Is 58 really THAT old?

[Anonymous]

I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

O.k. Then maybe it is fair to say that you were a bit on the decrepit side when you were younger but have since gotten yourself into good shape for a 55 year old.

As for me, I remember what it took to get into shape at 35 after my first was born. If I compare what I have to do now to get into similar shape....ugh. I just don't think that'll be happening.

It doesn't mean that I'm falling apart at 50 or that I'm "old". But my peri menopausal body is not the same body that it was at 35. And it sure as heck ain't the same lithe, flexible body I had 20.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

I'm 50. I'm certainly in worse shape now than I was at 20 or 30, but I am in better shape now than I was at 40. Work out much more, have a trainer so I maximize my work out time, have goals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

O.k. Then maybe it is fair to say that you were a bit on the decrepit side when you were younger but have since gotten yourself into good shape for a 55 year old.

As for me, I remember what it took to get into shape at 35 after my first was born. If I compare what I have to do now to get into similar shape....ugh. I just don't think that'll be happening.

It doesn't mean that I'm falling apart at 50 or that I'm "old". But my peri menopausal body is not the same body that it was at 35. And it sure as heck ain't the same lithe, flexible body I had 20.

What have you done consistently to stay fit since you were 35?

[Anonymous]

Depends on how you feel and how active you are. My parents are barely 60. Both still work and love it, work out multiple times a week. Do overnight trips to NYC and travel internationally. Definitely not slowing down. Of course there are some health issues with a knee or a shoulder so they have to take it a little easier but they modify activities instead of option completely out.
In laws are 70 and also work out and both work and are actively community involved. Do their own yard work and go to theater etc. it's all in your attitude and of course how you deal with health issues.
Both sets actively look after their diets but don't deny themselves things, just moderate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think people sometimes talk themselves into accepting poor health by assuming that it's all a result of "getting old." That's certainly what I assumed happen to elderly people when I was young. But I've been working out for most of my life and I feel fantastic at the age of 60. I'm not trying to stay young; I just feel really really good. I'm so glad I continued to work out through all those years of kids, career, and other pressures, because I think that is what made the difference.

It's your life, OP. And as I get older and face the fact that I have fewer years left to live, I am more concerned than ever about choosing my path wisely. Go for it.

As a 39 year old who exercises daily (and has for decades), this is so great to hear. I prioritize exercise even with two small kids, another on the way, a full time job, etc., and am hoping it will pay off just as it has for you. Keep it up!

I am not 58 yet. But, a few years away. At 39, I was in great shape. I was running marathons; I could play basketball for an hour straight; was biking 100 miles at a stretch. I also knew I had bad genes.

Now, in my mid 50's, I have had cancer -- three years ago, I was given a 20% chance of making it to today; I have 4 stents and a pacemaker. I do not feel well most days...

But, psychologically, I am actually healthier than I have ever been. I spent most of my life waiting for the heart attack -- it is my family history. The cancer came as a surprise...
Now, it has come and gone. Each day is a day that I should not have.

Pp, you are an inspiration to us all! 60-year-old pp here - I've been rowing with a club for about five years and really feeling great but I try to remember that at any time things could "go south," whether through cancer like you've got or getting hit by a car. It's important to be psychologically grounded regardless of what you're able to do. And I want to enjoy each good day because you never know when it's going to end. If I'm lucky, I'll stay healthy up till I keel over and die but no one gets to choose the future like that. If I get cancer, I want to know that I have lived a good life and enjoyed it as much as possible and to treat each day as a gift. Thanks for sharing your insight with us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, sooner or later you will start having health problems. It's called being human LOL

Sigh. I keep hearing about these active octogenarians and wondering: Oh, when will death come? I'm 41 LOL

Huh? You're waiting for people in their 80s to die? Why?

Are you depressed, at 41? You're going to have a long, sad life if this is how you see it.

No, I am not waiting for other people to die. When will my death come, I should say

Yes, I am depressed at 41. Yes, I have a sad life. I doubt it will be too long, but hopefully long enough to make sure DC is grown, educated, and more or less settled in life.

Hang in there, pp. I hope things get better for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

O.k. Then maybe it is fair to say that you were a bit on the decrepit side when you were younger but have since gotten yourself into good shape for a 55 year old.

As for me, I remember what it took to get into shape at 35 after my first was born. If I compare what I have to do now to get into similar shape....ugh. I just don't think that'll be happening.

It doesn't mean that I'm falling apart at 50 or that I'm "old". But my peri menopausal body is not the same body that it was at 35. And it sure as heck ain't the same lithe, flexible body I had 20.

What have you done consistently to stay fit since you were 35?

I did trails regularly until some overuse injuries cropped up. I also did strength training at the gym. I can't push my body like I used to unfortunately. I still get out and walk...but when I feel a body part hurting I stop. When I was 35 exercise and diet were both more effective than they are now. It takes a lot more effort to get results these days.

If you START exercising when you're 50 maybe you have an easier time because you don't have old injuries to contend with. Do it long enough and eventually you'll know what I am speaking of.

Don't get me wrong - I still get out and do things. My health is not bad or anything. I am just not 35, 25 or 20 anymore...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

Did someone say that on this thread? My body is in better shape than it was when I was 40 but I'd never make that statement about my 20-year-old self. But I feel fantastic! I didn't feel fantastic in my 30s or 40s. I'm sure my 30-year-old self could have whooped my ass in a triathlon today but I don't care - what matters is how I feel. I feel a lot better. So maybe it's not just physical fitness, but maturity - feeling free from all those worries about fitting in that I had when I was younger and not feeling overwhelmed with work, child-rearing, and debt.

[Anonymous]

I'm unclear based on your original post. Is your wife telling you to slow down? Or is she encouraging you to visit your kids and do more NOW?

Could it be that she wants you to enjoy life more now as a couple - do more things together, travel more, visit your kids more - and you are still focusing on your career ambitions and other dreams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

O.k. Then maybe it is fair to say that you were a bit on the decrepit side when you were younger but have since gotten yourself into good shape for a 55 year old.

As for me, I remember what it took to get into shape at 35 after my first was born. If I compare what I have to do now to get into similar shape....ugh. I just don't think that'll be happening.

It doesn't mean that I'm falling apart at 50 or that I'm "old". But my peri menopausal body is not the same body that it was at 35. And it sure as heck ain't the same lithe, flexible body I had 20.

What have you done consistently to stay fit since you were 35?

I did trails regularly until some overuse injuries cropped up. I also did strength training at the gym. I can't push my body like I used to unfortunately. I still get out and walk...but when I feel a body part hurting I stop. When I was 35 exercise and diet were both more effective than they are now. It takes a lot more effort to get results these days.

If you START exercising when you're 50 maybe you have an easier time because you don't have old injuries to contend with. Do it long enough and eventually you'll know what I am speaking of.

Don't get me wrong - I still get out and do things. My health is not bad or anything. I am just not 35, 25 or 20 anymore...

I think maybe you're not feeling the same things that some of us are feeling because you're not at the same level of conditioning - which is okay, it's just not my experience. I've been a jock my whole life and have been through two knee surgeries. Forty years ago, an ACL tear forced me to give up a lot of sports but I hung in there and kept working out and eventually found out at the age of 49 that technology had advanced to the point where they could effectively repair my ACL. But I still stay away from those other sports (the twisty turny kind) and I've stopped taking boot camp style classes because my knee can't take the pounding anymore. But there are still wonderful things to do out there and I feel great.

Pp, it might be that this just wouldn't work for you, I understand that. But you might want to check out rowing, which is a fabulous sport for our aging bodies. You get a full body work out but none of the pounding from running or twisting from basketball and soccer. If you hung in there, you might get the payoff some of us are getting. Or not - it's up to you - just a suggestion. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

Did someone say that on this thread? My body is in better shape than it was when I was 40 but I'd never make that statement about my 20-year-old self. But I feel fantastic! I didn't feel fantastic in my 30s or 40s. I'm sure my 30-year-old self could have whooped my ass in a triathlon today but I don't care - what matters is how I feel. I feel a lot better. So maybe it's not just physical fitness, but maturity - feeling free from all those worries about fitting in that I had when I was younger and not feeling overwhelmed with work, child-rearing, and debt.

Good for you! I really do think that is great. But if you had trained at 35 and gotten yourself into shape and feeling fantastic you would realize that physically at 50 you do, in fact, feel different.

Again - I am not saying that 50 is old. 50 is not old! And as you have found, there are some clear advantages to being older and wiser and less concerned about what others think and less burdened by heavy duty childcare, expenses, debt.

I'm really not trying to be at all controversial. Just practical - yeah, I'm not a kid anymore. Doesn't mean I'm ready for "the home" either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

Did someone say that on this thread? My body is in better shape than it was when I was 40 but I'd never make that statement about my 20-year-old self. But I feel fantastic! I didn't feel fantastic in my 30s or 40s. I'm sure my 30-year-old self could have whooped my ass in a triathlon today but I don't care - what matters is how I feel. I feel a lot better. So maybe it's not just physical fitness, but maturity - feeling free from all those worries about fitting in that I had when I was younger and not feeling overwhelmed with work, child-rearing, and debt.

How old are you? My kids are still teenagers and still at home, and I'm still working full time. I've got 5 more years until I'm an empty nester. I do agree about fitting in. I know who I am, and what I am not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm 50. I spent the past weekend babying my knee because I did something to it to make it stiff and sore. That NEVER used to happen to me. And thankfully it rarely happens now.

But, yeah, my body is aging. I do not think I'm elderly but I am not in my youth anymore.

People who insist that they feel the same at 50 as they did at 20 either have extremely poor memories or they are kidding themselves. Or they were pretty darned stiff and decrepit at 20....

You are wrong. We are people who are active--all of the time, not just weekend warriors. I am in much better shape at 55 than I was 20 years ago.

O.k. Then maybe it is fair to say that you were a bit on the decrepit side when you were younger but have since gotten yourself into good shape for a 55 year old.

As for me, I remember what it took to get into shape at 35 after my first was born. If I compare what I have to do now to get into similar shape....ugh. I just don't think that'll be happening.

It doesn't mean that I'm falling apart at 50 or that I'm "old". But my peri menopausal body is not the same body that it was at 35. And it sure as heck ain't the same lithe, flexible body I had 20.

What have you done consistently to stay fit since you were 35?

I did trails regularly until some overuse injuries cropped up. I also did strength training at the gym. I can't push my body like I used to unfortunately. I still get out and walk...but when I feel a body part hurting I stop. When I was 35 exercise and diet were both more effective than they are now. It takes a lot more effort to get results these days.

If you START exercising when you're 50 maybe you have an easier time because you don't have old injuries to contend with. Do it long enough and eventually you'll know what I am speaking of.

Don't get me wrong - I still get out and do things. My health is not bad or anything. I am just not 35, 25 or 20 anymore...

No, I started exercising at 19 but I was never a varsity athlete or anything competitive. I do not have old injuries to bother me, that is true.