Does anyone feel old and useless with age?

I'm almost the same age as you but don't feel useless. I had a severe depression when I was diagnosed and being treated for cancer but I feel I'm on the road to recovery now almost a year later.

I do volunteer work, which helps a lot in terms of not feeling useless. I also spend as much time as my nieces and nephews are willing to tolerate me and try to stay current with the music, movies, games, etc. that they like.

I was pleasantly surprised when I gave my retirement notice at work that everyone asked how I could be retiring "so young." Most everyone there thought I was in my 40s or 50s--good for the ego 😃.

Well I understand feeling useless in old age. I'm 83 and have lost communication with one son and seldom hear from my grandsons. Then I was diagnosed about a year ago with autism! I lived my whole messed-up life not knowing I was autistic. I've spent the last year re-viewing my life with this new knowledge. Luckily, My health is not too bad. Neuropathy, IBS, recurring skin cancers (minor), arthritis in my hands. I've been depressed and anxious and confused my whole life. The depression has gotten a little better with age but the anxiety is through the roof. I have one friend. I try to stay busy with things around my house and in my shop and I do crossword puzzles and watch videos ( as "distracting" as possible). I am not suicidal but don't fear an easy death. I think the kids blame us elders for all their problems and maybe they got a point.

Please know you are not useless! My heart breaks for you. If you need to talk ...I am here. Hugs

Oh the best - but to find a great place is hard… good for you!

Oh you youngsters...............
I am 82 & have NO grandchildren & no siblings since I only had a
sister who was 8 years older than me. And my husband just died this summer.
I just feel like I don't have goals anymore.
Please don't feel useless as EVERY community needs volunteers &
you will be appreciated for your efforts. Families don't really or maybe
can't really fulfill all our needs so look for other ways to be useful / happy/fulfilled..good hunting for new friends & opportunities... 🙂

"Don't let circumstances rule your life as you can't control them!" Those are words of wisdom!
A friends told me I had courage & I try to remember that when I just want to hide under the bed.
Thank you for the perceptive outlook!! K

👍

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Hi,
My husband died this summer also from lung cancer. I don't have any siblings or grand children either. It is really an effort since our lives are now so different isn't it? What helps me the most is prayer. I pray or basically, just talk to God every day. I get my prayers answered too which is so nice. Luckily, I'm a writer which that has suffered lately when my husband was so ill. But now I'm anxious to get back to it.
Also with my husband being so ill, the heavy house cleaning suffered too! I still made the bed, did the dishes and fixed meals but the rest got ignored for lack of time. I just cleaned the bathroom thoroughly and it took me two days when I used to do it in one! But, life goes on.
I wish you the best.
PML

If I may, allow me to repeat a suggestion:
If you want to do something to feel useful, read people's stories here on Connect, and offer support and encouragement.
They'll feel better, and so will you.

Amen!
I don't understand why someone who post a reply on this site
would tell another person that this site does not help????
Stories throughout the ages teach us & give another perspective;
always helpful.