Does anyone feel old and useless with age?

I was forced out of the workforce by an on-the-job-injury. I was a professional pilot for 42 years and was very active traveling all over the world with a pretty hectic lifestyle. I had multiple hobbies and a very active social life. When I injured my back, the slow physical decline along with multiple surgeries caused me to eventually fail my FAA flight physical. All of the pilot certificates and ratings in the world are absolutely useless without a valid medical certificate. I was grounded in the space of about two years from date of injury and eventually was medically retired from my dream job of a lifetime. Of course depression set in and at first it was mild. After about 6 months it because overwhelming causing me to seek out a mental health doctor. He diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Having an actual name for my depression validated my emotions, but did nothing to alleviate my condition. When I went out I no longer had a uniform indicating my profession for all to see. Instead, I wore a tee-shirt and baggy pants. Everywhere I went I felt invisible. Being in my 60's many younger people scurried around me (being more agile) to get to the front of checkout lines because they actually had a schedule and a JOB! Because I was unable to do the hobbies I once enjoyed (SCUBA, etc.), I decided to use my life experience to help younger people who were struggling with academics. I also help veterans apply for their disability benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA). And, I volunteer as a poll worker during national elections. Bottom line... I had to switch gears and get in the right mindset, quit my "pity-party" and redirect my energy into helping others. Hope this helps someone!

I was forced out of the workforce by an on-the-job-injury. I was a professional pilot for 42 years and was very active traveling all over the world with a pretty hectic lifestyle. I had multiple hobbies and a very active social life. When I injured my back, the slow physical decline along with multiple surgeries caused me to eventually fail my FAA flight physical. All of the pilot certificates and ratings in the world are absolutely useless without a valid medical certificate. I was grounded in the space of about two years from date of injury and eventually was medically retired from my dream job of a lifetime. Of course depression set in and at first it was mild. After about 6 months it because overwhelming causing me to seek out a mental health doctor. He diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Having an actual name for my depression validated my emotions, but did nothing to alleviate my condition. When I went out I no longer had a uniform indicating my profession for all to see. Instead, I wore a tee-shirt and baggy pants. Everywhere I went I felt invisible. Being in my 60's many younger people scurried around me (being more agile) to get to the front of checkout lines because they actually had a schedule and a JOB! Because I was unable to do the hobbies I once enjoyed (SCUBA, etc.), I decided to use my life experience to help younger people who were struggling with academics. I also help veterans apply for their disability benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA). And, I volunteer as a poll worker during national elections. Bottom line... I had to switch gears and get in the right mindset, quit my "pity-party" and redirect my energy into helping others. Hope this helps someone!

I’m turning 60 in a few months, and I’ve had that useless feeling when I was forced to retire. I’m not very mobile at the moment, so I started using the computer to get to know people. I’ve meet a few people who have the same interests as myself, and we get together on the computer and have lunch every Tuesday, and just shoot the breeze. When it comes to having people assist you, there are programs out there to have help come to you. All you have to do is ask, and fill out forms. Hope this gives you some ideas.

OregonMike

I was absolutely astounded when I read that people in their 60's feel old and useless. I am 89 years old and certainly do not feel that way. I worked until age 67. I was a racewalker since the 1980's despite having a full-time job and a family to look after. I continued after my retirement until I wore out a hip and had it replaced. With the help of a wonderful housekeeper who comes once a month to do the heavy cleaning I take care of myself, which includes the laundry, trying to cook healthy meals and driving to wherever I need to go. I certainly do not feel my age nor helpless. As I approach my 90th birthday I realize that I will have to slow down because the body itself slows down, but I will continue to do all I am capable of doing.

Hi Margaret ob
Fellow approaching 80, too. Lived thru three real ups and downs in life. So far without any meds, surgeries, tests bcause I suppose I've tried to Live Life first in all its areas of interest to humans starting with playful exertions rather than that strange word 'exercise' eating with full attention to taste and feel and smell and it resulting in good restful sleep and having my thoughts (expectations, feelings, attitudes, goals...) whetted out with a good dose of what life really is -- no certainties, lots of surprises in worklife, family, friendships, neighbors and nations. Likely with this attitude, I have ended up mostly medical troubles-free
and most of all Looking Forward to what I'd Want to do next day/week or year. Some call it Purposeful life.

Actually purpose seems to be the most critical factor in our lives-with-no-guarantees. Patrick Hill of Washington State univ of St Louis has done studies going back to decades.
Good luck in this sometimes hard but always surprising universe!

A lot of good suggestions have been offered and many work well. Having been a business woman from the age of 20, in retirement I found I needed a purpose in life in addition to enjoying finally being retired @ 65. I live by myself with 2 precious kitties who light up my life every day. Pets are wonderful mood boosters. Early in my retirement I submitted an application to join the Senior Advisory Board @ my local city. They plan activities for the city's seniors (most are free), have fairs during the year, day trips, dances, hobby & exercise classes, Bingo, movies, a book club, lunches, etc. I was so happy that I was successful in being appointed to the Board and served on it for 16 yrs. In doing something that enlivens other seniors' lives made mine even better! I would encourage seniors to visit their city's senior centers or those of other cities nearby and make new friends & attend events & games. I've been told by many of our seniors that they have made wonderful friendships at the center and support has always been there when life problems happen. One lady I am friends with recently lost her husband and was getting very depressed but was not leaving her home. I encouraged her to return to the senior center where she had friends & she did. She's doing much better now. Over the years I've made many good friends who are a big part of my life. Hope you'll look into a senior center at a city near you. If you don't drive, most have bus service to and from the center.

How do you find a senior center in Tucson,AZ like the the one you joined?