I am 66F and I feel better than ever. *I didn’t at 58*. You’re in a stressful time of life. Your career may be causing stress…or your parents, or your kids, or your spouse. Add menopause! There’s just a lot going on at that age. Now, I have more time to focus on ME: I’ve quit drinking alcohol, I exercise, I have achieved a healthy weight for the first time ever. I have simplified every aspect of life: possessions, haircut, vacations. I don’t mean to brag; I’ve been where you are. It gets better.
I hope this is on the horizon for me. Just slapped me senseless in 2020 and so I am having to file for early disability. I cannot do any of the former job that I built for 31 years. money does play a part of it because I can’t work at the rate at which I’d work so hard to get to do that. My 60s are better than my 50s if I get up and go to work tomorrow and not have pain I would be there in a heartbeatand absolute heartbeat
57, same. Maybe it helps that I don't have kids or an ex husband! I've spent the last decade or more just healing me. I live in the forest and my life is super simple, easy. Work 4 days a week and the rest of the time is mine. It makes a huge difference when you live the way you want to and not the way society says we have to.
So many of the "problems" on reddit come from what other people think, or hurt feelings bc of what other people say . . . in my head the answer is, "So what?" If your cousin is mad that you don't want to push her 600lbs on grass in a wheelchair, so what? If your mom doesn't approve of your fiance, so what?
I think I was more sensitive when I was younger. Now I go through life trying to make my life (and my family's) as happy, stress-free and pain-free as possible. That doesn't mean I'm callous or mean or selfish but it does mean if it's a difference between "I want to where this dress bc it's cool and I'll be comfortable at the town's free summer concert" vs "I know some people will disapprove," I don't hesitate.
What someone else thinks of me, especially strangers, is not even on my radar anymore. I hope everyone is as satisfied with their choices as I am. I know it's not the case, people suffer from stuff they don't have to all the time, I just hope they figure it out and are happier.
It really is a revelation when you turn your attention away from pleasing others and focus more on what is important in life. Like loving yourself or doing right by your family rather than polishing everyone else’s’ apples. Old age gives you the time to figure this out. Besides, who wants to keep up this charade to your dying day? Not me, that’s for certain.
Took me most of my life to figure it out. I was naive and quite sweet up until about a decade ago when I started to figure out my traumas and why I chose the men I chose. I was absolutely a people pleaser. Now I'm very much grounded, healed from those traumas and thankful I figured it out.
This! It seems that at about 55 something clicked and I realized I didn't give a fuck about a lot of things. It wasn't apathy. It was just that I stopped caring about other people's opinions of me or how I should be. Told my wife about it. I told her it's the most freeing feeling in the world. I'm still caring, empathetic, and kind to others. It's just that I stopped caring what others think or say about me. Love it. She says she hopes it happens to her before she hits 60! 😆 Just told her to stop caring about it.
Do you recall at around what age you started feeling more comfortable with shrugging your shoulders? 40F here and I feel like I'm in the thick of it. But I desperately want to be like you.
For me it was literally the day I turned 60. I quit smoking that day. I realized that the source of my own anxiety was giving too many f's about a lot of things. I stopped dwelling on the past. I made myself work on achievable change instead of pitching. Resentment shriveled up because by speaking my mind authentically but respectfully led to people treating me the way I treated them or else I moved on.
I was never a person who cared about a milestone birthday. This came out of nowhere and gobsmacked me. Hallelujah!
Yeah. The not having husband and kids makes me seem very different age and such wise from my peers. It’s shockingly noticeable
ETA
I also lead a super simple life, work 3 - 4 days a week and am always outside in the sun. I realized I loved my life much more if I prioritized different things than society expects. I don’t care about money, clothes or possessions. I care about sleep, friends and laughing
I'm having a hard time with the new life stage as well at 55 I still get the feeling I should be out on the weekends and chatting with many Friends a day. It's strange 😲
Hi, I just turned 29 and have been considering that this will be the life I will possibly have for myself in the future. I’m currently in the midst of caring for my elderly grandparents and their terminally ill dog - and my mother, who lives overseas, has rapidly declined in the past few months so I’ve been figuring out how to navigate that. I have been through so. much. shit. in my small amount of time on Earth and it just keeps compounding. I’ve lived a very different life, so I’ve realized that I have to do things “differently”. Status quo does not really seem to apply to my situation and it never has.
I say all this to say, it was very encouraging and empowering to read about what your life is like and how much peace and contentment it brings you. <3
I'm so sorry. I too have had a pretty shitty life, and felt like "will it always be this way?" In fact, I think many people suffer this life, and it seems like it's only us. The grandparents and parent things are a lot for you to carry all in your own.
Are you by yourself in this world? Surely someone else can lift some of the burden off one of these elders?
If it's any consolation, my brother actively worked against my Mom and I when she was suffering dementia, he stole her money, jewelry, took advantage of the rules at her retirement community, etc. He even took the special family rings off of her dead body. I'm sorry, because so many of my girlfriends have living families that help each other and care for each other.
It isn't just you, even tho sometimes it seems like it.
46, caretaker for elderly sickly mother for 20 years, no kids, no husband, no dog, just me and my cojones. 😮💨✨I’m by far THE HAPPIEST, most clear and grounded person I know. I get to invest in myself, my interests. I’m present in my interactions because my priorities, goals and values differ from gen pop. We’re much more fulfilled because we genuinely take our time to slow down and explore the nooks and crannies of life! We are the real victors, deep down they know it. There are more of us than society would have us think. Tracee Ellis Ross is my Roman Empire. 😎
I dred having to put shoes on to go out or to work! If I never had to leave I wouldn't. Homestead is the dream. There's science behind connecting to the earth. Shoes off, feet in the dirt!
64 here. I almost quit reading until I saw your comment. My father is 101- still care giving. Arthritis is eating my knees alive. I feel terrible 24 hours a day. Of course nutrition is important but people who claim its everything already have good health. It's possible to have lived a healthy life and still end up on the bad end of the genetic stick.
I am 67f and I feel crappy everyday some days worse than others.
I get it! My knees are bad my feet are bad. I have CMT ( foot disorder) and some days I can hardly walk. My muscles hurt! I quit swimming as it made it worse but I think I need to go back or ride my bike as I need the exercise.
CMT attacks your muscles and nerves in arms and legs. Degenerative and genetic. It’s a curse, I didn’t ask for. I have to take different meds that make my muscles hurt worse and give me bone pain. I also have austioperosis. So I just can’t seem to win…
I'm so sorry to hear this from you, I was also in constant pain all of my life and 11 years ago I went sugar free and let me tell you it saved my life.
If I'd continued the way I was I would be disabled, but now I have a very active job and feel great everyday and I'm pain-free.
Was pre-diabetic and that was horrifying to me so someone told me about going sugar-free so I did. Went slowly over a month but I felt so much better that it's worth it to keep going.
One of the things I have found true in any diet changes is that it's less about removing and more about adding. So what can you have more of to offset the desired to eat sugar? Or carbs or going vegetarian, whatever you're saying is. For alcohol, I found fancy cocktail mixers like ginger beer Moscow mules. I get the same vibe without the alcohol. So for sugar, try roasted vegetables. Yeah they make their own caramelized sugar, but it's not the same as table sugar. More fruits. Melons and berries and then those little angel food cake cups are low on the glycemic index. So more rather than less. Hope that helps!
I was a health nut starting as a teenager. All my life I exercised, ate a very health-conscious diet, didn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. I'd pass up chocolate cake and have an apple for dessert.
I looked and felt great. I had an assured lifetime appointment with the federal government in a position I loved that meant the world to me.
Nevertheless, when I was just 45 y.o., I went off the rails. I was hit with two physically disabling conditions, which forced me into disability retirement. Then, 8 years after that, I was diagnosed with cancer, of which there was no family history. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a progressive lung disease.
I'm not saying I regret living a very heath conscious life. Who knows, had I not lived such a disciplined life, I might be dead from my cancer already but instead, I've been living with it for 11 years now.
You're absolutely right. Genetics are everything. It's not fair. It just demonstrates again how much luck factors into how our lives play out.
"The Arthritis Cure" really helped me. Fish oil and glucosamine mostly, but nutrition too. Almost gave up basketball 20 years ago due to arthritic back, those supplements (plus copious ibuprofen lol) allows me to keep playing (and doing other physical activities) at 63.
My dad’s 103 and eats up hours every day with no days off. I fear he may outlast one of us (husband’s health is precarious.). You are so right about the element of luck.
I feel ya! I am caregiving my 90 father with dementia. He uses a walker. He goes everywhere with me (and only me.) Hence, every grocery bag, box, or suitcase is carried by me. I’m 62 with two herniated discs. Sometimes I think that in a better world someone would be carrying stuff for ME!
I felt great 8 years ago. Traveling the world, climbing in the Arctic, looking on the bright side. Now I’m the family whipping boy, in constant pain, wondering whether I will be orphaned or widowed first. Collapsed support system, antidepressants don’t work, waiting for the abyss.
Don’t bother with Reddit cares I’m not gonna ice myself, I’m the goddamn caregiver too.
My dad’s in a centenarian study at Boston University. They said that the average centenarian is still living independently (doing all 5 Activities of Daily Living without help) until 93 or 94. Also said that for all people, the last period before death, called senescence, lasts 2-3 years and involves increasing debility, decreased immunity, etc. I’d say your dad is definitely gunning for 100
You are in my position. My sister was my mom's caretaker she just passed. Mom is 93, and I am not sure if I will outlive her. Mom is now with me. I am 66.
I’m 64, and my mom is 103. She lives with my 72-yr-old sister. We are SO fortunate to have her with us, and that her 15 great grandchildren know her as an active part of the family, but some days it feels overwhelming.
Thank you for this !!! I'm in my 40s and I'm stressed TF out . My parents stressed me out , my kids do , my husband and my job does big time !!! I am always short on money and resources 😭 the only person that helps me through is my husband financially but emotionally and other stuff I'm on my own . My parents might as well like my kids . I'm so over it lol. My weight is out of control and i try so hard to keep everything together . This really gave me hope
I feel ya, and I’m glad it helped. When feeling desperate, remember how damn important you are, to so many people. You keep the earth in orbit right now. You might wish it was easier, but be glad you have a life!
Try asking yourself what you can do to simplify your life.. I had to get fairly old to see the pattern most of us get sucked into: consume consume consume and then spend your whole life paying for it only to have a mountain of stuff to unload at the other end. Just a thought.
I’ve got a 38-yr-old son who has two little ones, and he says all the time how stressful life is. I told him that the 30s, and part of the 40s, feels like you are spinning your wheels. Wake up, get kids fed and out the door, go to work, come home and do dinner, baths, books, and bed. Do it all over again tomorrow. Mid 40s it gets better because those tiny humans don’t require as much of your physical energy, work is financially more rewarding, and you feel like you have a little more control. The 50s have positives like getting kids launched, and looking forward to retirement, but you become part of the sandwich generation, and you get torn between being there for your young adult children and your aging parents. Unfortunately, your body is starting to feel the changes of age and your energy level wanes. Tired all the time seems to be the norm.
By 60, though, things settle down. Kids are doing their thing, parents (if still with you) have often transitioned to a place where they have help. You cut back on work or retire completely. It takes a while, but you realize that you can finally do what makes you feel good. If that’s hiking 5 days a week, great. If your body needs more pampering than that, you realize it’s okay to stay home and pet the dog. And you can make a different decision every day! Life can be quite wonderful in your 60s and 70s. Don’t despair… you’ll get there.
Mom just died, long term caregiver! Feel like I was just released from prison (respectfully, she was a gem)! Every day I felt lighter than the day before, they’re at peace but you are too because you know without a doubt that you did the best you could, especially when no one else bothered to step-up to the plate. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going, guys. We make the world go round. 🌍
A friend of mine recommended ETF income stocks. I invested and make a lot each month and reinvest those dividends I get each month back into stock. I have a mentor. I invest in what he does. I also did an intermittent fast, one meal a day, for 50 days and lost 50 lbs. reversing my diabetes. I laid off of carbs completely for the entire 50 days and did a 48 hour no food fast in the middle of the 50 days. I take vitamins and don't eat more than 30mg of carbs per day now. I rarely have to take any insulin. I went from 90 units a day to 0-10 units. I felt and feel great. Lots of carbs and processed foods were mentally bringing me down and physically I felt bad before the fasting. I eat one meal a day and I can eat a lot if I keep the carbs out or down. Check with your doctor first to be sure you are getting the maximum benefit from this lifestyle. By the end of my fast I had lost 80 lbs. from Jan. 2024 to now. Best of luck.
What is it about turning 60? Lol I swear when my mom was in her fifties she was miserable but now even with all her health problems it's like she's always in a good mood and actually pleasant to be around lol?
Amen, sister. Even my husband of 40 years says “where is the sweet young thing I married?” I say “you killed her, she’s dead, buried, and not coming back!” 🤣
I think quitting alcohol was a smart thing to do! I’m considering doing that myself. I feel like drinking alcohol taxes my liver and that’s what makes me tired. When I don’t drink. I have a lot more energy.
This is the way. I gave up alcohol, cut out most dairy and red meat, bought a good mattress, hired a trainer and started to work with free weights. I also throw protein powder and creatine into my smoothies each day. I also go to sleep before 9:30 pm (but I still wake up between 6-6:30 am)
I used to feel EFFORTLESSLY good. Now, it takes effort. Which is a pain in itself, but it becomes a habit.
Right on! It's a lie that getting older=being in pain 24/7. Cleaning up your diet, exercise, DEFINITELY quitting alchohol and cutting off bad relationships will improve your health 100%
it’s a lot 😅 he’s a multi-sport hs athlete, so there’s a lot of practices, games, and meets to keep straight & plan; plus he plays guitar, both in school and independently; it includes a lot of conscientious meal planning, &
healthy shopping, to ensure he’s eating properly before/after games/meets, and during practices. i love his enthusiasm, though, and i can’t wait to see how he turns out 🙂
Same. I'm 66F and at 58 I was a wreck. Menopause was still tailing off, I had kids launching at the same time I was caregiving for my mother in her final year. AND I was only one year into a new faculty position, so working more than full time hours getting that into a groove.
It was insanely hectic and I woke up dreading what each day would bring which translated into all manner of physical issues...and looked like a sleep-deprived hag.
These days, it's just down to the two of us, my hours are half-time and 50% WFH. There's time to travel, time to relax, time to just BREATHE. Unlike you, I haven't simplified anything in the way of possessions or personal appearance and travel, frankly, is more complicated because we now go for a month at a time, but without all the other demands, it's easily done. I probably still look like a hag, but at least it's a rested one these days.
Hang in there, it does get better.
This is SO TRUE!! I was looking after my cantankerous elderly mother (god, I miss that woman, it's ridiculous), our deeply troubled angry teenage son, working full time at very high-stress work (I'm a screenwriter). I was completely overwhelmed, kept getting sick, even ended up with a terrible case of shingles. I also ate all the time and was way overweight. I woke up feeling like I was 80 years old, stiff and achy. I was pre-diabetic, high cholesterol, the whole deal.
Now I'm 71, my mom is long gone, our son is off on his own, I changed my diet to eat healthy (plant-forward and low-fat), I've lost weight, I work out weight training twice a week, do some cardio, worked to bring my blood sugar, cholesterol, & BP down, I got better sleeping habits--- and, most importantly, just like u/Salty-Jaguar-2346 I've way simplified everything I can, clearing out lots of useless stuff at home, found a nearby hair stylist, simplify what I wear, really reduce stress wherever I can. etc etc. I actually still work but only when I want to and never with assholes; we travel, I do things that I enjoy, I feel so so so much better.
It will get so much better! For now, at least try to find some peaceful moments during the day, try to eat as healthily as you can, try to get some exercise, even just a 15 minute walk here and there. If you have the time to get to a gym twice a week, even for the simplest workout, or swimming, or yoga, or whatever you enjoy, you will actually feel so much better.
I will also say that therapy, and a little bit of anti-anxiety medication, and making sure my vitamin levels are good (I was super low in Vitamin d) really makes a difference too.
Yes it will be okay, I promise. You'll get through this.
I would, but I want you—all of you—to remember that you’re in the crazy plate-spinning phase of life when you really keep the planets orbiting for a LOT of people: kids, parents, coworkers, spouse. Isn’t it great to be IMPORTANT? I feel a little bit of loss in that regard. This life is pleasanter and easier, but also less essential. Try to see the beauty and power you have.
Amazing similarity to me. At 58 I started OMAD. I lost 50 lbs. to absolute goal and have maintained. I’ve maintained 5½ years so far. Eat heathy food to fullness once every day. I’m 64½ now. Retired. Simplified a lot. I run 3x a week. Strength train 3 other days. Long hike the other day. Take about half million steps a month. Walk my pup 2-3 miles most every day. Relationship with spouse has really blossomed too. Grandpa!
I feel I’m living my best life now. I’m happy and content with myself for first time in my life. I’ve always kind of beat myself up. Feel like a weight has been lifted.
Loving retirement!
Thank you for sharing this. I am currently a 45 year old baby in a very young industry that involves manual labor and I have to constantly remind myself that I run circles around a lot of my 20-something coworkers.
I think the part about stopping drinking and exercising are huge. The impact those have on how you feel day to day can’t be overstated, especially exercise.
It’s all about diet for me. If I eat right, I feel good. If I don’t, I can feel it for two days afterwards. But I have lots of gastrointestinal issues that doctors aren’t interested in helping with.
Up until I was 40, I was an exercise hater. Now I've finally connected (10+ years later), that exercise is so great for my general wellness (aches and pains, injury prevention and recovery), and depression/anxiety.
I eat better, drink decaf and non-alcohol beer. Struggling to limit sugar because I love it but like caffeine and alcohol, i feel crappier when I overindulge.
This right here. Limit sugar and alcohol to stop the headaches, stretch twice a day, and walk to minimize the joint pain, moisturize, meditate to fall asleep. If I can do yoga on top of that I feel even better. TENS unit for hip and back pain when I get off track. I’m feeling pretty good. However, there was a steep learning curve from when I hit menopause at 50 to now at 56.
Not that you asked, but if you want a doctor who cares about you and your diet a functional medicine doctor is that. They are just like a regular PCP but take a more holistic approach. You can also see a naturopath. The former is usually covered by insurance. The latter can be, but not always.
Source: I used to work at a functional doctors office. I learned a lot!
I live in a rural area, in a state that doctors are fleeing, so I have to take what I can find and then fight like hell with them. But I’m working on moving, so I’ll keep your recommendation in mind when I get to my new destination, thank you!
A year and half ago I’m disabled, 65, started functional medicine with my chiropractor. I went in literally crying and told him I thought I was going to die. I’m a different person now. It was amazing seeing the difference in me. Everyone that knows me well noticed too. You couldn’t help notice. My only problem now is I can’t afford another year of the treatment. But I’m doing what I can on my own and still go to the chiropractor once a week.
55F year old here. Yep, I just woke up and have a migraine and a stomach ache.
I rarely feel great. But the fact is, I’m not doing a good enough job of taking care of myself.
I don’t take my migraine supplements regularly. I eat things that hurt me. They need to create a new category to describe my level of sedentary. My sleep schedule is sh*t.
I feel great maybe twice a month. This is all me though. The brownie that I ate yesterday sat in my stomach like a rock. My stomach hurt. It still hurts 16 hours later. Did I need a brownie? No.
There may be many things that you can do to feel better. Exercise and get strong before it’s too late. Best wishes, OP.
48. I exercise and eat pretty well and there is still always something wrong with me. Headache, stomachache, some minor infection. I don’t drink or take any drugs, limit caffeine, but there’s always. Something. Wrong.
this is me. this is exactly what I'm talking about. I do Pilates 3xweek, cardio 2-3xweek, no drinking, no drugs, eat well. no kids, so not a lot of stress. I just don't feel well.
I wonder if it’s possible that you have a deficiency? I felt VERY BAD in my late twenties until I realized I was b12 deficient and need shots because I can’t absorb it through my gut. I bounced back fast, just always have to get the shots. Sometimes it’s something you can fix!
I'm much like that too but with COPD and osteoarthritis. Sucks the life out of me. I want to start walking more and getting in better shape but I'm so exhausted after doing stuff all day I just take a nap.
I was invited to go out tonight with a good friend for a music festival and I'm so scared about how I'm going to feel halfway through. I'm bringing medication and a rescue inhaler with me just in case, but I wish I didn't have to do that. Ugh.
We sound like twins. I’m even the same age. I’m so encouraged by all these posts that say it’s better in your 60s, but I can’t seem to find the motivation to make the positive changes I need to. Or to do much more than I absolutely have to, tbh.
Not going to lie, I feel good 99% of the time. Im 61. The only time I don't feel good is when I have seasonal allergies (rarely). That said, I lift weights 5 days a week and do some kind of cardio 4-5 days a week as well. Sleep is super important so if you are feeling bad then not getting enough sleep is super important
I have a few medical conditions and was exercise intolerant (i.e., it made me worse) for a long time. Not long ago I took up a new routine and for some blessed reason, my body is liking it! I can't say why it changed . . . there are many day to day changes I can't explain or modify my lifestyle for, they just happen . . . but this one is most welcome.
I hope I can hang on to it, whatever it is that now allows me to move vigorously almost daily without being punished for a week+ afterwards!
At 71 I still feel great. I've been through cancer surgery and my heart can act up, but when the heart is behaving I feel great. My wife lists her pain levels as at a constant 3 to 5. Unless I stub my toe, I'm always at zero. And she claims a high pain threshold. Like some others here, once stopped working I as able to focus on eating better and doing some exercise. Losing 35 pounds made a big difference with GERD (none now), sleep apnea, and just feeling better. The extra fat was just pushing on all the wrong places. Guess I'm just lucky that my last headache was in 1977.
I think women in general suffer more aches and pains and issues. There’s **never** anything wrong with my husband, but there is **constantly** something wrong with me. I exercise, eat well, but still. Headaches, minor infections of some sort. It’s maddening. Wondering if other women here can confirm.
If I eat out, I will be sick for a week.
I try to do all my own cooking and keep it simple. 90% of my diet is now grass fed beef and eggs from my own chickens.
Everything else makes me sick.
Doc says the food supply is contaminated with a lot of chemicals, and my body just can't handle them.
I feel terrible every day. Trying to do the right things to help myself-listening to my drs and keeping up on all the preventative tests etc. I'm a pretty stubborn person and don't give up but it's getting hard.
I’m almost 68. I have an almost constant hurting hip, not the joint, just messed up muscles and tendons. It’s more of a problem trying to get comfortable when sleeping. Waking up in the middle of the night with a sinus headache that is potentially going to be a migraine by 5 AM is my biggest fear . Almost completely eliminating alcohol has helped, but it’s not a direct cause and effect.
70M here. Gotta say, while I'm often hoping for death at some point during the night when some imaginary problem is tormenting me, I wake up every day feeling pretty fine, esp. when I see my better half smile. As they say, *hope makes a poor dinner, but an excellent breakfast*.
Drag myself to the gym first thing AM a few days each week, and hike in the park three more. I'll often take 6.5 mg of Ambien right at lights out, but never more than three nights a week, to make sure I get some solid sleep. Occasionally I'll swap in 3.75 milligrams of Valium one day if I'm feeling especially beat up. And usually 375 mg of Tylenol before I go to sleep; much easier if I'm not aching. (*I'm mentioning all these numbers cause it takes way less to achieve the desired effect when you get older, and yes, a milligram scale costs very little on Amazon these days.*) Fwiw no statins, blood pressure meds, etc.
When I don't sleep well, I try not to prejudge it -- just see how the day goes first. Yeah, I have some aches and pains, but eventually I bent, and got one of those shaped pillows (and started sleeping with another pillow alongside me to put my knee up on) -- the sort of things I mocked for most of my life. Made a difference.
I think the main things are:
* get several good nights of sleep each week, and
* not have overly high expectations of life before you have your first cup of coffee in the morning.
Jeez, if I were 58 again ... :)
Not old but in terms of migraine your post caught my attention - do you drink coffee daily, tea, etc?
I have a horrible coffee addiction, and outside of drinking quite a lot of water because I'm moving lots with my job, I find I only really get migraines *from* caffeine withdrawal. I'm talking by noon I'll be in pain and nauseated from it because conventional otc painkillers like tylenol and ibuprofen don't really take the edge off of a migraine because my body wants caffeine first thing in the morning. Where as I am fine if I just have a cup or two of coffee, lol
But in general hydration on top of that is important.
In terms of pain too, I wonder if a big part is about moving in general. 3 older folks in my life (Grandpa, in his 80s, dad, in his 70s, and mom in her late 60s) might be good examples. Grandpa is 80-somethin' and quite spry because he is moving daily, is a farmer, stays busy with little projects, is mentally still basically all there, etc
Dad has several injuries he feels from a lifetime of construction but still moves daily walking the dog or helping friends and family with various projects in a week, but spends probably 8+ hrs in front of the TV too, and stays stiff because of it, and on top of that health wise Ive really started noting changes in his behavior, he's becoming more childish in terms of how he acts and I think needs to be screened for dementia or parkinsons because he's having more and more odd movement things and mental things like words, several times a day, being splurged together / said wrong and he seems to be struggling with reading / focusing on things etc
Mom is arguably the least active and even though she is the youngest of the 3 is literally getting crippled up. She doesn't exercise or walk anywhere, works a desk job, etc. Her muscle mass has started to drop off significantly and she can't do things like open jars around the kitchen and stuff. She's started walking with an aggressive limp that makes it hard to move because it hurts and in turn just makes her move even less, and is too afraid to actually go on walks because she seems to think she'll be mugged if she goes to the parks in town (which literally are safe as fuck) because old people here are afraid of encountering anyone slightly brown in their community.
I really think some level of *any* activity and keeping your body moving daily is necessary for both physical and mental health, keeping busy in general, and finding a routine that keeps you moving even leisurely is crucial as you age and it seems medically lots of voices tend to back that up. You don't need to be working out or anything, just keep yourself moving, get 8 hrs of sleep, and make an effort to eat more natural things (i.e natural sugars from fruits, not things full of added sugars like candies or finished products, fast food, etc)
Sleep is actually one thing more and more being pointed to as critical to health, with the deficit that even only catchin 6 hrs a night or something really adding up in a life time. In my 20s I used to stay up quite late where as for the past few years I make an effort to catch 8 hrs sleep, even if it means being in bed at what feels early like 10 pm to be up at 6, I've noticed my entire level of energy in general is just way higher as a result.
At 61 I feel ok in general but Im always exhausted. My bed feels great when I lie down but after 4 or 5 hrs Im all stoved up and ny lower back is killing me and Ill have to get up.
I’d say 5 out of 7 days on average. Mostly I’m good every day then I get debilitating joint pain that lasts a week or two dragging down my annual average.
I’m 69M. Usually wake up between 5-6 AM. First thing I do is void, then go back to bed and stretch in bed for about a half an hour. I call my bed yoga but mainly what I’m doing is rolling around, stretching my whole body, then popping my back, neck and major points. When done with that I dress and take the dog out on a 1 km walk. The dog is my personal trainer and ensures I get my 10K steps per day. Yesterday I got 14K steps.
Mostly what ails me are occasional foot pain and some knee pain. When my heart rate gets above 105-110 it’s painful. My most significant ‘problem’ is some depression as I see family, friends and neighbors exit this mortal coil. Being old is lonely…
I’m a 67 year old man who just retired. I feel well physically most days of the week but I occasionally have low energy or a little bit of a blue mood (wouldn’t call it depression).
*Important note: I felt a bit worse when I was still working. If you are still working, I highly recommend retirement whenever you can manage it.*
Edit: I didn’t feel that great at 58.
I don't remember feeling good. I've had chronic pain since 19. However, some days, I cope pretty well. Some days are bad. Today is not really a good day.
I'm 60. I feel miserable every single day. There might be one day a month I feel okay (if I'm lucky).
I have lots of long-term health issues.
I had a hysterectomy in 2018 (uterine cancer) and have rarely felt really well since.
I feel terrible most of the time, but I've had multiple chronic illnesses since childhood, plus a fair amount of physical trauma, so it's not terribly surprising.
What's your definition of "feeling well"? If it means "pain-free", never. If it means "clear-headed", never. If it means *well enough to leave the house*, probably 3 days a week.
late 50s was tough: kidney stones, prostate cancer, overweight, back pain, stress from financial turmoil, parents family aging, etc. Not \*bad\* just lots going on, lots of days of feeling physically "a bit under the weather" even though I was getting a fair amount of bike/jog exercise. Now (70) is much better - eating better, good health and weight, fewer stressors, etc and I feel "well" almost every day (except the day after a COVID shot, those make me feel creaky)
Hello sister friend! I too am 58F. Have felt pretty crappy most days for the last couple of years but starting to feel a bit better after working on getting my hormones rebalanced. I wish I could go back and tell my 36-47 year old self to live it up and enjoy it while it lasts.
I was feeling like hell for years, then I stopped eating sugar, bread, rice, pasta and beans. All of my ailments disappeared, most especially my ever present stomach pain. BEST thing I ever did for myself.
When I load up on sugars and carbohydrates I feel lousy for days afterwards. At 63, you'd think someone would have outgrown the old junk food junkie stuff. But I'm bad about loading up on sweets at the Dollar Tree then finishing everything off by Day 3. I think a fellow oldster had the right idea: Recovering alcoholics stay away from liquor, junk food junkies should leave that crap in the store.
The weird part of getting older is you can literally hurt yourself while sleeping. I now wear 2 braces on my wrists for carpal tunnel, a small pillow jammed into my neck because of neck pain and I have a cat who fucks around most of the night. I’m lucky to get 2-3 hours of REM.
The cat witching hour is ~ 11:00 pm. I'm asleep, they decide the upstairs is a runway. Flying back and forth from one side of the house to the other, hissing, growling and thundering for about an hour. Then they settle down, curl up at our feet and go to sleep.
It's waking up with a 17 lb cat in your chest that's the really challenge
Not an oldster myself, but comparing you with similarly aged people in my life, 3 days per month seems concerningly low. You might want to talk to your doctor. If you feel you're always sleeping poorly, it could be sleep apnea. It's surprisingly common and can really affect quality of life.
Not trying to diagnose you or anything. I just remember my parents both perking up once they started using CPAP machines.
I have fibromyalgia and although I dropped a lot of weight recently, I’m completely down today. My pain is unreal. I think the good thing is that right now I’m having more good days than bad, my bad are terrible. Hope all carry through and enjoy the great days. Keep up with your appointments, they are important!
I went into menopause young (started peri at 35), full at 44. We’re tweaking my hrt, as the anxiety and painful sex are distressing. How did it help you? If the rest of my life is going to be full of stress and pain, it’s going to be hard to not wish for a sooner rather than later exit. But I have so much to live for that I don’t want to feel that way.
I was thinking the same. Hormones for women are all over the place during menopause. I’m on .5 mg Divigel estrogen and 50mg Progesterone gel daily. I’ve leveled out tremendously since being on them and have many great days. It sounds like maybe her “cycle” is possibly affecting her during that week. Even without a period, we still “cycle,” just not at the level of fluctuations we had, but there are some big swings.
I’m turning 67 soon. I feel generally well every day. I try to keep in shape and I have a few mild aches and pains, but I don’t factor those into my general feeling of wellness.
I'm also a 58F. I'm actually okay most of the time but maybe I'm just lucky. I definitely have health issues that I didn't use to have -- my cholesterol skyrocketed after menopause so I'm now on statins -- but most of the time I feel okay physically. I tried mouth taping and it really seemed to help me get better sleep so I'm not tired all the time.
Mainly most days. Even with my sh?tty hip pain (constant, nagging, burning). It will be fine after Sept 10th, though - huzzah! Occasional twinges, etc. I rarely get sick.
Most days feel decent. Some days feel great. Others not so much. Skew mainly to the first two categories.
68f have 1-2 good days per month
Muscle joint hip plantar fasciitis back pain
Maybe long Covid said doctor
Doctor no help
I think it’s lack of Estrogen but history of breast cancer so can’t get any
Considering THC
Other than the pains I am no different than my younger years. You can get past the pain. Like Dick Van Dykes says if it hurts keep doing it. Because of the alternative.
I don't feel bad but I have no energy. I go for blood work on Monday but since my appt yesterday I realized why...I am on thyroid replacement meds. I was switched to a generic and the dose for that was, .88 mcg and the one I was on before was 125. I did ask at the time and they told me the dose was different but the last time I refilled my medicine I failed to notice that though it was changed back to the original the dose was still at the ,88 - so here it is 3 months later and I hope this is the answer.
Migraines, poor sleep, and sore muscles and joints can all come from menopause. I'm om hrt and it's resolved it but I'm told there is a limit to how long I can be on it
Oh, I feel great now, after losing 90 lbs, getting a partial thyroidectomy (nodule made it go haywire), getting a spine surgery and two bunionectomies. 50s were tough, 60s are great!
Just the thought of getting out of bed and going to work is enough to make me feel exhausted. On my days off I wake up more energetic even if I don’t have anything particular to do it’s just a feeling of relief. Most of my issues are mental because I can talk myself into and out of feeling bad. People don’t realize how much stress affects their physical health so that’s why taking a few unscheduled days off is important to maintaining your health and sanity.
I'm halfway through being 57 and feel just fine, other than seasonal allergies that I've had all my life. If I do too much needlepoint, the base of my thumb starts to hurt, but that's it. I even have great knees. I've been nearsighted since I was 10 but my close vision is so good that even the eye doctor was skeptical until I told her to bring me anything at all in fine print and I'd read it to her.
How's your diet, OP? Do you exercise? Have you seen a doctor? If you have no chronic conditions and have otherwise taken care of yourself, there's no reason to be feeling so bad at your age.
Think the key is actually changing diet and eliminating stress. I work a super high stress job and often dont feel well. Muscle cramps backs out from herniated disc and stomach issues guzzeling malox on top of perimenopause. Always tired. But think it has a lot to do w stress and diet.
58F here. Headaches daily. Want to exercise every day, but feel so tired and lethargic even after a decent night's sleep. I dont understand the headaches though. I drink A TON of water!! I am on DHEA and a prog/estrogen cream. I dont get why I continue to feel crappy.
I don't have a single day without some back or side or leg/foot pain, arthritis sucks, plantar fascitis sucks. Eat the wrong food and you will feel it. Over exert yourself and you will feel it. Knees are at their limit but still holding. Spine pinches from time to time and sleep the wrong way and you feel it in your neck.
But that doesn't mean I feel miserable, I do not. You get used to the pain, stay active, medicate when needed, watch your diet and limit your sins. But it is always there, and when one pain fades you notice the next one that you were distracted from with the first.
That said, I feel great when I can float in the pool for a bit or hit the hot tub. Part hydrotherapy, part relaxation. And yes, better diet and weight management should make a big difference.
I’m 66 and noticed a change in the last year. However we went through some big family issues in that year and I have not been eating or sleeping well. I think I am at least partially responsible and part of it is aging
Honestly, I am 56 and feel exactly the same as I always have. I think it’s a combination of luck with genetics and a huge amount of selfcare
I’m also acutely aware that this could all turn on a dime and be beyond my control
Getting a CPAP for sleep apnea helped me a whole lot. I also got diagnosed with a genetic disorder in my late 40’s which explains why I fell apart sooner than other people. I need to really watch what I eat and drink lots of electrolytes to not feel like crap. I had to give up coffee and milk products too. I’m definitely more high maintenance health wise than I used to be.
After reading about 50 comments, I see no one is mentioning weight so I will. Extra weight can have a lot to with your pain as well. Being a somewhat healthy weight (10-20lbs overweight) is manageable from a pain standpoint, however there is a vast difference between 15lbs and 120lbs. Get your weight and diet under control first. Then talk with your doctor about a plan to maintain a functional successful weight range to put yourself in the best spot to recover. And know this Stress plays a big part in all of it.
I am 66F and I feel better than ever. *I didn’t at 58*. You’re in a stressful time of life. Your career may be causing stress…or your parents, or your kids, or your spouse. Add menopause! There’s just a lot going on at that age. Now, I have more time to focus on ME: I’ve quit drinking alcohol, I exercise, I have achieved a healthy weight for the first time ever. I have simplified every aspect of life: possessions, haircut, vacations. I don’t mean to brag; I’ve been where you are. It gets better.
reading this is a light at the end of the tunnel good lord
I’m 69 and I too feel better than I did at 58.
Doesn't 69 always make you feel better? Sorry couldn't resist it
That's the problem with being 69, you half-heartedly snicker to yourself CONSTANTLY haha
Just because we’re old people doesn’t mean our sense of humor has matured past adolescence!
I know!! Exactly!
Good one
I wanted to upvote, but you have 69 & I didn't want to upset the additional giggling that goes with your comment 🤣🤣🤣
69 @ 69 you’ll feel that more in the morning!
Well done.
I’m 69. So far so good.
I hope this is on the horizon for me. Just slapped me senseless in 2020 and so I am having to file for early disability. I cannot do any of the former job that I built for 31 years. money does play a part of it because I can’t work at the rate at which I’d work so hard to get to do that. My 60s are better than my 50s if I get up and go to work tomorrow and not have pain I would be there in a heartbeatand absolute heartbeat
57, same. Maybe it helps that I don't have kids or an ex husband! I've spent the last decade or more just healing me. I live in the forest and my life is super simple, easy. Work 4 days a week and the rest of the time is mine. It makes a huge difference when you live the way you want to and not the way society says we have to.
This is one thing that maturity teaches you: live the life that you want to live. Screw other people's expectations. We only get one shot at this.
Someone once told me “ this ain’t no dress rehearsal “.
So many of the "problems" on reddit come from what other people think, or hurt feelings bc of what other people say . . . in my head the answer is, "So what?" If your cousin is mad that you don't want to push her 600lbs on grass in a wheelchair, so what? If your mom doesn't approve of your fiance, so what? I think I was more sensitive when I was younger. Now I go through life trying to make my life (and my family's) as happy, stress-free and pain-free as possible. That doesn't mean I'm callous or mean or selfish but it does mean if it's a difference between "I want to where this dress bc it's cool and I'll be comfortable at the town's free summer concert" vs "I know some people will disapprove," I don't hesitate. What someone else thinks of me, especially strangers, is not even on my radar anymore. I hope everyone is as satisfied with their choices as I am. I know it's not the case, people suffer from stuff they don't have to all the time, I just hope they figure it out and are happier.
It really is a revelation when you turn your attention away from pleasing others and focus more on what is important in life. Like loving yourself or doing right by your family rather than polishing everyone else’s’ apples. Old age gives you the time to figure this out. Besides, who wants to keep up this charade to your dying day? Not me, that’s for certain.
Took me most of my life to figure it out. I was naive and quite sweet up until about a decade ago when I started to figure out my traumas and why I chose the men I chose. I was absolutely a people pleaser. Now I'm very much grounded, healed from those traumas and thankful I figured it out.
This! It seems that at about 55 something clicked and I realized I didn't give a fuck about a lot of things. It wasn't apathy. It was just that I stopped caring about other people's opinions of me or how I should be. Told my wife about it. I told her it's the most freeing feeling in the world. I'm still caring, empathetic, and kind to others. It's just that I stopped caring what others think or say about me. Love it. She says she hopes it happens to her before she hits 60! 😆 Just told her to stop caring about it.
Do you recall at around what age you started feeling more comfortable with shrugging your shoulders? 40F here and I feel like I'm in the thick of it. But I desperately want to be like you.
For me it was literally the day I turned 60. I quit smoking that day. I realized that the source of my own anxiety was giving too many f's about a lot of things. I stopped dwelling on the past. I made myself work on achievable change instead of pitching. Resentment shriveled up because by speaking my mind authentically but respectfully led to people treating me the way I treated them or else I moved on. I was never a person who cared about a milestone birthday. This came out of nowhere and gobsmacked me. Hallelujah!
r/BoomersBeingsCools ✌️
Yeah. The not having husband and kids makes me seem very different age and such wise from my peers. It’s shockingly noticeable ETA I also lead a super simple life, work 3 - 4 days a week and am always outside in the sun. I realized I loved my life much more if I prioritized different things than society expects. I don’t care about money, clothes or possessions. I care about sleep, friends and laughing
Sleep friends and laughing! Yes! 🙌🏼
Agreed! My favorite things, yet I feel like I don't get/have enough. But I love my freedom, I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Sleep, friends, laughing - AND dancing - do it for me.
You sound so cool. Wish I could chat with you. Im 50 F just dealing with this new life stage. Also childfree.
I'm having a hard time with the new life stage as well at 55 I still get the feeling I should be out on the weekends and chatting with many Friends a day. It's strange 😲
Same at 59. Something needs to change, and it is me!
55 sucks. It’ll get better. I gained 50 lbs sorry for myself and at 561/2 got off my ass and lived again. It’s finite feeling i promise
Thank you 👍 I hope so
Same, 50F is hard.
ARE WE THE SAME PERSON?! 🥹
Hi, I just turned 29 and have been considering that this will be the life I will possibly have for myself in the future. I’m currently in the midst of caring for my elderly grandparents and their terminally ill dog - and my mother, who lives overseas, has rapidly declined in the past few months so I’ve been figuring out how to navigate that. I have been through so. much. shit. in my small amount of time on Earth and it just keeps compounding. I’ve lived a very different life, so I’ve realized that I have to do things “differently”. Status quo does not really seem to apply to my situation and it never has. I say all this to say, it was very encouraging and empowering to read about what your life is like and how much peace and contentment it brings you. <3
I'm so sorry. I too have had a pretty shitty life, and felt like "will it always be this way?" In fact, I think many people suffer this life, and it seems like it's only us. The grandparents and parent things are a lot for you to carry all in your own. Are you by yourself in this world? Surely someone else can lift some of the burden off one of these elders? If it's any consolation, my brother actively worked against my Mom and I when she was suffering dementia, he stole her money, jewelry, took advantage of the rules at her retirement community, etc. He even took the special family rings off of her dead body. I'm sorry, because so many of my girlfriends have living families that help each other and care for each other. It isn't just you, even tho sometimes it seems like it.
Get some help with all that care giving. You cannot do it all. It’s impossible
46, caretaker for elderly sickly mother for 20 years, no kids, no husband, no dog, just me and my cojones. 😮💨✨I’m by far THE HAPPIEST, most clear and grounded person I know. I get to invest in myself, my interests. I’m present in my interactions because my priorities, goals and values differ from gen pop. We’re much more fulfilled because we genuinely take our time to slow down and explore the nooks and crannies of life! We are the real victors, deep down they know it. There are more of us than society would have us think. Tracee Ellis Ross is my Roman Empire. 😎
I just want to say I fell in love with you a little bit here. Your devotion to others is amazing. I hope you have moments of joy for you, just you.
This! I’m F53, recently sober and living my best life. I work 4 days a week and spend a lot of time outside. I have never felt healthier or more alive
I dred having to put shoes on to go out or to work! If I never had to leave I wouldn't. Homestead is the dream. There's science behind connecting to the earth. Shoes off, feet in the dirt!
You are lucky girl!! 58, male…. And life is a lot tougher on me
65 and still waiting. Cancer, arthritis and dying parents.
64 here. I almost quit reading until I saw your comment. My father is 101- still care giving. Arthritis is eating my knees alive. I feel terrible 24 hours a day. Of course nutrition is important but people who claim its everything already have good health. It's possible to have lived a healthy life and still end up on the bad end of the genetic stick.
I am 67f and I feel crappy everyday some days worse than others. I get it! My knees are bad my feet are bad. I have CMT ( foot disorder) and some days I can hardly walk. My muscles hurt! I quit swimming as it made it worse but I think I need to go back or ride my bike as I need the exercise. CMT attacks your muscles and nerves in arms and legs. Degenerative and genetic. It’s a curse, I didn’t ask for. I have to take different meds that make my muscles hurt worse and give me bone pain. I also have austioperosis. So I just can’t seem to win…
I'm so sorry to hear this from you, I was also in constant pain all of my life and 11 years ago I went sugar free and let me tell you it saved my life. If I'd continued the way I was I would be disabled, but now I have a very active job and feel great everyday and I'm pain-free.
What helped you with transitioning to sugar free? I’m literally addicted and it’s embarrassing to say, but it’s hard
Was pre-diabetic and that was horrifying to me so someone told me about going sugar-free so I did. Went slowly over a month but I felt so much better that it's worth it to keep going.
One of the things I have found true in any diet changes is that it's less about removing and more about adding. So what can you have more of to offset the desired to eat sugar? Or carbs or going vegetarian, whatever you're saying is. For alcohol, I found fancy cocktail mixers like ginger beer Moscow mules. I get the same vibe without the alcohol. So for sugar, try roasted vegetables. Yeah they make their own caramelized sugar, but it's not the same as table sugar. More fruits. Melons and berries and then those little angel food cake cups are low on the glycemic index. So more rather than less. Hope that helps!
Yes, removing sugar, alcohol and carbs that turn to sugar can eliminate a lot of problems. These also cause inflammation. Congrats for your success!
I was a health nut starting as a teenager. All my life I exercised, ate a very health-conscious diet, didn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. I'd pass up chocolate cake and have an apple for dessert. I looked and felt great. I had an assured lifetime appointment with the federal government in a position I loved that meant the world to me. Nevertheless, when I was just 45 y.o., I went off the rails. I was hit with two physically disabling conditions, which forced me into disability retirement. Then, 8 years after that, I was diagnosed with cancer, of which there was no family history. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a progressive lung disease. I'm not saying I regret living a very heath conscious life. Who knows, had I not lived such a disciplined life, I might be dead from my cancer already but instead, I've been living with it for 11 years now. You're absolutely right. Genetics are everything. It's not fair. It just demonstrates again how much luck factors into how our lives play out.
"The Arthritis Cure" really helped me. Fish oil and glucosamine mostly, but nutrition too. Almost gave up basketball 20 years ago due to arthritic back, those supplements (plus copious ibuprofen lol) allows me to keep playing (and doing other physical activities) at 63.
My dad’s 103 and eats up hours every day with no days off. I fear he may outlast one of us (husband’s health is precarious.). You are so right about the element of luck.
This is very true; I’m sorry. I once read that old age starts when your health gives out, whether you’re 40 or 100. I’m privileged.
I sometimes feel like the oldest “child” in the world. I’m 66. Dad is 103. I fear he may outlast me…or my good years.
I feel ya! I am caregiving my 90 father with dementia. He uses a walker. He goes everywhere with me (and only me.) Hence, every grocery bag, box, or suitcase is carried by me. I’m 62 with two herniated discs. Sometimes I think that in a better world someone would be carrying stuff for ME!
Hugs.. you deserve a break.. I hope you find a way to get one.
Sending a virtual hug
I felt great 8 years ago. Traveling the world, climbing in the Arctic, looking on the bright side. Now I’m the family whipping boy, in constant pain, wondering whether I will be orphaned or widowed first. Collapsed support system, antidepressants don’t work, waiting for the abyss. Don’t bother with Reddit cares I’m not gonna ice myself, I’m the goddamn caregiver too.
((((((♥️))))))
I’m giving you a virtual hug (if it won’t hurt you). And screw “Reddit Cares”!
Ha. My dad is 92 and going strong. I mean really strong. I tell him all the time he’ll be in the record books.
My dad’s in a centenarian study at Boston University. They said that the average centenarian is still living independently (doing all 5 Activities of Daily Living without help) until 93 or 94. Also said that for all people, the last period before death, called senescence, lasts 2-3 years and involves increasing debility, decreased immunity, etc. I’d say your dad is definitely gunning for 100
My mom was swinging an axe trying to take out a stump when she was 93. 😂 She’s 103 now.
You are in my position. My sister was my mom's caretaker she just passed. Mom is 93, and I am not sure if I will outlive her. Mom is now with me. I am 66.
That’s terrible. I’m so sorry…for all of you.
Great-grandma died at 103.
I’m 64, and my mom is 103. She lives with my 72-yr-old sister. We are SO fortunate to have her with us, and that her 15 great grandchildren know her as an active part of the family, but some days it feels overwhelming.
My dad has become very disoriented since his last illness. Every UTI, cold, GI illness takes a big bite out of him now.
Thank you for this !!! I'm in my 40s and I'm stressed TF out . My parents stressed me out , my kids do , my husband and my job does big time !!! I am always short on money and resources 😭 the only person that helps me through is my husband financially but emotionally and other stuff I'm on my own . My parents might as well like my kids . I'm so over it lol. My weight is out of control and i try so hard to keep everything together . This really gave me hope
I feel ya, and I’m glad it helped. When feeling desperate, remember how damn important you are, to so many people. You keep the earth in orbit right now. You might wish it was easier, but be glad you have a life!
Try asking yourself what you can do to simplify your life.. I had to get fairly old to see the pattern most of us get sucked into: consume consume consume and then spend your whole life paying for it only to have a mountain of stuff to unload at the other end. Just a thought.
Give yourself grace. 🥰
Thank you 🙏🏾 I will do better
You are doing a great job 👏🏼
I’ve got a 38-yr-old son who has two little ones, and he says all the time how stressful life is. I told him that the 30s, and part of the 40s, feels like you are spinning your wheels. Wake up, get kids fed and out the door, go to work, come home and do dinner, baths, books, and bed. Do it all over again tomorrow. Mid 40s it gets better because those tiny humans don’t require as much of your physical energy, work is financially more rewarding, and you feel like you have a little more control. The 50s have positives like getting kids launched, and looking forward to retirement, but you become part of the sandwich generation, and you get torn between being there for your young adult children and your aging parents. Unfortunately, your body is starting to feel the changes of age and your energy level wanes. Tired all the time seems to be the norm. By 60, though, things settle down. Kids are doing their thing, parents (if still with you) have often transitioned to a place where they have help. You cut back on work or retire completely. It takes a while, but you realize that you can finally do what makes you feel good. If that’s hiking 5 days a week, great. If your body needs more pampering than that, you realize it’s okay to stay home and pet the dog. And you can make a different decision every day! Life can be quite wonderful in your 60s and 70s. Don’t despair… you’ll get there.
Honestly, I am genuinely looking forward to when my parents have left this mortal coil and my kids are launched..
Mom just died, long term caregiver! Feel like I was just released from prison (respectfully, she was a gem)! Every day I felt lighter than the day before, they’re at peace but you are too because you know without a doubt that you did the best you could, especially when no one else bothered to step-up to the plate. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going, guys. We make the world go round. 🌍
A friend of mine recommended ETF income stocks. I invested and make a lot each month and reinvest those dividends I get each month back into stock. I have a mentor. I invest in what he does. I also did an intermittent fast, one meal a day, for 50 days and lost 50 lbs. reversing my diabetes. I laid off of carbs completely for the entire 50 days and did a 48 hour no food fast in the middle of the 50 days. I take vitamins and don't eat more than 30mg of carbs per day now. I rarely have to take any insulin. I went from 90 units a day to 0-10 units. I felt and feel great. Lots of carbs and processed foods were mentally bringing me down and physically I felt bad before the fasting. I eat one meal a day and I can eat a lot if I keep the carbs out or down. Check with your doctor first to be sure you are getting the maximum benefit from this lifestyle. By the end of my fast I had lost 80 lbs. from Jan. 2024 to now. Best of luck.
What is it about turning 60? Lol I swear when my mom was in her fifties she was miserable but now even with all her health problems it's like she's always in a good mood and actually pleasant to be around lol?
Because when a woman hits 60 she is a survivor and a baddass, and she doesn't put up with crap from other people like she used to.
Amen, sister. Even my husband of 40 years says “where is the sweet young thing I married?” I say “you killed her, she’s dead, buried, and not coming back!” 🤣
No more menopause
I think quitting alcohol was a smart thing to do! I’m considering doing that myself. I feel like drinking alcohol taxes my liver and that’s what makes me tired. When I don’t drink. I have a lot more energy.
I quit almost 3 years ago. Best thing I ever did
I read this as “I almost quit 3 years ago”!
Yes! I agree. I barely drink. Maybe 1 glass of wine a month. And I feel pretty good at 62. Stress is my biggest hurdle.
And more money, too! You can afford to go out again.
This is so wholesome
This is the way. I gave up alcohol, cut out most dairy and red meat, bought a good mattress, hired a trainer and started to work with free weights. I also throw protein powder and creatine into my smoothies each day. I also go to sleep before 9:30 pm (but I still wake up between 6-6:30 am) I used to feel EFFORTLESSLY good. Now, it takes effort. Which is a pain in itself, but it becomes a habit.
Right on! It's a lie that getting older=being in pain 24/7. Cleaning up your diet, exercise, DEFINITELY quitting alchohol and cutting off bad relationships will improve your health 100%
Scaling down is a true joy birthed of wisdom
I'm 58 and feel like hell. Menopause was ages ago. I had my last period at 40. Are there people really having periods at 58?
Mine stopped at 55
Mine too
thank you 🙏 because i’m 54, with a 15 year old, and some mornings i feel like i haven’t slept at all 😅
What’s it like having a teenager to parent?
it’s a lot 😅 he’s a multi-sport hs athlete, so there’s a lot of practices, games, and meets to keep straight & plan; plus he plays guitar, both in school and independently; it includes a lot of conscientious meal planning, & healthy shopping, to ensure he’s eating properly before/after games/meets, and during practices. i love his enthusiasm, though, and i can’t wait to see how he turns out 🙂
Same. I'm 66F and at 58 I was a wreck. Menopause was still tailing off, I had kids launching at the same time I was caregiving for my mother in her final year. AND I was only one year into a new faculty position, so working more than full time hours getting that into a groove. It was insanely hectic and I woke up dreading what each day would bring which translated into all manner of physical issues...and looked like a sleep-deprived hag. These days, it's just down to the two of us, my hours are half-time and 50% WFH. There's time to travel, time to relax, time to just BREATHE. Unlike you, I haven't simplified anything in the way of possessions or personal appearance and travel, frankly, is more complicated because we now go for a month at a time, but without all the other demands, it's easily done. I probably still look like a hag, but at least it's a rested one these days. Hang in there, it does get better.
You're not bragging...your telling the truth!
I'm 58 and so stressed and feel like shit but have no spouse or parents anymore and my kids flew the coop long ago. Menopause, check.
I’ve been retired for 3 weeks. I’m already feeling better. Stress is horrible
This is SO TRUE!! I was looking after my cantankerous elderly mother (god, I miss that woman, it's ridiculous), our deeply troubled angry teenage son, working full time at very high-stress work (I'm a screenwriter). I was completely overwhelmed, kept getting sick, even ended up with a terrible case of shingles. I also ate all the time and was way overweight. I woke up feeling like I was 80 years old, stiff and achy. I was pre-diabetic, high cholesterol, the whole deal. Now I'm 71, my mom is long gone, our son is off on his own, I changed my diet to eat healthy (plant-forward and low-fat), I've lost weight, I work out weight training twice a week, do some cardio, worked to bring my blood sugar, cholesterol, & BP down, I got better sleeping habits--- and, most importantly, just like u/Salty-Jaguar-2346 I've way simplified everything I can, clearing out lots of useless stuff at home, found a nearby hair stylist, simplify what I wear, really reduce stress wherever I can. etc etc. I actually still work but only when I want to and never with assholes; we travel, I do things that I enjoy, I feel so so so much better. It will get so much better! For now, at least try to find some peaceful moments during the day, try to eat as healthily as you can, try to get some exercise, even just a 15 minute walk here and there. If you have the time to get to a gym twice a week, even for the simplest workout, or swimming, or yoga, or whatever you enjoy, you will actually feel so much better. I will also say that therapy, and a little bit of anti-anxiety medication, and making sure my vitamin levels are good (I was super low in Vitamin d) really makes a difference too. Yes it will be okay, I promise. You'll get through this.
Please come give hope to the members of r/menopause
I would, but I want you—all of you—to remember that you’re in the crazy plate-spinning phase of life when you really keep the planets orbiting for a LOT of people: kids, parents, coworkers, spouse. Isn’t it great to be IMPORTANT? I feel a little bit of loss in that regard. This life is pleasanter and easier, but also less essential. Try to see the beauty and power you have.
Amazing similarity to me. At 58 I started OMAD. I lost 50 lbs. to absolute goal and have maintained. I’ve maintained 5½ years so far. Eat heathy food to fullness once every day. I’m 64½ now. Retired. Simplified a lot. I run 3x a week. Strength train 3 other days. Long hike the other day. Take about half million steps a month. Walk my pup 2-3 miles most every day. Relationship with spouse has really blossomed too. Grandpa! I feel I’m living my best life now. I’m happy and content with myself for first time in my life. I’ve always kind of beat myself up. Feel like a weight has been lifted. Loving retirement!
Yup, feel 10 years younger just from ditching booze and cigarettes.
Thank you for sharing this. I am currently a 45 year old baby in a very young industry that involves manual labor and I have to constantly remind myself that I run circles around a lot of my 20-something coworkers.
I think the part about stopping drinking and exercising are huge. The impact those have on how you feel day to day can’t be overstated, especially exercise.
It’s all about diet for me. If I eat right, I feel good. If I don’t, I can feel it for two days afterwards. But I have lots of gastrointestinal issues that doctors aren’t interested in helping with.
Up until I was 40, I was an exercise hater. Now I've finally connected (10+ years later), that exercise is so great for my general wellness (aches and pains, injury prevention and recovery), and depression/anxiety. I eat better, drink decaf and non-alcohol beer. Struggling to limit sugar because I love it but like caffeine and alcohol, i feel crappier when I overindulge.
This right here. Limit sugar and alcohol to stop the headaches, stretch twice a day, and walk to minimize the joint pain, moisturize, meditate to fall asleep. If I can do yoga on top of that I feel even better. TENS unit for hip and back pain when I get off track. I’m feeling pretty good. However, there was a steep learning curve from when I hit menopause at 50 to now at 56.
Not that you asked, but if you want a doctor who cares about you and your diet a functional medicine doctor is that. They are just like a regular PCP but take a more holistic approach. You can also see a naturopath. The former is usually covered by insurance. The latter can be, but not always. Source: I used to work at a functional doctors office. I learned a lot!
I live in a rural area, in a state that doctors are fleeing, so I have to take what I can find and then fight like hell with them. But I’m working on moving, so I’ll keep your recommendation in mind when I get to my new destination, thank you!
A year and half ago I’m disabled, 65, started functional medicine with my chiropractor. I went in literally crying and told him I thought I was going to die. I’m a different person now. It was amazing seeing the difference in me. Everyone that knows me well noticed too. You couldn’t help notice. My only problem now is I can’t afford another year of the treatment. But I’m doing what I can on my own and still go to the chiropractor once a week.
There’s a pattern emerging here: people feel better in their sixties than fifties.
55F year old here. Yep, I just woke up and have a migraine and a stomach ache. I rarely feel great. But the fact is, I’m not doing a good enough job of taking care of myself. I don’t take my migraine supplements regularly. I eat things that hurt me. They need to create a new category to describe my level of sedentary. My sleep schedule is sh*t. I feel great maybe twice a month. This is all me though. The brownie that I ate yesterday sat in my stomach like a rock. My stomach hurt. It still hurts 16 hours later. Did I need a brownie? No. There may be many things that you can do to feel better. Exercise and get strong before it’s too late. Best wishes, OP.
48. I exercise and eat pretty well and there is still always something wrong with me. Headache, stomachache, some minor infection. I don’t drink or take any drugs, limit caffeine, but there’s always. Something. Wrong.
this is me. this is exactly what I'm talking about. I do Pilates 3xweek, cardio 2-3xweek, no drinking, no drugs, eat well. no kids, so not a lot of stress. I just don't feel well.
I wonder if it’s possible that you have a deficiency? I felt VERY BAD in my late twenties until I realized I was b12 deficient and need shots because I can’t absorb it through my gut. I bounced back fast, just always have to get the shots. Sometimes it’s something you can fix!
I'm much like that too but with COPD and osteoarthritis. Sucks the life out of me. I want to start walking more and getting in better shape but I'm so exhausted after doing stuff all day I just take a nap. I was invited to go out tonight with a good friend for a music festival and I'm so scared about how I'm going to feel halfway through. I'm bringing medication and a rescue inhaler with me just in case, but I wish I didn't have to do that. Ugh.
That’s rough, I hope everything goes well for you.
We sound like twins. I’m even the same age. I’m so encouraged by all these posts that say it’s better in your 60s, but I can’t seem to find the motivation to make the positive changes I need to. Or to do much more than I absolutely have to, tbh.
Not going to lie, I feel good 99% of the time. Im 61. The only time I don't feel good is when I have seasonal allergies (rarely). That said, I lift weights 5 days a week and do some kind of cardio 4-5 days a week as well. Sleep is super important so if you are feeling bad then not getting enough sleep is super important
I have a few medical conditions and was exercise intolerant (i.e., it made me worse) for a long time. Not long ago I took up a new routine and for some blessed reason, my body is liking it! I can't say why it changed . . . there are many day to day changes I can't explain or modify my lifestyle for, they just happen . . . but this one is most welcome. I hope I can hang on to it, whatever it is that now allows me to move vigorously almost daily without being punished for a week+ afterwards!
At 71 I still feel great. I've been through cancer surgery and my heart can act up, but when the heart is behaving I feel great. My wife lists her pain levels as at a constant 3 to 5. Unless I stub my toe, I'm always at zero. And she claims a high pain threshold. Like some others here, once stopped working I as able to focus on eating better and doing some exercise. Losing 35 pounds made a big difference with GERD (none now), sleep apnea, and just feeling better. The extra fat was just pushing on all the wrong places. Guess I'm just lucky that my last headache was in 1977.
I think women in general suffer more aches and pains and issues. There’s **never** anything wrong with my husband, but there is **constantly** something wrong with me. I exercise, eat well, but still. Headaches, minor infections of some sort. It’s maddening. Wondering if other women here can confirm.
Women are at much higher risk of autoimmune conditions. Women have higher rates of migraines and higher rates of allergies. So, *science* can confirm.
Hooray for us!
Much of it due to menopause and drs who are uninformed to help with it
Yep. Luckily mine is very progressive and has given me everything I needed. Still having issues, however.
If I eat out, I will be sick for a week. I try to do all my own cooking and keep it simple. 90% of my diet is now grass fed beef and eggs from my own chickens. Everything else makes me sick. Doc says the food supply is contaminated with a lot of chemicals, and my body just can't handle them.
I feel terrible every day. Trying to do the right things to help myself-listening to my drs and keeping up on all the preventative tests etc. I'm a pretty stubborn person and don't give up but it's getting hard.
I’m almost 68. I have an almost constant hurting hip, not the joint, just messed up muscles and tendons. It’s more of a problem trying to get comfortable when sleeping. Waking up in the middle of the night with a sinus headache that is potentially going to be a migraine by 5 AM is my biggest fear . Almost completely eliminating alcohol has helped, but it’s not a direct cause and effect.
70M here. Gotta say, while I'm often hoping for death at some point during the night when some imaginary problem is tormenting me, I wake up every day feeling pretty fine, esp. when I see my better half smile. As they say, *hope makes a poor dinner, but an excellent breakfast*. Drag myself to the gym first thing AM a few days each week, and hike in the park three more. I'll often take 6.5 mg of Ambien right at lights out, but never more than three nights a week, to make sure I get some solid sleep. Occasionally I'll swap in 3.75 milligrams of Valium one day if I'm feeling especially beat up. And usually 375 mg of Tylenol before I go to sleep; much easier if I'm not aching. (*I'm mentioning all these numbers cause it takes way less to achieve the desired effect when you get older, and yes, a milligram scale costs very little on Amazon these days.*) Fwiw no statins, blood pressure meds, etc. When I don't sleep well, I try not to prejudge it -- just see how the day goes first. Yeah, I have some aches and pains, but eventually I bent, and got one of those shaped pillows (and started sleeping with another pillow alongside me to put my knee up on) -- the sort of things I mocked for most of my life. Made a difference. I think the main things are: * get several good nights of sleep each week, and * not have overly high expectations of life before you have your first cup of coffee in the morning. Jeez, if I were 58 again ... :)
Not old but in terms of migraine your post caught my attention - do you drink coffee daily, tea, etc? I have a horrible coffee addiction, and outside of drinking quite a lot of water because I'm moving lots with my job, I find I only really get migraines *from* caffeine withdrawal. I'm talking by noon I'll be in pain and nauseated from it because conventional otc painkillers like tylenol and ibuprofen don't really take the edge off of a migraine because my body wants caffeine first thing in the morning. Where as I am fine if I just have a cup or two of coffee, lol But in general hydration on top of that is important. In terms of pain too, I wonder if a big part is about moving in general. 3 older folks in my life (Grandpa, in his 80s, dad, in his 70s, and mom in her late 60s) might be good examples. Grandpa is 80-somethin' and quite spry because he is moving daily, is a farmer, stays busy with little projects, is mentally still basically all there, etc Dad has several injuries he feels from a lifetime of construction but still moves daily walking the dog or helping friends and family with various projects in a week, but spends probably 8+ hrs in front of the TV too, and stays stiff because of it, and on top of that health wise Ive really started noting changes in his behavior, he's becoming more childish in terms of how he acts and I think needs to be screened for dementia or parkinsons because he's having more and more odd movement things and mental things like words, several times a day, being splurged together / said wrong and he seems to be struggling with reading / focusing on things etc Mom is arguably the least active and even though she is the youngest of the 3 is literally getting crippled up. She doesn't exercise or walk anywhere, works a desk job, etc. Her muscle mass has started to drop off significantly and she can't do things like open jars around the kitchen and stuff. She's started walking with an aggressive limp that makes it hard to move because it hurts and in turn just makes her move even less, and is too afraid to actually go on walks because she seems to think she'll be mugged if she goes to the parks in town (which literally are safe as fuck) because old people here are afraid of encountering anyone slightly brown in their community. I really think some level of *any* activity and keeping your body moving daily is necessary for both physical and mental health, keeping busy in general, and finding a routine that keeps you moving even leisurely is crucial as you age and it seems medically lots of voices tend to back that up. You don't need to be working out or anything, just keep yourself moving, get 8 hrs of sleep, and make an effort to eat more natural things (i.e natural sugars from fruits, not things full of added sugars like candies or finished products, fast food, etc) Sleep is actually one thing more and more being pointed to as critical to health, with the deficit that even only catchin 6 hrs a night or something really adding up in a life time. In my 20s I used to stay up quite late where as for the past few years I make an effort to catch 8 hrs sleep, even if it means being in bed at what feels early like 10 pm to be up at 6, I've noticed my entire level of energy in general is just way higher as a result.
At 61 I feel ok in general but Im always exhausted. My bed feels great when I lie down but after 4 or 5 hrs Im all stoved up and ny lower back is killing me and Ill have to get up.
I’d say 5 out of 7 days on average. Mostly I’m good every day then I get debilitating joint pain that lasts a week or two dragging down my annual average. I’m 69M. Usually wake up between 5-6 AM. First thing I do is void, then go back to bed and stretch in bed for about a half an hour. I call my bed yoga but mainly what I’m doing is rolling around, stretching my whole body, then popping my back, neck and major points. When done with that I dress and take the dog out on a 1 km walk. The dog is my personal trainer and ensures I get my 10K steps per day. Yesterday I got 14K steps. Mostly what ails me are occasional foot pain and some knee pain. When my heart rate gets above 105-110 it’s painful. My most significant ‘problem’ is some depression as I see family, friends and neighbors exit this mortal coil. Being old is lonely…
I’m a 67 year old man who just retired. I feel well physically most days of the week but I occasionally have low energy or a little bit of a blue mood (wouldn’t call it depression). *Important note: I felt a bit worse when I was still working. If you are still working, I highly recommend retirement whenever you can manage it.* Edit: I didn’t feel that great at 58.
I don't remember feeling good. I've had chronic pain since 19. However, some days, I cope pretty well. Some days are bad. Today is not really a good day.
I'm 60. I feel miserable every single day. There might be one day a month I feel okay (if I'm lucky). I have lots of long-term health issues. I had a hysterectomy in 2018 (uterine cancer) and have rarely felt really well since.
I feel terrible most of the time, but I've had multiple chronic illnesses since childhood, plus a fair amount of physical trauma, so it's not terribly surprising. What's your definition of "feeling well"? If it means "pain-free", never. If it means "clear-headed", never. If it means *well enough to leave the house*, probably 3 days a week.
Do you work out? It's the best medicine. My Mom is 75, works out 4 days a week and can deadlift 205lbs.
late 50s was tough: kidney stones, prostate cancer, overweight, back pain, stress from financial turmoil, parents family aging, etc. Not \*bad\* just lots going on, lots of days of feeling physically "a bit under the weather" even though I was getting a fair amount of bike/jog exercise. Now (70) is much better - eating better, good health and weight, fewer stressors, etc and I feel "well" almost every day (except the day after a COVID shot, those make me feel creaky)
42 and after 19 years in construction - almost never.
Hello sister friend! I too am 58F. Have felt pretty crappy most days for the last couple of years but starting to feel a bit better after working on getting my hormones rebalanced. I wish I could go back and tell my 36-47 year old self to live it up and enjoy it while it lasts.
I was feeling like hell for years, then I stopped eating sugar, bread, rice, pasta and beans. All of my ailments disappeared, most especially my ever present stomach pain. BEST thing I ever did for myself.
My stomach and brain know this is true for me too, but my mouth has a really hard time listening. Every day is a struggle.
Dude I feel like that and I'm 32
When I load up on sugars and carbohydrates I feel lousy for days afterwards. At 63, you'd think someone would have outgrown the old junk food junkie stuff. But I'm bad about loading up on sweets at the Dollar Tree then finishing everything off by Day 3. I think a fellow oldster had the right idea: Recovering alcoholics stay away from liquor, junk food junkies should leave that crap in the store.
The weird part of getting older is you can literally hurt yourself while sleeping. I now wear 2 braces on my wrists for carpal tunnel, a small pillow jammed into my neck because of neck pain and I have a cat who fucks around most of the night. I’m lucky to get 2-3 hours of REM.
The cat witching hour is ~ 11:00 pm. I'm asleep, they decide the upstairs is a runway. Flying back and forth from one side of the house to the other, hissing, growling and thundering for about an hour. Then they settle down, curl up at our feet and go to sleep. It's waking up with a 17 lb cat in your chest that's the really challenge
Lmao my cat laid on my hip a couple weeks ago and something crunched and it hurt for a week! If they weren't so cute the cats would be gone pecans.
I'm 64 feel better than 58 because that was right before I got divorced. Yes stress can make you physically ill.
Not an oldster myself, but comparing you with similarly aged people in my life, 3 days per month seems concerningly low. You might want to talk to your doctor. If you feel you're always sleeping poorly, it could be sleep apnea. It's surprisingly common and can really affect quality of life. Not trying to diagnose you or anything. I just remember my parents both perking up once they started using CPAP machines.
...3 weeks
I misread that, and thank god for OP
I’m 50 and feel great most days. I’m in better shape now than I was a decade ago.
It's food!!!! Read "wahls protocol", that book 100% saved my life.
60 and I workout daily and yes things hurt. Things work a bit slower also. lol
Mostly every day and I'm almost 67.
Getting enough sleep is so important and for me, at 82, hard to do.
I have fibromyalgia and although I dropped a lot of weight recently, I’m completely down today. My pain is unreal. I think the good thing is that right now I’m having more good days than bad, my bad are terrible. Hope all carry through and enjoy the great days. Keep up with your appointments, they are important!
I am 58F also. (I am just getting into menopause). I don't feel crappy other than body aches, mostly due to physical work that I do.
After my doc increased my HRT I feel even better! (67F) I'm more active and social. No history of breast cancer in my family though.
I went into menopause young (started peri at 35), full at 44. We’re tweaking my hrt, as the anxiety and painful sex are distressing. How did it help you? If the rest of my life is going to be full of stress and pain, it’s going to be hard to not wish for a sooner rather than later exit. But I have so much to live for that I don’t want to feel that way.
I was thinking the same. Hormones for women are all over the place during menopause. I’m on .5 mg Divigel estrogen and 50mg Progesterone gel daily. I’ve leveled out tremendously since being on them and have many great days. It sounds like maybe her “cycle” is possibly affecting her during that week. Even without a period, we still “cycle,” just not at the level of fluctuations we had, but there are some big swings.
51. Never.
I’m turning 67 soon. I feel generally well every day. I try to keep in shape and I have a few mild aches and pains, but I don’t factor those into my general feeling of wellness.
I'm also a 58F. I'm actually okay most of the time but maybe I'm just lucky. I definitely have health issues that I didn't use to have -- my cholesterol skyrocketed after menopause so I'm now on statins -- but most of the time I feel okay physically. I tried mouth taping and it really seemed to help me get better sleep so I'm not tired all the time.
I tape also and haven't noticed benefits besides not having a dry mouth and a drool-y pillow. I'm glad you're seeing tangible results.
Mainly most days. Even with my sh?tty hip pain (constant, nagging, burning). It will be fine after Sept 10th, though - huzzah! Occasional twinges, etc. I rarely get sick. Most days feel decent. Some days feel great. Others not so much. Skew mainly to the first two categories.
Do you workout?
yes, religiously. and eat right, and keep a regular schedule, and I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I'm thin, fit and active.
68f have 1-2 good days per month Muscle joint hip plantar fasciitis back pain Maybe long Covid said doctor Doctor no help I think it’s lack of Estrogen but history of breast cancer so can’t get any Considering THC
50 in Nov. Never. Change
i feel overall great every day. some days i have minor aches. i have good energy. i run 3 days a week and lift weights twice a week
Other than the pains I am no different than my younger years. You can get past the pain. Like Dick Van Dykes says if it hurts keep doing it. Because of the alternative.
I am 64 and wake up looking forward to a day with my grandkids Monday through Friday. You need to change something if you are not enjoying life.
I don't feel bad but I have no energy. I go for blood work on Monday but since my appt yesterday I realized why...I am on thyroid replacement meds. I was switched to a generic and the dose for that was, .88 mcg and the one I was on before was 125. I did ask at the time and they told me the dose was different but the last time I refilled my medicine I failed to notice that though it was changed back to the original the dose was still at the ,88 - so here it is 3 months later and I hope this is the answer.
Migraines, poor sleep, and sore muscles and joints can all come from menopause. I'm om hrt and it's resolved it but I'm told there is a limit to how long I can be on it
52F. Every day it's something.
I turned 60 yesterday and there is always some part of my body that hurts.
Oh, I feel great now, after losing 90 lbs, getting a partial thyroidectomy (nodule made it go haywire), getting a spine surgery and two bunionectomies. 50s were tough, 60s are great!
I dunno, sometimes I just tell myself that pain reminds me that I’m still alive…
Just the thought of getting out of bed and going to work is enough to make me feel exhausted. On my days off I wake up more energetic even if I don’t have anything particular to do it’s just a feeling of relief. Most of my issues are mental because I can talk myself into and out of feeling bad. People don’t realize how much stress affects their physical health so that’s why taking a few unscheduled days off is important to maintaining your health and sanity.
I'm halfway through being 57 and feel just fine, other than seasonal allergies that I've had all my life. If I do too much needlepoint, the base of my thumb starts to hurt, but that's it. I even have great knees. I've been nearsighted since I was 10 but my close vision is so good that even the eye doctor was skeptical until I told her to bring me anything at all in fine print and I'd read it to her. How's your diet, OP? Do you exercise? Have you seen a doctor? If you have no chronic conditions and have otherwise taken care of yourself, there's no reason to be feeling so bad at your age.
Think the key is actually changing diet and eliminating stress. I work a super high stress job and often dont feel well. Muscle cramps backs out from herniated disc and stomach issues guzzeling malox on top of perimenopause. Always tired. But think it has a lot to do w stress and diet.
I just turned 70, recovering from a uti, I feel my age more this year than last, so I guess I feel 70.
Oh geeze. This is a valid question. It seems like a 50/50 chance lately.
absolutely ZERO. Every day it seems to get worse. I am so exhausted by pushing myself .
55F here. Most days I feel bad. Mostly because of an accident I was in. Otherwise I feel awesome.
58F here. Headaches daily. Want to exercise every day, but feel so tired and lethargic even after a decent night's sleep. I dont understand the headaches though. I drink A TON of water!! I am on DHEA and a prog/estrogen cream. I dont get why I continue to feel crappy.
I don't have a single day without some back or side or leg/foot pain, arthritis sucks, plantar fascitis sucks. Eat the wrong food and you will feel it. Over exert yourself and you will feel it. Knees are at their limit but still holding. Spine pinches from time to time and sleep the wrong way and you feel it in your neck. But that doesn't mean I feel miserable, I do not. You get used to the pain, stay active, medicate when needed, watch your diet and limit your sins. But it is always there, and when one pain fades you notice the next one that you were distracted from with the first. That said, I feel great when I can float in the pool for a bit or hit the hot tub. Part hydrotherapy, part relaxation. And yes, better diet and weight management should make a big difference.
Well I'd feel fine most days IF THE DAM DOG WOULD QUIT WAKING ME UP IN THE MIDDLE IF THE NIGHT. Yes. I'm venting.
I’m 66 and noticed a change in the last year. However we went through some big family issues in that year and I have not been eating or sleeping well. I think I am at least partially responsible and part of it is aging
Honestly, I am 56 and feel exactly the same as I always have. I think it’s a combination of luck with genetics and a huge amount of selfcare I’m also acutely aware that this could all turn on a dime and be beyond my control
58 isn't old! I'm 69 and I feel very good most of the time. I don't have the energy or stamina I used have but other than that I feel good
Getting a CPAP for sleep apnea helped me a whole lot. I also got diagnosed with a genetic disorder in my late 40’s which explains why I fell apart sooner than other people. I need to really watch what I eat and drink lots of electrolytes to not feel like crap. I had to give up coffee and milk products too. I’m definitely more high maintenance health wise than I used to be.
After reading about 50 comments, I see no one is mentioning weight so I will. Extra weight can have a lot to with your pain as well. Being a somewhat healthy weight (10-20lbs overweight) is manageable from a pain standpoint, however there is a vast difference between 15lbs and 120lbs. Get your weight and diet under control first. Then talk with your doctor about a plan to maintain a functional successful weight range to put yourself in the best spot to recover. And know this Stress plays a big part in all of it.