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

I'm 80 and in reasonable health, but I do know I'm old. Having read the thread about memories of cold weather, how could I not know?
I actually decided this morning that my most precious possessions are my wonderful NHS hearing aids.

So i have scatica in one leg..and arthritus in the other.In the morning its quite painfull.Specially going up and down stairs My husband who is the same age runs about like a spring chicken..He plays tennis..badminton..goes running etc..I think exercise is the answer...

I’m 80 and like being old, I can eat what I want, do what I want and say what I want (within reason). Still mobile up to a point, still look fairly glamorous (that’s what I think!) and like to go out every day. Very good with technology so spend too much time on my phone etc., like old age, bring it on! 😊

I’m 78 but don’t feel as old as it sounds . However I was quite cross at Christmas when I sat on the floor to get something out of a low cupboard and my son tried to help me get up!! I’m still capable of getting up myself (thanks to Pilates)

Having just tried yesterday's Telegraph tests for signs of cognitive decline I'm feeling very, very old right now!

I’m 77 and feel 18 I do kickboxing and circuit training also look after my sick husband. I’m loving my life.

I am one of the lucky ones, as I am 74, but apart from not seeing, or I suspect, hearing as well as I used to, I am still fit and well.

Do my own housework, washing and in summer lawn mowing. Last year I re-decorated most of the house, but next time, I might just consider paying to have that done.

Cycle a round trip of 6 kms to do my shopping or go to church, and cycle or walk the same distance to tend my husband's grave, roughly once a fortnight.

Cleared about 10 meters of pavement (the part fronting my garden, which by law I am bond to clear) of snow three times yesterday(!) and went to my weekly folk dancing group, with no ill effects today.

So, as I said, I am well aware I am one of the lucky ones.

That said, I no longer spring clean the entire house in the course of a weekend, as I did until I was around 50, nor am I as confident on ladders now as I was then.

But I can still get down on my hands and knees to clean under furniture, fish dead mice that the cat seems to think should lie in state under the sofa out from there, and spend the appropriate portions of Mass on my knees, so I really cannot complain, can I?

I’m 66 and if it weren’t for hip arthritis, would feel relatively sprightly. The hip pain leaves me stiff and walking too far can become painful. Standing up after sitting for a while leaves me creaking like a ratchet to straighten up. THAT’S when I feel ancient.

I was 80 in December. Feels weird writing it down! I certainly don't feel it in my head, bt my body let's me know. Have had 2 hips and a knee replacement, breathing problems after covid and possible hysterectomy this year.
I remember looking at folk my age when I was younger, and thinking they were really old!

I did not feel any older than my 40s and still all fit and healthy; then I tripped over a faulty carpet (not mine) two years ago and since then my balance has gone haywire, I am on various pills, put on weight, and am tired all the time. And despite being "only" 72, I feel more like 87 (like my mother).

I'm 72 next month and feel around 40 or so. I'm told I look like late 50s early 60s. Still mobile and good health, and still working part time as a freelance journalist. Husband is 64 and still working full time. I'm learning Spanish and the guitar and piano. My friends who are the same age are having hip replacements and knee replacements and other health issues, so I do thank my lucky stars that I'm doing okay ... for now.

I’m 69 look and feel 59 ( so I’m told) I’m active and I’m lucky no real health issues.

Im 81 and have felt increasingly older as my mobility has declined. I am arthritic and have a serious liver disease. About every 3 months I seem to get a new pain or symptom to put up with. A few weeks ago I got a pain in my right knee and thought I had twisted a muscle. Its now spread to my thigh and I realise its not going to go away. I feel quite old because I now need a stick indoors and on those bl**y stairs.

I should add that mentally I feel about 55, the same age as my daughter!

I still feel like a daft teenager in my head most of the time, despite being 69 and having health problems.

Jane43- i would love to have somewhere like that to reside, but because i still have 2 AC living with me (Both with a disability however) they will not let me apply- ive told them about their various health problems and that they are not your usual twenty- somethings tearing around at high speeds(one son is a disabled driver) nor playing loud music at all, etc they still wont let us apply because my sons arent over 55!!- stupid idea.It's me who would be applying, not them.if they were old enough i'd be in my 90's by then.

Hearing all the problems of people far younger than I am, I realise how fortunate I have been, in spite of osteoporosis for at least 45 years and breaking both necks of femurs. I am now 85 and feeling every year of it physically, but fortunately not mentally. My partner is the opposite, mind going slowly but body fit as a fiddle. ( Why a fiddle?)

I'll be 81 soon, my hair is grey, my teeth could be better, I've put on weight around my bottom and tum after being slim all my life. I've had health problems in the past but feel quite fit at the moment. I feel that I'm in my eighties now, my body and face have aged noticeably in the last year. But 81 for goodness sake? DH is already 81 and there's been a definite decline for him after being quiet strong and capable up until a year or so ago. But we plod on and our children say that 'we are doing very well!!

Oh Angelafeet, are they back again? I went to their concert with daughter years ago when she was about 14- now shes 41 so maybe i should suggest we go again! 🤔😁

Well despite all my medical problems i still felt no older than '30's' in my head (if not in body!) but since my heart bypass op (which was meant to make me feel better) i've had really slow healing and am still in pain.so despite being 62 i feel 90!

I’m 73…sometimes my body feels older than it did…but what does Old feel like.
My mind tho is most definitely not going there. I do feel that you need to keep your mind as active and young as you can
Hence I’m ff to see Boyzone next summer 😂😂

henetha

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.

You’re very welcome 😃
It’s something that we will all have to face at some point.Living alone and not being able to cope as we used to and the financial aspect as well of course, actually being able to move somewhere that better suits us.
Am glad for you that you do live in a lovely place, that’s something.
DP’s Mum lived alone in Leytonstone and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.😬

henetha

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.

Just to say an assisted living flat purchase can be a white elephant to sell on should the need arise. Have you considered sheltered housing? Friends of ours were finding it a struggle to maintain their home and garden and they applied for a home on one of the sheltered living developments in our area, they sold their house to their grandson and are happily renting a home in a sheltered living complex, it is near shops, a medical centre and has a bus stop outside. A new complex has recently been built within walking distance of us, it is a few steps away from our GP practice, dentist and a Co-op supermarket. The complex has 82 one and two bed roomed apartments on four levels, pleasant gardens and a roof terrace. You have to be 55 plus and referred for a place by the local council, the rent is eligible for housing benefit if applicable. It is certainly something I was would consider if I was on my own.

HenethaBut I don't intend to give in. I shall carry on until I can't any longer

I was going to suggest the same as Oreo but the saw your reply re finances. Could you get help with certain things to ease the burden a bit for you so that you can put all your available energy in to enjoying the lively place you live in? If you can afford it then a set amount each month allocated to "help" in whatever form might keep you going longer before a residential home is needed? 💐

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