What is it like getting older?

[T'Bonz]

Like any other time in life, getting older has its ups and downs. I'm 56.

Ups: more confidence, less uptight, better off financially, family raising complete.

Downs: the body. Harder to lose weight/keep off weight, more health issues, less stamina/strength. And on the vain side, I miss my youthful looks. I miss hair being one color instead of several (if I don't dye it).

But I don't miss the mess I was mentally when young.

Pretty much, if you asked me any time in my life if I was happy there or preferred an earlier time, I'd have said I was happy where I was. I expect that to be the same unless something really ghastly happens in my life.

 

[RandyS]

Yeah, 2014 has been a shitty year for me, too, Randy. I sincerely hope 2015 is better, and not just for myself.

Yeah. Let's hope next year is better for both of us.

 

[Amaris]

Yeah, 2014 has been a shitty year for me, too, Randy. I sincerely hope 2015 is better, and not just for myself.

Yeah. Let's hope next year is better for both of us.

Amen to that!

 

[Australis]

Like any other time in life, getting older has its ups and downs. I'm 56.

Ups: more confidence, less uptight, better off financially, family raising complete.

Downs: the body. Harder to lose weight/keep off weight, more health issues, less stamina/strength. And on the vain side, I miss my youthful looks. I miss hair being one color instead of several (if I don't dye it).

But I don't miss the mess I was mentally when young.

Pretty much, if you asked me any time in my life if I was happy there or preferred an earlier time, I'd have said I was happy where I was. I expect that to be the same unless something really ghastly happens in my life.

I'm the same age. I agree with the bolded parts totally. Only difference is the last paragraph, for a long time my motto was "anywhere but here, anywhen but now".

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

This whole fucking thread is a challenge, if I don't like something NOW why I am still in it?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I'm enjoying getting older. I feel a lot better now than I did 20 years ago. Of course it could just be the coffee and/or booze, but I doubt it.

 

[mos6507]

Re-reading my answers in this thread made me realize that getting older didn't feel like getting older, but having a kid certainly did!

Ain't that the truth! Having a child also changes your entire perspective on life.

I would agree with that. I think there's a big difference between a middle-aged person with or without children.

I think one of the big differences in getting older is how you feel in relation to the rest of society and how they view you, simply by being older. It's easy for younger people to look up to you as being more experienced and wise to the world. However, you also feel shut-out from fitting in with the young crowd and so many things seem to no longer be age-appropriate (like wearing T-shirts and going to rock concerts) even though your taste may not have changed.

In professions that are mostly young, like mine (programming) it's hard to hold your ground as you move into your 40s as most my age have ascended into management.

Also, while women may say they like older guys, if you can't stay in shape and hold onto a full head of hair, I don't see how it's possible to be confident in the dating game. The former is a challenge for me, leading a sedentary life, and the latter is a lost cause. That's assuming I actually had the free time to date, which I really don't.

I think the best time in life is college because aside from academics it's really no responsibility and being immediately surrounded by people you have the most in common with for four years. I was too shy to make the most of that period, unfortunately.

 

[T'Bonz]

I'm the same age. I agree with the bolded parts totally. Only difference is the last paragraph, for a long time my motto was "anywhere but here, anywhen but now".

I tend to look back at the past and go "Man, what a hot mess I was back then!"

But when I was in those times, I was fine.

I'm not quite sure what that means, and I'm not quite sure that I want to know what that means!

* *

Mos6507:

However, you also feel shut-out from fitting in with the young crowd and so many things seem to no longer be age-appropriate (like wearing T-shirts and going to rock concerts) even though your taste may not have changed.

Not quite. While I can't rock a mini anymore (even if I had the body for it which I no longer do), I wear t-shirts and if I wish, go to a concert. If the kiddies can't deal with grandma at a concert, tough noogies on them.

I wouldn't want to be young again (minus better health/looks), but I know people my age (like my brother) who would go back in an instant.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Eh, I still dress and act like I did when I was young. Meanwhile, the youngest of my siblings has evolved (or perhaps devolved) from Rock star wannabe to suburban homeowner who grows his own vegetables out back. I tell him he's gone from the first line of "Pleasant Valley Sunday" to the second.

That's what makes me "the cool uncle."

 

[Mr Awe]

That's OK, you look back on the stupid shit you did when you were 17 and want to kick your own ass too, said everyone ever.

I'm more about what I didn't do, rather than what I did, though.

"I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't." - Lucille Ball

"You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you've lost them forever." - Wayne Dyer

That's so true and the one thing I'd tell my younger self. I don't have many regrets, but the ones I do are things that I didn't do.

Mr Awe

 

[Australis]

^ Amen.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

I miss hair being one color instead of several (if I don't dye it).

I, on the other hand, am enjoying adding a third color to my natural two. Sorry about the terrible quality photo.

 

[cooleddie74]

^

I like it!

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Thanks, Eddie!

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I like it too!

Hope this doesn't mean you have the blues, though.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Nope, no blues, MLB. Just a bit of the turquoises.

And thanks.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

^ My pleasure! And if I may, TZ: "How you doin'?"

 

[cooleddie74]

See, now that's how you dye hair blue. That's the right and the best shade if you're going to do it.

 

[RJDiogenes]

That's pretty cool. And it makes me want to listen to Missing Persons.

 

[HIjol]

"what's that?...>>> you asked, "...what do I like about my gelatin holder?">>>
oh, oh, "gettin' older"...I thought ya said, "gelatin holder"
didn't make no sense...

ya gotta speak up, sonny, I can barely hear ya'!