Getting more stressed as I get older. Just me?

We're one step closer to death- So subconsciously we might be worried about no longer being around, worried from a place of concern that we won't be here to help out- Which is why it pays to have meaningful conversations and remember to have fun-

We don't have the physical capacity to do what we did "back then" but in other ways we do things with greater proficiency after decades of practce-

I think it is part of the ageing process but also dealing with the modern electronic equipment to do things we used to do face to face or with a telephone call is particularly stressful I find. As far as family goes where we were top of the tree we are now down the pecking order with no control, all adds to the stress. I know my physical strength is much less now not sure about proficiency!

I don’t really think about being one step closer to death! In fact although not in the best of health myself. I tend to take each day as it comes really, both my parents have passed away but at the time having one of the with Alzheimer’s and daily seizures etc I was much more stressed, I like to know how all my GC are I don’t worry about them as they seem to be fine, obviously if there was anything going on with them then I would as I would with my AC. I do think back to when I did certain things and I agree I think how did I manage that, I think most people look back with amazement, I’m quite a chilled out calm person so far anyway, I’m sure it could change though in a blink of an eye

I’m definitely more stressed as I get older - though there’s probably more to be stressed about. I also get a lot more anxious about things that previously I’d have shrugged my shoulders at, and have to work harder at keeping my nerves in check. Perhaps it’s because I’m more aware of what can go wrong and the major implications if things go tits up?

I am the same Hettymaud, I think you are right about too much time, in the past I was too busy to think about anything other than what I was doing.

I know worrying will not change a situation so I make an effort to stop thinking about it by doing an activity that needs concentration.

That's why I said subconsciously .. meaning not actively thinking about it .. Or dwelling ..

Agree about technology- Another reason why I canceled Amazon Prime- I've returned to shopping locally- More errands, more walking, more talking and detours to take in the beauty- Amazon made life too easy, then again too easily tempting to buy items I could do without-

tits up .. Its true .. although it's been a while since mine were ..

I have felt the weight of being the eldest living family member since my parents have died.

Whilst I am flattered that I am the one my family come to with their worries and problems (sibling and half siblings included) I stress about their “shared predicaments” more than any of my own issues.

I'm definitely stressed, right up to my eyeballs!

I make a decision about something, then change my mind, and later change it back again. I never used to be like this.

I feel less stressed these days. I don't worry about half the things I used to worry about. When I think about the sleepless nights I had...........
Certain things worry me, but they eventually burn themselves out.
I do get stressed if my mum goes into hospital for weeks on end and it feels like everyone wants a part of me and I'm trying to keep everything going. There's little I can do about that though.

I agree , where once the confidence of youth & bravado was enough to get by on....... age allows the glimmer of self doubt to creep in.
I think maybe we are a generation caught between ageing parents & young grandchildren & our own limitations are taking a hit.

rosecarmel - mine too! I veer between fascination and horror at the southerly direction my body is starting to take (whilst giving thanks that it’s still here)

When I was approaching retirement I said to a younger colleague “ I think when I retire, 75% of what I worry about will disappear” as work was quite stressful. She looked at me and replied “ You’ll find something else to worry about!”
That is true, it’s not work, but everyday niggles now. I try and make myself feel contented and glad for all my blessings, but then a worry pops up.....

HettyMaud you and me both. I get terribly anxious and panicky at he thought of going on holidays now. Even though I know I am fine when I get there. I do tend to go back to places I know. Far too fearful of going somewhere abroad I do not know. I have not been able to book a holiday this month due to fear. My husband is ok about it. Just come back from a few days away down south. It was touch and go as to whether I would go through with that! Really enjoyed it though. We have traveled all over in previous years but now I simply find it too hard now. I worry about anything and everything. Ridiculous but don't know how to stop it. I enjoy really good health so no reason to be like this.

I have vowed that I will never try to be like my mum, who worries about EVERYTHING. It's very difficult at times to listen all of her trouble and woes when half of them aren't worth her worry. Especially when she thinks I have to be like her and worry about them too. It gets me down sometimes.

You’re definitely not alone. I’ve never been really chilled out, but am worse now. The evening meal thing I so identify with. I really can’t be bothered, I’d be happy with cheese on toast!

No just the opposite really. I have realised that I am a small cog in the machine of life and I can't change a great deal now. I try to help where I can but enjoy my quiet life in the country with husband and pets, let the world go by. Is that selfish ?

Not at all sodapop. It's a good way to be in my opinion.

Oh yes, I can identify with this! I have always been a bit of a worrier and a stress-head, but am so much worse now. When I look back, I can't believe the things I did - brought up 2 children mostly on my own, as himself worked away every week for donkeys years; we also had a dog and I worked (20 hours per week, then upped it to 30 hours). Now, I am stressed looking after 1 year old DGS and I only have him 1 day a week and I am retired!

When my children were in bed, I used to sew nearly every night (loved it) and now marvel at the complicated and intricate garments and soft furnishings I used to make. Wouldn't dream of attempting them now; I don't even make my own curtains anymore, and for a dressmaker they are the easiest things to make! Also, used to love having friends round for a meal, but now worry so much about what to cook, I suggest we eat out instead.

Definitely need to give my head a wobble!

I've always been a worrier but def got worse as I've got older and OH is just as bad. I've never enjoyed cooking and recently friends have said they are visiting in Feb. Told OH it's either a takeaway or we are going out as the thought of making a dinner for them terrifies me.

I am so stressed, it is making me ill. Mostly pointless worrying about 95 year old mother. At my wits end.

I am with sodapop, I have never been a worrier and I still am not.

I am old enough to look back on 70+ years of life, packed with potential worldwide, national and personal disasters, which either never materialise or which one gets through and continues on.

As for cooking or the like. I am no chef but I can always manage to put a big bowl of tasty stuff on the table that people are happy to eat.

I think being retired, with more time on their hands, many older people start sweating the trivia of life, in the lack of work and wider worries.

I’m not stressed but I do get anxious more than in the past, over some things I used to do without thinking about it. One example is driving somewhere I don’t know the way to. In my 20’s and 30’s it never occurred to me to be worried but it does now. I like driving but am happier going familiar routes

I agree , where once the confidence of youth & bravado was enough to get by on....... age allows the glimmer of self doubt to creep in I am exactly the same but wish I wasn't. I doubt myself more or less about everything I do these days, it's just a terrible feeling. As far driving places when I was younger didn't give it a thought just got in the car with DD and drove to wherever now it's town driving only and not at night either. Hate motorway driving even when DH is driving, just always have the fear there is something going to happen. Cooking, I just get on with but don't have same socialising of friends which includes cooking dinner just have wine and nibbles now. Oh dear what happens to us