How old do you feel, and how old are you?

I’m 69, same age DH was when he died. I don’t feel old at all thanks to being reasonably fit but I look old and I hate it.
I’m dreading turning 70 even though I am grateful to be still here. So many of my family and friends have gone so it’s a mixed blessing really as life isn’t as wonderful as it was when they were still in my life.

I so don’t believe in numbers, I have galloping arthritis and wish I could afford to move to the sun for six months of sun as it would so help. But will put up and shut up.

I feel no different to what I did twenty years ago. Yes, my hands don't work like they did but I don't drink as much as I did, I exercise more, eat better, I'm thinner and I sleep very well. I actually feel much younger than I did when I was working- if only I could get rid of that old woman who looks at me in the mirror!

I'm 88 and have been lucky (so far) with my health. Apart from a chronic back problem I'm in relatively good health. But this past year has been more difficult and I'm sinking now and don't know much longer I can manage on my own. The pain is taking over and all my efforts are slow and tiring.
But I don't intend to give in. I shall carry on until I can't any longer.

I am 84 and look younger. That may sound vain but it is a fact I have always looked at least 10 years younger than my age.

However physically I have deteriorated about 5 years in the last 6 months and need a rollator to walk outside. I am trying to control my physical health by doing 20 - 30 mins balance and pilates every day, also do an 1 hour exercise class once a week.

I do and try to watch my diet, cook from scratch. Also take a much more relaxed approach to life after caring for now deceased DH for 7 long years.

nadateturbe

I think I would have found a good use for that handbag......

😂I was just thinking that too.

I'm 71 but I've always felt old so I feel fine. I feel physical limitations a bit more though.

I’m 68 and up until 6 months ago I was fine then sciatica plagued me, first one leg then the other.
I’m fighting back, keeping active with lots of walking but I feel my body is wanting to slow down. My mind has other ideas though and is just as active as ever.

M0nica

I have no conception of what it means to feel any specific age.

Mind and body are two entirely different things. My mind has no sense of age. Actually I do not think my body does either, merely a sense of what works and what doesn't.

As I am 82, I do not expect that to change

You sound an amazing woman. You inspire me. I'm 72, generally walk 4 miles every day unless I feel unwell which means I listen to my body and rest. I don't feel particularly old. I'm reasonably fit and well. I make sure to eat for good nutrition. I avoid ultra processed foods. I sleep well. Life is good .As far as we know we have only one life. We should make the most of it

I am 68 and feel about my age. I am still working in a sedentary job, which I think helps keep my brain active.

I fell and broke my wrist quite badly about ten years ago. I was carrying something and couldn't see the floor. I tripped and put my hand out to break my fall. Since then I have had a fear of tripping or falling. I always hold the handrail on stairs and hate it when it is icy outside.

Prior to Christmas I was going out walking for at least half an hour a day. Over Christmas I haven't been out at all. I do feel a lot stiffer in my legs because of this. Need to get out walking again.

They say, If you don't use it, you lose it'. I think you need to keep moving as much as possible as you get older.

I'm 73 and I've felt really unwell for the last two years.

While I am sat here typing and reading posts I am sure that I am still 26, which is the age I sort of feel that I became the person I am! I had real copper hair and was someone who would protest or go on marches about things that I thought were important. To stand up for what I thought was right and to do a bit for other people as much as I was able to do so. Now aged 80, I still care about justice and what I see as right and fair, and support what I am able to , whether it is now a letter to my MP rather than being able to join in a protest walk etc. But I still feel the same person inside. My problem these days since having cancer twice and most of all my back is very bad and I can only do my best, not knowing how the day will start or if I have turned over in an odd way or whatever and struggle to even get out of bed. So while I am sat here typing I can still feel any age from 26 - my actual age of 80 . However when I get up sometimes I am looking for my telegram from the King and feel about 120!!

My mind is fine. I still work 3 mornings a week and volunteer another. However I have worsening spinal stenosis which means I can’t walk or stand for long periods and am in pain all the time, some days much worse than others. It frustrates me that can’t do the physical things as well or as much as I used to.

I’m hoping to have an operation later this year and if I’m lucky it should improve things quite a lot so here’s hoping . I’m also scared as it’s a bit risky but I really can’t go on as I am.

I’m 73 this year ,in my head I feel about 50 sometimes in my body I feel about 90.

Me 82, I don’t think I feel my age, still very busy caring for my three adopted children (now adults) with Down Syndrome. It was easier when DH ❤️ was alive. However they keep me busy and make me laugh.
I am lucky I have reasonable health and can cope apart from shopping so a big thank you to all my “old” mates who still drive!

I don't think about how old I am until my daughter turns up with her granddaughter......where was I when this happened? I remember clearly taking her to preschool and was it really that long ago? I'm 74

Until I was 80, I was managing quite well. Since that birthday 4 1/2 years ago have definitely started to fell 'old'. This was made even worse by my constant tiredness, falling asleep all the time, no matter where I was. That has now been sorted out and my use of a CPAP machine each night has given me back my daytimes.

Have very little mobility - thanks to mobility scooter I am able to get out and about to meetings. Try have to something to work each day around.

Fortunately, I feel quite 'young' mentally. Even my children (in their fifties) say I seem to remember things better than them (although this is probably because I have a much more stress-free lifet=style than them). But I do find that by the early evening every movement is difficult for me. So, I get into my nightclothes very early, and do manage to do my knitting whilst watching tv.

My great fear is losing my eyesight. As long as I have that, I can continue my independent living - and this is very important to me.

So, yes, physically I feel my age, mentally I do not.

I’m just 67, some days I feel like I’m 97, myriad of different medical conditions, some of which have sudden flare ups causing pain and severe ME.

Some days I just don’t recognise the person I’ve become, I was so active and energised til last baby (baby now 23!)

henetha

I'm 88 and have been lucky (so far) with my health. Apart from a chronic back problem I'm in relatively good health. But this past year has been more difficult and I'm sinking now and don't know much longer I can manage on my own. The pain is taking over and all my efforts are slow and tiring.
But I don't intend to give in. I shall carry on until I can't any longer.

Am sorry to hear this henetha could you look for an assisted living flat in your neighbourhood?Anything to make life easier for yourself.

Thanks so much, Oreo. I've looked at all sorts of ideas, and an assisted flat would be ideal for me. The problem is financial, - I don't have the resources to be able to buy anything decent.
I'm stuck here really. I do live in a lovely place though, so things could be worse.
Something will happen eventually, so then I will just have to go into a residential home.
I really appreciate your kind comments.

I am just 81…all my teeth and most of my hair. No significant medical issues. Busy with writing, a large house and garden and of course DH.We make it a point to go somewhere interesting each week…weather permitting . So, I think I feel younger, but since I haven’t been this age before ,I can’t judge.

Having just turned 79, I have really been feeling my age recently. I seem to struggle with minor ailments and age related things like the onset of arthritic fingers and toes. Of course, the winter doesn’t help. I find it depressing and frustrating that it is only in my head that I can still walk miles, hop over stiles and climb hills like I could not that many years ago.

As Housman said:
“That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.”

Miserable git Houseman. We studied him for A level and a wag came up with a verse to summarise his work:
' What, still alive at twenty two?
A fine upstanding chap like you?'

😂

I have the mindset of a 20 year old though and most of my own teeth and thick hair still. Just my mind says go go go and my body says something very rude!

Greyduster

Having just turned 79, I have really been feeling my age recently. I seem to struggle with minor ailments and age related things like the onset of arthritic fingers and toes. Of course, the winter doesn’t help. I find it depressing and frustrating that it is only in my head that I can still walk miles, hop over stiles and climb hills like I could not that many years ago.

As Housman said:
“That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.”

But we did it! That’s the main thing