Does anyone feel old and useless with age?

My last boyfriend used to always say "it is better to be a has been than a wanna be".... he had a great sense of humor. From one has been to another! LOL

I just retired (prematurely at 72 - I planned to work until 80) and tell everyone "I'm rich in time".... I feel like I won the time lottery. Never had any time before and was running around like a madwoman (a single mom, running a small business and renovating houses) - three full-time jobs, all of which I loved. Now suddenly all 3 ended at the same time. My adult daughter is "setting boundaries" (she has a therapist now and told me that she doesn't need to talk to me, because she loves her therapist. LOL) so my job as a single mom abruptly and unexpectedly ended. And my cash flow dived when she bought the business from me, but poverty is a spiritual virtue, so I just try to look at it from that perspective. I try to go with the flow, look at the upsides and cultivate gratitude for whatever I can think of that is positive in life. The best things in life are free (blue skies, sunshine, a walk outside, a smile, talking to strangers). There is always something or someone in front of you that needs something you can give. And realistically "it could be worse" -- my friend is turning 100 in 4 months and that is what he and his (97 year old wife tell each other every day. So pray, hope and don't worry. It could be worse!

I’m old (82) but not useless even though I’ve had a brain tumor and broke a hip. I have epilepsy and walk with a walker. I was widowed 5 years ago but God has blessed me with a good family and good eyesight (so far) and the ability to make and donate handmade goods and needlework. I went from being resentful of my situation to being accepting of it. This is my life now, and it’s up to me what I want to make of it.

You are not alone. I'm 76 and I've felt like you for many years. My kids (all adults) don't come or call and I have one great granddaughter I've never seen. She's 2. What really upsets me is when I'm talking they talk over me like whatever I'm saying is not relevant. That's just plain rude. It all makes me feel useless most of the time.

@dianestjohn we do have more experience and wisdom to give but the young people these days think they know more than we do. My kids do not want any advice from me and often treat me like a brainless wonder.

I am sorry to hear that Rashida. However, at least you have "kids" and family who react in some way, shape or form; some of us have no one. Consider yourself fortunate. That being said, I do NOT believe you are a "brainless wonder". You found this site. You have the opportunity to share your experience and wisdom NOW to people who are here and read this. Some of us, like myself do not know how to deal with being plunged into aging, disease, and a world of way too much hate. Some of us, like myself, truly need and want your advice. I had a tough weekend physically and emotionally; I forgot my age, I forgot I have a blood disease, I overdid Spring Cleaning, I did NOT eat healthy, I did NOT brush what teeth I have left in my mouth, I did NOT sleep good, and I did not rest until I was plunged into pain. I did feed and brush my beloved Maine Coon, Willow, I did change the linens, I did clean the windows, and I did make the most horrible lemon pound cake I ever made in my life ! So, today, I start all over again, moving forward, and I would hope with people like you in my back pocket. IT IS people like myself who NEED and LISTEN to people like you, however YOU are the ONLY one who has the choice to share your experience and wisdom. Not, myself, not anyone.