For those of you still working, and if you don't have care giving obligations at home - why not think of every long weekend as trying out retirement. What kind of life do you want? What's keeping you from it? There aren't many places in the US, that you can't fly to - in on Friday, back on Monday.

Reconnect w/old friends. Family you haven't seen. Meet up for an adventure. Stay in a resort/hotel so you aren't imposing.

Just spitballing here

This advice is all sound...but I think when you are down, it is hard to find energy to start/do new things.

I think the medical aspects of aging are scary. I am in my mid-60's and many of my peers have had serious health crises in the past year. It feels like the screening tests at this age are a constant effort to find something wrong with you.

BUT, I know that I am very fortunate...and I (not OP) do have to figure out a way to channel my energy, health and finances to find joy and satisfaction. (In my fantasies, that will all kick in after I retire from my non-fulfilling government job...but I could be kidding myself!)

Anonymous wrote:OP, at 60, I dress better. I'm at a better weight. I've strengthened friendships. I have more time. I've done more traveling. I have fewer obligations. I feel more financially secure - maybe because I know I, myself, am very adaptable and I'm not as responsible for others. I don't know that I feel different, physically, than 50. I feel little guilt. I've embraced the point of view, that in most instances, I'm entitled to a have preference. And no one else needs convincing. I'm working on trusting my gut re: decisions big and small, since instead, I have always been very pragmatic.

NP, thank you for this. I am 59, with a 70 yo husband. I often get sad thinking about the uncertainty of whether we will have a long retirement together, and I still find myself striving in my career. I wish I could just stop all that and appreciate now more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to believe older people are truly all the happy and that they wouldn’t trade places with a 35 year old.

Sure there is wisdom and the alternative is worse. But no one likes to be old.

I'd go back to 35 physically, but for nothing else. But it's irrelevant. There is nothing we can do about aging other than trying to stay mental, physically, and emotionally as fit as possible. And it makes a world of difference. We are old enough now that you can see the huge difference between those who have been sedentary and unwilling to push themselves out of their comfort zones vs. those who are active and trying new things.

+1. I do not envy 35 year olds with young children, a mortgage and 15-20 more years of work.

This!

Take a class on Zoom or whatever re: tech. Learn something new. Take up a new hobby. It's only over if you believe that and then act like it.

Anonymous wrote:It's only downhill if you let it be. I am 60 and I'm stronger than I've ever been in my life. I lift heavy weights. I work out. I take long walks. I exercise my brain. Don't get old before your time - it's at least in part within your control.

Thanks for the encouragement. I turn 50 this month.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to believe older people are truly all the happy and that they wouldn’t trade places with a 35 year old.

Sure there is wisdom and the alternative is worse. But no one likes to be old.

I'd go back to 35 physically, but for nothing else. But it's irrelevant. There is nothing we can do about aging other than trying to stay mental, physically, and emotionally as fit as possible. And it makes a world of difference. We are old enough now that you can see the huge difference between those who have been sedentary and unwilling to push themselves out of their comfort zones vs. those who are active and trying new things.

+1. I do not envy 35 year olds with young children, a mortgage and 15-20 more years of work.

Anonymous wrote:Happy Birthday, op.

I have days of melancholy too. The older I get the more I realize how ‘privileged’ I am to be here for as many years as I have. I really try to focus on the gifts that each day brings and sometimes it’s as simple as taking time to listen to the birds sing.

I don’t do it but I’d really like to try meditation to really try to be in the moment more. Instead of me running from place to place either physically or in my mind, actually stop and be where you are.

NP. I like this. I strive for this every day. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to believe older people are truly all the happy and that they wouldn’t trade places with a 35 year old.

Sure there is wisdom and the alternative is worse. But no one likes to be old.

I'd go back to 35 physically, but for nothing else. But it's irrelevant. There is nothing we can do about aging other than trying to stay mental, physically, and emotionally as fit as possible. And it makes a world of difference. We are old enough now that you can see the huge difference between those who have been sedentary and unwilling to push themselves out of their comfort zones vs. those who are active and trying new things.

OP, at 60, I dress better. I'm at a better weight. I've strengthened friendships. I have more time. I've done more traveling. I have fewer obligations. I feel more financially secure - maybe because I know I, myself, am very adaptable and I'm not as responsible for others. I don't know that I feel different, physically, than 50. I feel little guilt. I've embraced the point of view, that in most instances, I'm entitled to a have preference. And no one else needs convincing. I'm working on trusting my gut re: decisions big and small, since instead, I have always been very pragmatic.

💫 Happy Birthday 🎉 to you today OP‼️🥳🤩

Considering many people get struck down w/cancer or other ailments > consider yourself hugely blessed that you had the glorious opportunity to wake up this morning.

Because not everyone does.

Happy Birthday, OP. I understand what you mean. I am 48, and it does feel depressing to think we are no longer young anymore. I don't want to be 35 though. I'd be happy just being in my early 40s.

BUT, my mom passed away from a long drawn out illness when she was 58, so it's always been a goal of mine to celebrate my 59th birthday in a huge way.

Try to count your blessings and enjoy this last year before you turn 60. Sorry I don't have any better advice for you, but I wish you a very long and healthy life.

Blessings on your birthday!

It's only downhill if you let it be. I am 60 and I'm stronger than I've ever been in my life. I lift heavy weights. I work out. I take long walks. I exercise my brain. Don't get old before your time - it's at least in part within your control.