Is 58 really THAT old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Yes, I have to switch things up. I may eventually have to consider surgery. I know that. I think my point is that when I was younger I didn't have to make those kinds of adaptations. I just rolled out of bed and did whatever it was that I wanted to do...I miss being able to do that. And I miss the way my body used to respond and I miss the results that I used to get so easily. But, I can and will adapt and try new things. I'm making this sound worse than it really is! I'm really not trying to depress people.

[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....

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.

You don't understand - I was in shape at 35 (and I've been working out since high school)! In fact it was before I had a kid so I was still free to work out a lot. I understand that you feel differently but my point is that for me (and I dare say some of the other pps on this thread - though I shouldn't speak for them), we have always worked out. My point is that I'm not as fast as I was then but I actually do feel better than I did at that time. But I've been lucky to have fewer physical problems than you during my life span. Maybe that's the difference.

[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....

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.

I'm a 60-year-old empty nester. Being an empty nester makes a huge difference.

[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....

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.

You don't understand - I was in shape at 35 (and I've been working out since high school)! In fact it was before I had a kid so I was still free to work out a lot. I understand that you feel differently but my point is that for me (and I dare say some of the other pps on this thread - though I shouldn't speak for them), we have always worked out. My point is that I'm not as fast as I was then but I actually do feel better than I did at that time. But I've been lucky to have fewer physical problems than you during my life span. Maybe that's the difference.

I was in decent shape as a teen and beyond. So, yes, I've been active throughout my life - hiking/swimming/dancing/running/walking distances - it was fun and just what I did. I never even entered a gym until I had kids and had some weight to lose and some flab to firm up.

Trails, strength training became a part of my regular exercise. I felt great exercising like that. But I have some physical wear and tear on my body from it.

Physically, I haven't really had that much in the way of problems. But I'm feeling wear and tear now - in my feet. My knee - that's a new one. It is MUCH better today thank goodness. I'm going to watch it this week because I do not want this to get any worse. Surgery scares me.

My hormones are changing too and I'm perimenopausal. Wah, wah, wah. Sorry to sound like such a baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP again. Mt dad is a retired professor. His intellectual vitality and curiosity have not diminished with age. He keeps writing. His new book is coming out in two weeks.

I never understand why professors even bothering retiring.

They don't. That's why there are so many unemployed Phds (well, at least one of the reasons).

[Anonymous]

Op, both you and your wife should keep your thoughts to yourself.

[Anonymous]

Health just changes so quickly after 50.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe she is discretely trying to tell you that you are going senile. My father was CEO of his company and, in his day, very intelligent. Unfortunately, when dementia started, he had no idea. His brain is now completely gone, but that same "I'm great" attitude that made him a leader also has him convinced that he is just fine. Maybe that is you? Certainly, asking this kind of question on DCUM would hint towards senility.

Oh come on, .....

[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.

You would be wrong. Why the judgment because someone appears to be aging "better" than you. I have been active my entire life, but changed the type of my exercise and physically feel better than I did 20 years ago. In no way does that mean I was decrepit. I was and always have been fit, active and healthy. I know hike, backpack, kayak and mountain bike where in the past I ran and road biked. I think part of it is state of mind. Having had my kids later in life, I am still a parenting teens. They keep me young and we are active as a family. I am thinking about be old, run down and ready for the couch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Health just changes so quickly after 50.

Self-fullfilling prophecy. Health changes quickly if you have lived an unhealthy life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grow a pair. Surely with age comes at least a bit of wisdom? I'm 54 and am more active now that the kids are out of the house than I have been in years. We both run several times a week, exercise, ski in the winter, kayak, sail, etc. We travel frequently. Of course we also work hard and are doing very well. Not ready to be done quite yet and no reason you should be either.

New poster here:Interesting. DH is about to turn 53 and we have three tweens to raise. We are counting on living until we are at least into our 70s so we can enjoy active retirement after kids finish college.

OP, since the average life expectancy for women is 81.2 years and for men is 76.4 years, you have many years left to have fun. There are more centenarians every day and you and DW could become two of them. You may well have 40+ years of life ahead, so plan to live long and healthy lives. Tell DW that she needs see a doctor about the weight and blood pressure and to cut back on salt and calories to prevent a lifetime on medications with nasty side effects. She may also need treatment for depression, but it's too early for the rocking chair.

[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.

You would be wrong. Why the judgment because someone appears to be aging "better" than you. I have been active my entire life, but changed the type of my exercise and physically feel better than I did 20 years ago. In no way does that mean I was decrepit. I was and always have been fit, active and healthy. I know hike, backpack, kayak and mountain bike where in the past I ran and road biked. I think part of it is state of mind. Having had my kids later in life, I am still a parenting teens. They keep me young and we are active as a family. I am thinking about be old, run down and ready for the couch.

O.k. I believe you! Maybe with luck in another 20 years you'll be able to say the same thing at the age of 75 .

I also have kids still in the house (had mine at 34/36). But I am not going to say that I feel as young at 50 as I did at 35. I don't. I don't look as young as I did back then either. In fact, biologically speaking my cells are not replacing themselves in the same way that they did when I was younger (that is true with everyone - we age for a reason). I will say that I have definitely benefited from all of the exercise I did throughout my 40's. If I can get this stupid knee to cooperate again I will be able to get back out there again. I actually think that it will heal. Just a day ago I wasn't so sure of that. I think it's just a sprain...knock wood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Health just changes so quickly after 50.

Self-fullfilling prophecy. Health changes quickly if you have lived an unhealthy life.

That is really not true. I know too many good people who, through no fault of their own, simply didn't live very long. And some folks who were hit with devastating diseases that have ruined their health. I've seen folks die way before their time in accidents. It is sad.

I also know of people - like Keith Richards - who seem to do everything wrong but keep on truckin'. I know fat people who drink and eat fried food on a regular basis and are still alive and kicking and having fun.

Life is a gift - we should enjoy it to the best of our ability. Exercise and eating healthy does make me feel good. It does not make me 30 again. But that's o.k. - 50 can be pretty darned good too.

[Anonymous]

I am 55. I know NOT to run on sand for any length of time. I am able to go 5 miles easily and bike 50 easily. My knees work, but running on sand, or I would guess "trails" just is not a wise thing to do at my age.

I once was doing 4 miles on sand, for every day and by the end of the week, my knee was killing me. After a few months, and it did not go away, had MRI and it was torn meniscus. Doctor wanted to operate, claims he does it all the time. I waited for another few months, and after 6 months the pain went away, and after a year, I was running again.

But again, I will never run in sand again. Those days are past.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Health just changes so quickly after 50.

Self-fullfilling prophecy. Health changes quickly if you have lived an unhealthy life.

That is really not true. I know too many good people who, through no fault of their own, simply didn't live very long. And some folks who were hit with devastating diseases that have ruined their health. I've seen folks die way before their time in accidents. It is sad.

I also know of people - like Keith Richards - who seem to do everything wrong but keep on truckin'. I know fat people who drink and eat fried food on a regular basis and are still alive and kicking and having fun.

Life is a gift - we should enjoy it to the best of our ability. Exercise and eating healthy does make me feel good. It does not make me 30 again. But that's o.k. - 50 can be pretty darned good too.

There are always outliers for any situation--it is short sighted to count on being one of them. But absent an accident or another freak incident, lifestyle over a lifetime does indeed make a difference--diet, exercise, stress, etc. Chronic inflammation is a big issue due to our unhealthy lifestyle. Many cancers start 10-20 years before they are ever discovered. However, notwithstanding any of the above, if you tell yourself/believe that you are going to quickly go downhill simply because you are 50, it will indeed happen. The mind/body connection is huge.