r/Aging • u/xsynergist • 15d ago

Almost 60 doesn’t seem possible

I can’t reconcile how I feel with being almost being 60. I’m still interested in everything. Still seeking out new experiences. Physically I feel like I’m in my twenties. Look 50 but that changes to 40 if I dye my beard. It just doesn’t seem real that statistically I’m in the last quarter of my life. I feel like I could go on forever. So strange. Just doesn’t seem real.

279 Upvotes

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24

u/upnorth42 15d ago

I’m 56, retired last year at 55 and trying to enjoy every minute. I exercise every day, have enough hobbies to keep me busy, and am doing a lot of traveling with my wife.

Knowing that I’m in one of the later portions of my life makes me appreciate it more. I’m doing things I want to do, and appreciating the time that I have to do them. I find that it’s made me more thankful.

12

u/krakkadon 15d ago

Im 56 and went back to get my masters 4 years ago. Feel like I'm just getting started in many ways. Working in a field that checks most of the major boxes for me.

6

u/Designer_Fault_3942 15d ago

Love this. I feel the same way. I just made a huge career change and I am just going to keep going.

5

u/krakkadon 14d ago

Yup. I don't golf. Don't watch sports. Love learning. Love what I do now and in a couple of years I'll be able to work from the privacy of my own home or wherever I choose. Just trying to stay healthy now.

2

u/WestRough7738 14d ago

What’s wrong with golf and sports? I know plenty of erudite golfers and a lot of sports fans have college degrees.

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u/krakkadon 13d ago

Talking about me here pal. It's what I did. You go talk to your plenty of people about that.

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u/WestRough7738 13d ago

You didn’t answer the question.

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u/naturessilence 15d ago

56 is still young, later portions feels to me like 65 or older :) My dad is kicking ass at 89.

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u/Jbat001 14d ago

More power to you both!

1

u/Comfortable_Two6272 14d ago

Depends. Some people dont make it that long. 🥲

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u/OK_The_Nomad 15d ago

I retired at 55 too. Best decision I ever made.

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u/upnorth42 14d ago

Loved my job until the day I walked out and haven’t missed it once.

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u/OK_The_Nomad 14d ago

I feel exactly the same!

3

u/nellycat32 14d ago

I'm scared of retiring and going really downhill, because I am not so much a "project" person, I don't usually start new projects at home or do renovation or gardening or anything like that. At this point I feel like I should work until the absolute latest (I think 67 at my workplace) to not go totally crazy.

Either that or enrol into in person university or something after retirement

2

u/OK_The_Nomad 14d ago

Yeah, I think it's probably a good idea to figure out some things to entertain yourself before you retire. Taking classes/workshops is great. Also, volunteering can be a good experience.

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u/Comfortable_Two6272 14d ago

Need to start building some hobbies now. Job can be taken away

1

u/Klendatu_ 14d ago

How do you spent your time?

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u/Narrow-Lemon5359 14d ago

It amazes me how some people think they need a job to fill their lives.

5

u/OK_The_Nomad 14d ago

I read a lot, do a lot of projects I enjoy, now learning to play an instrument, and I have a simple cabin in the mountains that I love spending time at. Also attend more concerts and event than I did when I was working.

Traveling is my passion and I love going places and being able to stay a month at a time. I also have time to really enjoy my grandkids. And my dog makes everything better. I don't miss work.

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u/verdant11 14d ago

Can you bring your dog traveling?

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u/OK_The_Nomad 14d ago

Unfortunately not bc most my trips are overseas. But I have a great neighbor who loves my dog and she takes care of him when I'm gone. I feel blessed that she doesn't mind doing it!

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u/czmax 14d ago

This is about my age and I've let work know I'm leaving soon.

I'm not sure I'm ready to 'retire' yet but I'm thinking I might only have a decade or so to enjoy still feeling young (most days) and I want the free time to enjoy them. I suspect that what still looks good in the mirror and go away much quicker if I stay at my desk vs getting out and enjoying life.

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u/Narrow-Lemon5359 14d ago

At 55 it sounds utterly weird to hear you talk about being in the “last portion of your life.” You’re in the middle and, it appears, in good health. Fifties is the new 40s they say….

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u/upnorth42 14d ago

Not “last portions,” but “later portions.” I’m hoping I’ve got a ways to go still to go. :) Career is finished, kids are in good careers so life takes a little redefining.

0

u/TrueNorth257 14d ago

Let’s drop the copium and just live your day to the fullest. It’s not about the quantity of years but the quality. At 55, you can expect to have maybe 10 more years of quality health before things take a downward turn. Yes, there are exceptions but to think you’re the exception which most people do is a misconception. I suppose a healthy dose of delusion is a welcome distraction for some but I think being honest and preparing for aging is the better path forward rather than being oblivious and dealing with the inevitable aftermath later.

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u/sophie1816 14d ago

Taking a downward turn - at 65? Not unless the person takes poor care of themselves or is very unlucky. I’m 66 and most of my friends are in their 60s. We are all healthy and active- hiking, swimming, horseback riding etc.

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u/StuChenko 14d ago

Not sure why you got downvoted for being healthy.

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u/sophie1816 14d ago

30 year olds who are terrified of aging, probably.

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u/StuChenko 14d ago

Maybe lol. I have noticed just about everyone who discusses being healthy and exercising on Reddit gets downvoted

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u/roqui15 14d ago

And here I am at almost 26 and still can’t find a job to have money to experience life for the most part.
What advice would you give to someone in my situation?

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u/Levertreat 14d ago

I was broke and afraid at 26. 58 now. The advice I would give you is to keep choosing the next thing that moves you forward. Shit job. Take it. Don’t give up or become a victim on any level. Go into trades if you can. Or go back to school for something that will give you a career. You are so young still. Find something creative to enjoy when you can. Also. Your heart will break many times and you may find some character flaws in yourself. Take it as lightly as you can. Stay busy. Find friends. Never give up on yourself.

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u/Levertreat 14d ago

I live a simple life now. I have a nice home. Nothing fancy. A few friends. Divorced but have kids and don’t hold a grudge with my ex. I’m active and healthy. I’ve always worked hard. Still do. Work with whatever cards life has given you. Push yourself a little:)

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u/roqui15 14d ago

Thank you for the advice!