Shocked by aging process

I think what has shocked me is all the negativity in society about aging. I never noticed it until I turned 65. Suddenly, it seemed age was a huge issue. I’m still energetic, productive and vital. I’m still young in spirit and definitely healthier than I was 15 years ago. I think the term old is subjective. So, I think what shocks me is how others perceive seniors and not my own health. I’m actually surprised I don’t have arthritis, high cholesterol, heart problems or fatigue. I’m very grateful.

@frouke

Your story reminded me of my father saying:
“Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called The Present”

Blessings

@jamiemj

Hormone levels??

I think Waylon Jennings had it pretty well covered in his song, "Amanda", when he sang, "I look in the mirror in total surprise // At the lines on my face and the age in my eyes." I started looking and seeing that thirty years ago.

I will add to the comment about exercise. It gives me the boost I need, I think this works for just about everyone. It’s not another pill, and can be as relaxing or challenging as you want to make it - just walking around your block (or around your living room). Or sitting in a chair and circling your arms, lifting your legs? Or putting on a senior exercise show on TV? Silver Sneakers has these, and there’s other ones.
I think I’m fortunate, I have a naturally optimistic disposition. And I love to exercise, it makes me feel like I am telling my body that I am not giving up, I’m in it for the long haul. With Silver Sneakers I have free Y membership and take advantage of it, they have all kinds of classes, or you can just walk around the perimeter as many times as you want - nice, safe, enclosed and is great when the weather outside is not good.
At my Y there are lots of older people, I do not feel out of place at all, the environment is very welcoming.
Last year was a definite challenge, being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer out of the blue (healthy my whole life), so spending the year going through 12 chemo infusions and major surgery (Whipple).
I am ready to enjoy 2026, and hopefully more! I am 72.

Sorry for your suffering and hope you have some better days…true, medical things happen, not fun, but that doesn’t have to define us all the time…think of how many hurdles we dealt with by this age- take some strength from that, so we can focus on so much that is good, that can lighten the load…

Keep moving not only for your body but for your brain. Also, keep your brain exercised. I am 79 and rarely think about age. I am too busy entertaining ideas of what I can do like social clubs, book clubs, pool classes, mind games, etc. I have several skeletal issues to work around but continue to look for opportunities to enrich my life. I was always physically active when I was younger as a dancer and an athlete but thank goodness my mind is still sharp, which by the way is something I work on as well. I concentrate on gratitude much more than I used to when I was younger. Good luck and take care.

@nycmusic PS having recently survived cancer makes me feel more able to tackle other things and to be grateful for whatever I do have—especially people to love, nature’s beauty, the arts… 80 isn’t so bad-after all, I got here, when the odds were sometimes uncertain… finding new pleasures (more time) and feeling free from many pressures, forgiving myself for what I can’t do….

@dmbwa99362 I'm not discounting the way you feel but I have a daughter your age who just suddenly became a widow. I am 84 and still hanging in there. And yes, I was in the fashion business and was kind of vain about my looks. Now my hair is thinning I have four eyelashes on each eye and I have lines in my face that seemed to come on overnight. To me you are still young and have lots of life left. On other hand I don't buy green bananas.

@frouke May her memory be a blessing. How she kept her sense of humor from what she went through is a testament to her.