nd stroke as I could no longer look after him properly…. he’d been ill 27 years …and I’d seen to him single handed all that time as well as work 5 hours a day to keep the house going as he wouldn’t claim benefits! I thought after he went that I’d “ get some life back” ….but some sod had other ideas and my body has gone into shock ( doctors words) …it’s a year on my own now and I do not think it’s coming out of the shock of 27 years!! Ever!

not too unlike you Esmay
I have been very fortunate.. despite dh dying couple of months before covid declared,, and felt that my grieving was put on hold during the lockdowns,, too much to think about there...
then o.k. ish,, I was 85 I think, when arthritis appeared in my knee, guess the backaches I put down to "womens" stuff,, managed that o.k. could walk etc.. etc...

then it hit me,, arthritis has quickly taken over,, I can`t do gardening, or the walks (not long ones) I used to do, etc, everything is stopped, well not quite, but can`t do it now..
that is when I felt old,, even now people ask me how old I am, and I have to count on my fingers ,, I just cannot believe I have that amount of physical years behind me..

I HATE IT!

I no longer want to go out every Saturday night - much rather get cosy at home with a glass of red wine in front of the tv. That was never me,but it is now. I might add, it is freezing cold here at night just now . When we go out with friends it mostly tends to be for lunches now, not evening events and I’d rather go out to a restaurant than entertain at home, can’t be bothered with dinner parties anymore.

When I had an accident and went to hospital. I am a fit 68 but was treated like I was 100. Staff did not believe that I don’t take any regular medication and discussed my recovery with my children rather than me. Not amused!

I’m not old, just getting older like everyone (76)
Having a bath and not being able to get out without turning round on all fours was a surprise.
Having to sit down after a period of walking.
Tinnitus and missing conversations.
Just noticed a slight swelling in the knuckles of my left hand, arthritis.
Not bothering about socialising. As someone said above, covid had an effect.
Going down fighting as a singer, I’ve had my eyelids done, neck too, Botox, fillers and extensions so I know for a fact I don’t look my age, without taking these things too far I hasten to add…Being old is also a frame of mind.

For me, it was walking in Wales with DH, DS with newly-wed DiL and her parents. I would have been maybe 55, coping fine with the walk. BUT the young people were so much more sure-footed, could go faster, further, longer than us parents. We all remarked on it.

I'm pushing 80, and although my body certainly recognised that it had become "old" some years ago now, my brain has yet to catch up with it. Long may it continue.

Four years ago I woke up with pain and swelling in my knee .
It was hot and pink .

I phoned the Dr .
One appointment , an Xray and physiotherapy by phone .

I thought back -
I'd had two previous injuries to it and that is probably what did the damage.
I'd lifted a lot of stuff the day before .

I thought that it would get better , but it's got worse .
And that's when I started to feel old !

Maytime

Despite having chemo three years ago I still feel fit. I am 77 and can walk quite a long way and do most things I want to. It takes longer to dress in the morning, however, as I have to add hearing aids, prosthesis etc 😉

I hope your treatment goes well maytime

I don’t know about me but all of a sudden I seem to be inundated with dying or increasingly incapacitated friends.
Compared to them I’m still a spring chicken but they are exhausting me!
Now I’ve just spent the days up to my knees in sea water with DGS catching shrimps, fish and crabs. I’m knackered!

I am older than I was, but not old.
I don’t have the energy or the stamina I had ten years ago, but my mother lived into her nineties, so I think I have a good few years ahead of me. My youngest grandchild is 15, so I certainly don’t need to be running round small people any more.
Keeping the brain active is essential, however.

It’s not realising I am old for me mentally I don’t feel old not yet anyway I am 67 this year. It’s more my physical state I have poly arthralgia (arthritis in various areas) of my body. Started with having a hip replacement at 53. It’s just gone on since then. It’s not helped by being intolerant to traditional pain relief. I have tried alternative methods but it’s always been hit and miss.

I notice the problem inhibits me especially when with our GC. They want me to run around with them and play games etc I just can’t do it! I keep getting asked what’s the matter nanny why can’t you do it you look fine! I am happiest reading and crafting with them they are very young and full of energy as they should be.

When a young man gave up his seat for me on the bus.

Witzend

I often wonder how I can possibly 74. Surely some mistake? I do avoid looking in mirrors with my glasses on, which helps a bit.

Similar experience. I have started to use my I phone camera and put it on selfie by mistake. Shock! Horror! Is that really me? I have decided to stay behind the camera now forever.

I'm off to buy a new microwave to replace the 20 year-old one that just conked-out. At 68 if the new one lasts as long this could be my last one

I often wonder how I can possibly 74. Surely some mistake? I do avoid looking in mirrors with my glasses on, which helps a bit.

Thank you all for your messages of support.

I felt old having gone through open chest surgery for dissected aorta. Prednisone was distorting my muscles and I was awaiting two new hips and could not move without crutches Two new hips later and eventually off the meds makes me realise age is just a number not worth contemplating