Seems like I got old all of a sudden.........

[CathyA]

Has this happened to any of you older people? Yes, I know I've been getting older for about 20 years, but since February, everything seemed to suddenly age. My hair has gotten so thin and my skin looks like, well.......like the old lady I am! haha My skin is so thin and tears easily. My doc said to try Biotin for thinning hair. I tried it and it seemed to work, but I found myself getting angry for no reason. I did a search and it's actually one of the side-effects that some people get! So......do I want to be really pissed off, or tolerate thin hair? haha So I stopped taking it. I can get angry enough without any help from a vitamin.

It's really weird getting old. I guess I never thought it would happen to me. And it always seems so much easier for other old people. I know that's a silly thing to say, but people seem to be handling better than I do.

Anyhow........anyone else losing their hair? (women, that is). Seems like it would be traumatic for men too.....
I've always had longish hair, but it was always very fine too. I always twist it and pull it up in a barrette, but it's getting so thin, there's nothing to hold the barrette in. I can't imagine getting it cut. It wouldn't do anything then and I want it out of my face. Maybe I'll shave my head............

[pinkytoe]

No thinning hair yet but I bet my time is coming in a couple of years. Growing older is definitely a strange process when it feels like you've been young most of your life. I tell myself it's just adolescence in reverse as I recall all the physical changes back then were hard to "grow into." Now I understand the 92yo lady I once knew who said she didn't know who that person in the mirror was because she sure didn't feel that old.

[iris lilies]

Take the thinning hair, thats just a vanity thing.

I had always had thick hair, and it is creepy the way it falls out now. Well, at least now I can use a typical barrette. In the old days my hair was too thick for those to work, I looked for super strong barrettes and kept them forever when I found them.

Every year, or couple of years, I have a new and unpleasant discovery about about aging skin. Lately it has been skin tags. Harmless, but new and unwelcome. My dog is developing skin tags as he ages so we are experiencing it together!

[Yppej]

My hair's thinning has been gradual, and I color it which helps add volume. I also cut it and got lots of compliments when I did.

Other things bother me more, like my knees being stiff after sitting awhile or sleeping, which is a little better as I've lost 5 pounds but I doubt will ever go away entirely.

As to skin I recently developed the creases on the side of my mouth that Liberace had plastic surgery to remove in the movie Beneath the Candelabra. But I have no interest in going under the knife. I would rather spend my money on fun things like travel.

[Gardnr]

No thinning hair here. I have no idea your age....I'm 56. My knees give me trouble..I'm slow to "take off". Aches and pains take longer to work themselves out. That's all I notice at 56. Well, and those dark spots on my arms. Too much sun as a kid and 36 years in the operating room scrubbing my arms and hands within an inch of their life hasn't helped either!

[catherine]

I'm working on a project in which the medical product I'm testing is targeted toward older people. So one of the questions I have to ask doctors when they use the word "elderly" to define the people for whom they prescribe this product, I ask, "What age do you think of as 'elderly'?" And to my horror, they typically respond "65." I'm 65. One doctor explained "That's unfortunately when everything seems to start to go bad."

Gee, not very encouraging. I feel great almost 100% of the time. And I definitely don't feel I'm "elderly."

As for the getting old quickly, my theory is that your body chemistry and shift in hormones flips a switch during menopause, and it's like going through a door much the same as when you go through puberty. Things happen quickly. As for me, as good as I feel, I know have the "old" look now--judging by how many people offer to help me when I'm traveling :(. I don't think dermabrasion or mini-facelifts can do much to reverse the look of age. Probably the thing that works the best is bio-identical hormones. But I'm not into them. I prefer to just go from summer to fall and winter like the trees do.

My hair has also thinned, but actually,, a change in shampoo and taking multivitamins with biotin has slowed that down a lot. I don't have many aches and pains yet, though. I generally feel pretty good. My mother used to have all these funny sayings. One of them was "I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in" and that's how I feel today.

[CathyA]

I'm 67. Realistically, I SHOULD be feeling like I'm old! Catherine, you mentioned female hormones and that really has so much to do with changes. "Going through menopause", for me, has lasted since I was 55. I know that my hormones are still fluctuating, because of various symptoms and the pre-migraine auras I get when my estrogen starts back up after a fall. Last February, when so many more symptoms started and I started losing my hair, I really feel like I had a big drop in my estrogen........so that could explain things.

I don't feel like I have an old brain.......except for all those words I can't remember constantly......but my various body parts definitely feels old and started feeling old when I was a child.
But......I am extremely grateful to be able to have lived to this age. Many people don't get that opportunity.
But it's definitely an adjustment, for sure. And everyone seems to age so differently.

Psychologically, it's such a curiosity to me.....growing old.......time passing. Very curious indeed.

[Zoe Girl]

I was wondering what age we were all feeling it. I still don't feel too bad. I am 50, almost 51. I did notice things this last year, bruising easier, the peri-menopause symptoms, tiredness enough that I made the DR check my iron levels. And I already have some thin hair so I am paranoid about that one, my hair is white which I like but not thin thank you.

I can still run/walk, do almost anything I want, adjust things for asthma but not too much age at least. Better enjoy the next decade!!

[JaneV2.0]

One doctor explained "That's unfortunately when everything seems to start to go bad."

I found that to be all too true--which is why raising Social Security eligibility age is not a good idea, IMO.

[nswef]

I'm 68 and it seems aches last longer. I am bruising more easily. Hair is OK for now, but I keep wondering when I will have the pink scalp showing through...Mouth wrinkles and my skin on my arms is just mottled. But like so many I am happy to be up and about, moving although slower and generally being in good health. Just hope my mind stays decent and that I drop dead at an early enough time to not be demented.

[Sad Eyed Lady]

I think about this every now and then. When will I really feel "old"? I will be 66 in October, and still don't think of myself as old. I am fortunate to have good health and I know that goes a long way in staving of the feeling of "old", but I also know that could change in a heartbeat. After my DH passed, I quit coloring my hair and so now I have gray (silverish) hair among the dark and I really like it. But, the skin - that is another question. Sometimes I look down at my arms and I see my grandmother's arms. That is a shock. I think in some ways I feel more vunerable too, such as if I fall will I break something that could be major? Being alone with no family, I can't help but sometimes have concern as to "what is going to happen to me?", in what 10 more years? 15? It's all a big mystery in front of us, we just have to take care of ourselves and be adaptable I guess. Interesting thread CathyA.

[Tenngal]

61 yrs old here. No thinning hair but dark hairs showing up on my upper lip and chin. I pluck for awhile and then get disgusted.
I use hair removal cream on those areas with good success. My main problem is the weight gain, aches and pains.
One Aleve makes a difference but then we keep reading it is not good to keep taking everyday,

[KayLR]

The crepe-y skin is horrifying to me. If I'd known when I was way younger how this would feel/look, I would not have baked my lithe body in the sun for a short-lived suntan.
That and the neck---ugh. I always think of that book, "I feel bad about my neck," by Nor Ephron.

Physically, I have few complaints. I have good genes there. My eyes are going bad, but whatever. I have floaters that make me a bit nuts.

[pinkytoe]

I think the aging thing is probably very gradual but there are definitely accelerated time frames when changes seem as if they happen overnight. I noticed right away that the older women here in high, dry country have skin like leather and look ten years older than they are. No humidity and the baking sun. I think it's sad that our culture shapes us into feeling bad about what should be a celebrated passage into our acquired wisdom and experience.

[Baldilocks]

I haven't gone to the doctor in ten or fifteen years. This year I turned 50. My company started a wellness program. I new I had a umbilical hernia. So I had a physical, a surgery and healed up. Once I healed, I started biking to work and working out. I changed my diet at the beginning of the year because of the stupid wellness program. So far I've lost 17 lbs and I must say, I feel pretty darn good for a 50 year old. Work on nutrition and keep moving. My mother-in-law is going on 80 and she takes 20 mile bike rides.

[Teacher Terry]

I am 63 and my skin is getting thin on my arms and wrinkly. My hair is still super thick thankfully. I have the wrinkles on each side of my mouth. I have various aches and pains but less then I used to since I lost 40lbs. But it beats the alternative:))

[Simplemind]

We were just talking about this. We noticed that when we get together with friends an inordinate amount of time is spent talking about age related physical problems. I know I'm 61 but my mind is still in my 30's or 40's. I know I'm probably looked at as elderly but I don't feel it and I don't think it. When I get around people of a similar age that do it creeps me out. I'm so peeved that it has come on so quickly. I remember when I could go to the gym if the weight had crept up and get it worked out pretty quickly. Now I'm walking 6 miles a day and doing water aerobics and yoga and it still continues to climb. WTH???? Then, horror upon horrors.... usually we hit it pretty hard in the morning, have lunch and then chill for a bit to recharge for what ever the afternoon brings. My DH started turning the TV to Judge Judy while we checked in on our computers. I suddenly realized.... I'm watching Judge Judy... during the afternoon. I have turned into my mother!!!!!

[Sad Eyed Lady]

I suddenly realized.... I'm watching Judge Judy... during the afternoon. I have turned into my mother!!!!!

Hahhahahaha!!!!! That is funny!

[Tammy]

I'm feeling like the young nurses treat me like their mother. In a good way. And they are younger than my kids. But it took a few years to adjust to being treated like I'm older.

But really, it's a good change. They don't want me to lift heavy things anymore. And they listen more carefully to my guidance.

I don't mind being in my 50s. It's been a sort of a fun transition and I like this stage of life.

[KayLR]

Simplemind, I feel much like you---younger than my body/face portrays me. I got really annoyed last year when i was talking to DD about her and SIL's wills. I was staying at their house for 10 days with the grandkids while they went on a couple's vacation. I was remarking about what if something happened to them, what do the wills say about the kids. She informed me that they have written that her best friend (who already has 5 kids) will take them. WHAT?? She said, "well Mom, you are getting up there..."

I'm not too "up there" to watch them for 10 days or take the 15 yr old hiking and camping, etc. Grrr-rrr. I do not like being labeled above all. ETA: I am 62.

[goldensmom]

I got a photo taken yesterday to renew my passport. I have to send in my previous passport that has a picture of me taken 10 years ago. I feel good, I feel healthy and I am physically active but, gosh, looking at my two pictures I wondered what has happened to me! Is this what people see when they look at me (not how I see myself) but sadly I had to say 'yes, it is'.

[Yppej]

I wasn't aware until it happened to me that as the feet age toenails grow up not out. I now have one of these. It's not painful but I dislike it.

[CathyA]

The past couple of weeks have been absolute hell for me. Every single joint and muscle hurts. Tylenol barely touches it and I can't take NSAIDS. Next week I start to figure out which doc to see first. I don't want to be a downer on Thanksgiving, but I understand why people don't want to go on........
In spite of the pain, I have cleaned the house and made 4 things to take to our get-together. This year I'm thankful it wasn't at my house!!
I can collapse tomorrow..........then find the energy for christmas. I cry a lot.

[Yppej]

Cathy I am sorry you are having a tough time and hope you find relief soon.

[rosarugosa]

Yes, sorry to hear you are having so much trouble, Cathy. Best wishes to you.

[sweetana3]

Cathy, Christmas will come again next year. Only do what is comfortable, delegate if possible or don't do it this year. Find some small things that are special and easy even if it is just cocoa and a movie at home. Try to pamper yourself with wearing soft pjs whenever possible, warm socks, hot bath or shower, and hot tea (or drink of choice).

Spend only a little time at the get together and, if asked to help, tell them you dont have the energy or ability. Take it easy.

Hope the doctors can find you some relief.

[pinkytoe]

I am so sorry you don't feel well. The holidays often magnify things and not in a good way.

[catherine]

I also am very sorry to hear about all the pain you're experiencing, Cathy. I hope you find a doctor who can help. Have you been to a pain management specialist?

[BikingLady]

Cathy, I am sorry.

[BikingLady]

56 here. On the topic post, I had to scan to see if I had already posted as the title is so me. I am glad to hear so many of us have similar feelings. I am nearing if not there the point of that my body will never look that way again>:( I struggled for a few years. As silly as this sounds to me so it will to everyone else theses are my old age creeping thoughts: * I have struggled each Monday since I was 14 with "This week is Different", I will change my diet Yes diet and exercise are big in my life. GEE when will I leave that baggage on the side of the river and move on??? *This morning I looked at my hands and thought well Mom is always with me, as these are her hands!!! *I find myself saying what I want to accomplish before..insert date or age The Bucket List. *I don't want to end up like..insert name. *You can't take it with you. *** OMG the Back when I was young statement!

[BikingLady]

I got a photo taken yesterday to renew my passport. I have to send in my previous passport that has a picture of me taken 10 years ago. I feel good, I feel healthy and I am physically active but, gosh, looking at my two pictures I wondered what has happened to me! Is this what people see when they look at me (not how I see myself) but sadly I had to say 'yes, it is'.

Oh those are my thought too! I say jokingly the Betty Davis line, If that is how I look I am never going out again!

[frugal-one]

So sorry, Cathy! Hope it gets better!

[Teacher Terry]

So sorry CAthy to hear that you are feeling so bad. Golden: yes I have to get my pic taken to and there is a huge difference between 53 and 63. One of my close friends from high school looks like she is 40. She is the only one aging so well.

[CathyA]

Thanks everyone. I did have a nice Thanksgiving at our relatives' farm. I was able to get distracted from all my pain for a while, and it was really nice. I'm lucky that DH's extended family is so nice and we all get along and have a great time.
Next week I need to force myself to see some doctors. I guess you could say I have a doctor phobia.......but most of it comes from having already seen so many uncompassionate, rushed doctors who send me on expensive wild goose chases. But I'll try to muster up the courage to go see them.
I really do appreciate your supportive comments!

[iris lilies]

One of my close friends from high school looks like she is 40. She is the only one aging so well.

Oh there is always one of those in every crowd! Haha. Am not the one in my crowd, however. And that is fine,
I just want to be physically active, I dont need to look like I am 50.

I heard one time that we should take a good photo of ourself in our 50’s and use that for our obituary photo. At thst age we still look like purself, not a generic old person, and yet we are mature and not trying to fool anyone with a young photo of ourself. Some of the obit images are so terribly dated showing the deceased as 20 something, hair fasions ridiculous.

[Yppej]

Looking younger than everyone else could be plastic surgery.

[catherine]

Looking younger than everyone else could be plastic surgery.

I agree. Or could be race. You know what they say, "Blacks don't crack." When I think of my African American friends, they all look 10-20 years younger than we "wrinkled whities" do.

Regarding photos, I asked my DD, a graphic designer for a high-end cosmetic firm, to re-take my LinkedIn photo. Well, she took some good shots, and then she must have photoshopped them, because I'm embarrassed. Every time I get a job through LinkedIn, I don't want to meet the client because I'm afraid they'll cry "bait and switch!" And that photo was only taken 2 years ago! So I can say I was in my early 60s when the shot was taken, but it makes me look 45.

[Teacher Terry]

My friend has not had any plastic surgery. My Mom always looked 25 years younger then her age as well. She went to the hospital at 84 because she was hemorrhaging and when they asked her age she told them. They called my Aunt to come because none of us kids lived in the same town. When my Aunt got there they told her something must be wrong with my Mom's brain because she thought she was 84 when they knew she couldn't be a day older then 60. It was even in the medical records. My Mom had a great picture taken at 60 and that was used for her obit.

[Yppej]

Cathy I just saw a news piece on synthetic cartilage as a new treatment for joint pain.

[iris lilies]

Looking younger than everyone else could be plastic surgery.
I have yet to see people look “ young” with plastic surgery,but granted, I may not know who has had it. The women who look extraordinary for their age have thst glowing tight skin that is gorgeous, and they inherit genes for that.

[Lainey]

So sorry CAthy to hear that you are feeling so bad. Golden: yes I have to get my pic taken to and there is a huge difference between 53 and 63. ...l.

Cathy, am also hoping your doctors can get you some relief. If I was in your shoes I'd be open to anything, including medical marijuana. But do what you need to take care.

I am agreeing with Terry about the big noticeable physical change in the late 50s/early 60s, and I believe that menopause is the biggest driver for that for women. it seemed like my skin got dry overnight (the dreaded crepey look), more facial wrinkles appeared, the "menopot" belly, eyelid droop, etc. I was another one who looked years younger for most of my life, and then poof, I was getting asked if I wanted the senior discount.. Not a big deal, but certainly takes a little time to accept that reality.
But no complaints because I am otherwise healthy, no chronic issues, no prescription meds. And I know for a retiree that I'm in the minority.

[catherine]

I was another one who looked years younger for most of my life, and then poof, I was getting asked if I wanted the senior discount.. Not a big deal, but certainly takes a little time to accept that reality.
But no complaints because I am otherwise healthy, no chronic issues, no prescription meds. And I know for a retiree that I'm in the minority.

Yup... I was examining a receipt for coffee at Dunkin Donuts and noticed that they automatically gave me the senior discount. Oh, and then a couple of weeks ago the guy game to take my BILs POD and when he was shutting the door he noticed the steamer trunks with the old port of call labels on them, like Liverpool, New York, etc. And he asked me, "Are these all the places you've been?"

I guess he thought I predated commercial airline travel. No, sir, I am not a Titanic survivor.

[Teacher Terry]

For a long time I looked a lot younger then I was. My oldest son and I are 19 years apart and for years when we would go places people thought I was his sister. Well that ship has long sailed:(. Having lost 3 friends in their 50's and 60's I have adjusted and at this point I am just happy to still be alive.

[CathyA]

When I was in my early 20's, I looked younger than I was. Then something happened. haha
I remember being in Kohl's once when I was 43 and she asked if I qualified for the senior discount. WHAT?? I told her I was only 43, but thought she should still give me the discount because of the "insult". haha And she gave it to me!

My hair turned gray pretty early. When I had my DD, I was 37 and when I was grocery shopping with her when she was 1, the produce kid asked her if she was having fun with grandma. I said I was her mother. I could hear women behind me snickering, as he tried to back-pedal. hahaha

DD is now 30 and has many gray strands in her dark hair. She has very knocked knees and pronated feet (like me).....which makes me nervous for her as she gets older. But maybe knee replacement will be a lot easier in 40 years..........

Actually, I think I was born with some defect. I was wearing custom orthotics in my teens and developed arthritis in my hands in my early 40s. It's all sorta weird to have so many problems, yet have made it to almost 68. But I would rather have quality than quantity.

Yppej....I'll have to read up on the synthetic cartilage. I've heard that Chicago is doing stem cell cartilage rejuvenation, so I'm hoping something like that takes off soon. They use one's own stem cells to grow the cartilage. I just don't understand why they can't just somehow replace the cartilage, rather than cut part of your femur and tibia off, replace it with metal posts, ends and screws and give you a plastic kneecap. I've heard the life of those are about 10 years, and some people continue to always have pain. Plus, before any dental work after that, you have to take antibiotics.........which always mess up my GI tract for awhile.

Medical marijuana is illegal in IN (and the oil stuff too). I'm always amazed (and envious) of older people who seem to take getting old all in stride. I just want to throw myself on the floor and scream and holler and cus. I would do that, but I'd never be able to get back up. :~) Actually, I can handle all my bent fingers and toes and pain in my knee........it's just the constant pain everywhere that makes me really sad.

All this might be just a huge flare of my fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis..........but it still hurts and I wish it would un-flare soon.
My brother is 2 years old than me and he moved out west in a huge R.V. and spends all his time hiking up mountains and riding his bike. Not fair. (And he was a drug addict in his earlier life). I guess I should have been too.....maybe that would have helped. >8)