Getting Older and Hoping to Cope Well

Today I turned 57, I did the math 60-57=3. Three years and I'll be 60? OMG! Why do I feel like I'm in my thirties? I don't want to even say the number out loud.

So, that's why it's healthy to practice "Mindfulness." I don't have to worry about 3 years from now, just take it one day at a time.

But what's going on with my body? What happened to my waistline? What's happening with all the dental work I have to get done? Why does it take me an hour to come to full consciousness and that's with 2 cups of coffee?

It would just be nice to talk to others who are going through the same issues and concerns. I have much to be grateful for...no major medical issues, still able to walk fast, do yoga, and other physical activities. But I've never been married and I wonder if I'll ever be attractive enough now for someone to want to date me or if I'll end up alone all my life.

I feel rather selfish worrying about things others might find trivial. But the birthday today sort of knocked me for a loop.

I will turn 57 later this month, scooterb, and I have had more dental work done in the last two years than in the prior 50 added together. And the waistline thing? I've always kept my weight down but am now fighting muffin top in a major way. And who our age doesn't long for the days when they jumped out of bed, ready to take on the day in a second!!

I am married but still have concerns about ending up alone in the event my spouse goes before me. And like you, I as healthy as any 57 year old could hope to be.

Sometimes things catch you off guard and affect you in a major way. This is one where gratitude for what you have and acceptance of where you are help ... after the shock wears off!!

BTW, Happy Birthday scooterb!

Im not there yet, but I just wanted to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

I feel the same way about my age. I just turned 56...I also see 60 on the horizon...and my body is turning against me, but mentally I feel 30. Fun times.

Hi Scooterb. I am in my 50s. Three years ago I had tons of energy. I wonder where it went. I am divorced and feel very much alone.
LOL I am with you on the coffee thing. Exactly me!
When I turned 50, it was like And then comes 60
Hope you are well. I can relate to all you said.

I'm 51 (52 in December). I've always been youthful, but since hitting my 50's things are different...I'm realizing more and more that "getting older" really means something. Traditionally, I was a courageous person who faced the hardships in life quite well. Now I feel fearful constantly, and obsess over illness and death (loved ones, my own) to a point at which I am not properly enjoying my life.

Errr I'm not near my 60s but nearly 40. That's another milestone in life right? The title of your thread interested me because I am finding getting older to be difficult. My waistline has expanded considerably since having children and I'm overweight whereas I used to be very fit and athletic before having children. I struggle with the idea of myself, who I am, who I will become, what does that mean? So even though I'm in a different decade, you are not alone.

Hi! Age is just a number and I still feel like throat punching anyone who calls me Ma'am. I'm 44, perimemopause, no kids, deteriorating 7 yr marriage and went from healthy to obese on anti psychotics, yay! I waffle back and forth over divorce for fear of loneliness and my husband is a complete ***.

I try to walk 25 miles a week, pilates 3x's and light arm weights 3x's. I'm working on my healthy diet because dang I love my carbs. Switching from AP to anti-seizure meds with no life style change has so far dropped 20 lbs. I think it's important to know that you don't need a man to define you as a person. If it happens great, but using the practice of mindfulness we know it's out of our control and therefore a waste of energy. If I do live alone it won't mean the many blessings in my life are any less significant. Here's a good book and there's also a smart phone App

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/038530...dir_mdp_mobile

I hear you, it is a humbling experience getting older. I am 50, my husband left me 3 months ago. At 40 my whole body changed, slowed down, started getting wrinkly, saggy etc. I was amazed that it was true. I also always thought in my future, I would be laughing with my husband, having lots of cuddles and fun sex, beer, enjoying our grandchildren and our hobbies. I can still do all that, except the sex. I hug everyone I know. Some of the teachers at my daughters school were looking at me in horror. I am trying to go for feeling attractive instead of just looking attractive - I put make up on and nice clothes, but there is only so much you can do with an aging body. Instead, I enjoy putting cream all over, going for walks with friends, going swimming and in the sauna, and I joined weight watchers on line - so I can choose if I want to lose weight or not, but still pay attention to eating healthy food. I also buy clothes for their fabric and colors. If I ever do get lucky, I want a man who likes to eat, laugh, and is willing to explore all the different ways of cuddling, massaging and feeling good. I got called beautiful in my warm ridiculous pink knitted hat yesterday, I'll have to be happy with that.

I strongly believe it is how you feel physically and mentally about you Age is an number and let it be to your advantage. Speaking since I will be 51 shortly. There is about 25 years I wish I could erase looking back now, but no reason to moap about it anymore at least for me. Enjoy you

Come join the "seniors lounge" where us old folks have fun.

I'll be 43 this year and I feel like 30. I hear you!!!