Does anyone feel old and useless with age?

Posted by sally12345 @sally12345, Sep 13, 2023

Hi, I'm almost 64.. I'm feeling old and useless. My strength isn't good anymore. Like it used to be mainly side effects of meds. My health is poor with cvsd. Osteoporosis, poor circulation, hearing , eyesight, you name it's going. I always took care of myself. Now I've gotten older and everything's wrong, my grandkids don't a want me around and they are little still. No friends to talk with or do things with. Why is it we spend our lifetime taking care of family. Loving friends to end up , old and tired. Useless.

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Profile picture for grandmira @grandmira

I was laying in bed this morning at 6:00 am and thinking is this what old age feels like, back ache, shoulder ache, kink in my neck etc., I thought get the hell out of bed and get ready to go to the woodlot, cutting and gathering with my son. I know I will be as tired when I get back but spending the day with my son in the quiet of the wood is terrific. I might not be as physically able as I was, but I still can help, even when I can’t do that just being there and giving advice etc is fulfilling in of itself. My point is we all have something to give even if it’s years of experience that those who can appreciate it, will.

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@grandmira
Hello Grandmira,
I am 81 and have come to an understanding with myself that whatever physical limitations I have or will have in the future, will not affect my mental awareness of my life experiences to date. One can always help others with kindness, patience and acceptance in all interactions, especially with those unlike ourselves.
Getting "the hell out of bed" is our main determination to keep on keeping on. Thanks for your writing" It reminds me that life is a process and regardless the time anyone spends on this earth one can always contribute goodness toward others. See you in the woodlot...
Jofree

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Hello Sally 12345,
At times it is true during self introspection that one may feel "useless" as you say; this is a realization for us all however it should not define our contributions we have made: For ourselves or with others along our journey. I'm 81 and have hopefully shed my last tear over my inabilities: Throughout my lifetime I contributed my best to our country, served another country throughout the 80's and during my sojourns in and out of all those experiences, my physical abilities were a blessing. Now I have poor ambulation but can ramble around quickly if I need to and my strength and daily fortitude are thriving with renewed anticipation. We get what we give: My wonderful Gal of 35 years together supports any effort I put forth, kicks me in the pants when I slide down that slope of self pity and encourages me back into the stream of life.
Your writing shares a bit of yourself and your efforts along your journey and I am fairly certain that, like all of us, have done some good and done some bad. All that is behind us now and each and every day we have renewed opportunities to contribute all along the way. And, your writing also has reaffirmed my dedication to on giving to others anytime and anything that we are able to share. Thank you for helping me to realize that each morning we awake, we have another day to offer ourselves to others in kindness and understanding and acceptance.
Hang in their and count your blessings. Jo free

REPLY
Profile picture for jofree @jofree

Hello Sally 12345,
At times it is true during self introspection that one may feel "useless" as you say; this is a realization for us all however it should not define our contributions we have made: For ourselves or with others along our journey. I'm 81 and have hopefully shed my last tear over my inabilities: Throughout my lifetime I contributed my best to our country, served another country throughout the 80's and during my sojourns in and out of all those experiences, my physical abilities were a blessing. Now I have poor ambulation but can ramble around quickly if I need to and my strength and daily fortitude are thriving with renewed anticipation. We get what we give: My wonderful Gal of 35 years together supports any effort I put forth, kicks me in the pants when I slide down that slope of self pity and encourages me back into the stream of life.
Your writing shares a bit of yourself and your efforts along your journey and I am fairly certain that, like all of us, have done some good and done some bad. All that is behind us now and each and every day we have renewed opportunities to contribute all along the way. And, your writing also has reaffirmed my dedication to on giving to others anytime and anything that we are able to share. Thank you for helping me to realize that each morning we awake, we have another day to offer ourselves to others in kindness and understanding and acceptance.
Hang in their and count your blessings. Jo free

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@jofree I like your reply. At 80 we realize we are mortal. I made it to 80 without any serious health problems, now at 85 I have them, but I am still very independent. I had an interesting life. I see the challenges that the young face in the future and I wish I could leave them a better world.

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Profile picture for vic83 @vic83

@jofree I like your reply. At 80 we realize we are mortal. I made it to 80 without any serious health problems, now at 85 I have them, but I am still very independent. I had an interesting life. I see the challenges that the young face in the future and I wish I could leave them a better world.

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@vic83 that is a very sweet response. I pray the world is better for my kids and grandkids, too.

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