Does anyone feel old and useless with age?

I was injured at work and forced to retire at 40. Many back, neck issues. I now have severe Osteoporosis. Just suffered 5 thoracic fractures. I am only 67. I feel like my life is going downhill. The physical issues just keep mounting. I walk bent in half because of the fracture and lean to the left because of scoliosis. I think I look like a freak!!!

I was forced to retire and walk away from my job 10 years ago and go on permanent disability at the age of 56. Between the osteoarthritis in my knees and hips, and the neuropathy that was beginning in my feet, I couldn't do my job any more.
Now, 10 years later, I can hardly walk for more than a few minutes without help, I have balance issues, absolutely no physical endurance, and am in constant chronic pain 24/7. My wife is still working to support us, and all I can do is basically sit at the house all day. I'm a shell of what I was physically when I was still working.
We had to sell our home and move in with our son and his family for 2 years when I retired before we could afford to rent a place. We'll never own a home again.
I don't think I'm useless, I know I am.

I’m so sorry for your pain and suffering, it is very sad to hear so many people going through life with constant pain. Please don’t call yourself useless because it’s not true what you’re saying, your wife is working to support her family and I respect that, the world is so changed and men do jobs the same as women, they take care of each other when needed and vice versa. I may be a female but I truly get what you’re saying but it’s wrong, your family loves you and need you, we’re always being tested in life but put your faith in God’s hands and have faith in your own abilities and strength.

You are not useless. You do not know what your posts may do to help someone else. I have posted before, and today I felt awful when I woke up, like I do many days. I am grateful I have a place to live and I am not drinking again and on the street. I have food, clothes, a car, two dogs that love me and although I can not work at the moment and I am going to school online, I am essentially living off student loans. Yes, I will be in terrible debt when I graduate (god willing) and yet all my needs are met. I know it can always be worse, and as I have said before, I have to keep myself in the present day or I freak out. I have no idea what is coming. An asteroid may blow up the planet tonight. Hang in there. I think you help people posting even though you may not know that.

I’m in the same boat. Forced to retire at 52. I’m 100% from the military. I get money. I have my dream home. I’ve had the support of my husband. But I have so little motivation. I’m on meds for epilepsy, major depression and blood pressure problems. I’m raising my 14 year old grandson, I just had a total right should replacement 3 weeks ago. I’m alone most of the time and that can be deadly. I just can’t seem to find people I can relate to. I’m still dreaming of having a reason to wake up for myself. I do everything for pets and my grandson. But, what is my motivation to hike, paint, sing or smile? I’m struggling too.

I read these comments with sympathy. A suggestion for anyone interested--is there a community college near you? I taught at one for over 25 years. Our campus offered a full array of art classes (welding, jewelry making, tin work, pottery etc.) as well as program in the trades, including solar energy. There were classes in pretty much everything you can imagine, including community (non-credit) courses in singing, music appreciation, water aerobics, local history etc. A veterans' office, special disability office, a gym, beautiful campus--all the support a person could want to get out and do things with others. And on-line classes. Plus opportunities to tutor, meet people of all ages, participate in events, etc. It certainly is not for everyone--but do take a look. Ours was very low cost for seniors and now much of it is free. Has anyone looked into this? I think it is the first place I'd turn if looking for connection.