Self image

[john70t]

The difference between 3:30pm and 4:15pm back then is like 2010 and 2023 today.

[911 Rod]

Time goes by faster every year. Does it get even faster after 60?

[pavulon]

https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/you-2-0-your-future-is-now/

[Chocaholic]

In his early 90’s Clint Eastwood was asked how he can keep working so hard at his age. His answer…”don’t let the old man in”. I think there was a country song released as a result of Clint’s advice.

[asphaltgambler]

Agree with most everything that's been said - already going through my mind. Physically, I'm in the best shape I've ever been for any length of time. I'll be 64 in Oct. I've been saved since 2017 - my evolving 'heart' is in the best shape at anytime prior. I now have peace, real hope, and a purpose here on earth.

The down side is lately I feel I'm losing my MOJO, confidence that I had excess of the majority of my life. Speaking of life, the other thing is I've also realized it's very likely I will outlive my penis.........

[KFC911]

Regarding driving ..... has anyone else become "uneasy" going over bridges .... I have, and am not alone. One of my Jax buds has become so uneasy he doesn't even want to go visit friends across town anymore (the Buckman), and another's wife is practically paralyzed as a passenger ... eyes closed. Something we've done forever .... with no issues until now.

I now go over them, two hands on the steering wheel, staring at the road, and antsy .

It used to be 80mph, one hand on the wheel, neck on a swivel to look at the sailboats, etc. on each side.... for decades.

Out of my "comfort zone" now ....

[Tobra]

I knew I was old when I could not jump up and touch a basket ball rim any more. More years have passed since that happened, than before it happened


I bet I could not run a mile under 5 minutes anymore if my life depended on it.

Stuff happens, in the meantime, you get old.

[Racerbvd]

Say what you want, but it still beats the alternative.

[monoflo]

WoW interesting thread.

In the last year my wife became what is probably terminally ill.... don't feel sorry -- our life together has been beyond wonderful. 43 years.

I feel old for the first time in my existence --- but should the outcome be negative --the devil ain't getting in.

I think we don't treasure wisdom enough -- Its normal to take the small the things for granted until -you lose the small things.

Men are like sharks --keep moving or drown. Of course time goes faster --every year is a smaller percentage of your time on the planet-- when you are 6 -- summer is seemingly endless.

Grab every bright moment and treasure it. Its only over ..... If you let it be.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Getting old sucks, but it beats the alternative.

2 1/2 months away from 80, I'm not so sure that remains true.

[monoflo]

Just a couple reasons why old aint so bad

[Rusty Heap]

You're only Bald if you look in a mirror...........shrug..........hair loss who cares? My carpet matches my drapes .

[Chocaholic]

At 64, close to retirement, kids off living their lives, I find I'm spending too much of my plentiful time lamenting where I've come to in life. Always made a good buck, but that's essentially it. No unique skills, talent, athletics, hobbies. Gave up on golf (too damned frustrating) no local friends (we recently moved out of state), work is unrewarding and no real plans or enthusiasm for post-retirement life. May ride the motorcycle a bit once the blast-furnace subsides, but enthusiasm for that has also waned considerably.

A shame really. Retirement is what we look forward to. Now that it's imminent, despite still being relatively healthy, I'm dreading it. Honestly, not looking forward to these last 20 years waiting for the clock to turn. Good to know I'm not alone anyway. Bunch of grouchy old men, we are.

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

At 64, close to retirement, kids off living their lives, I find I'm spending too much of my plentiful time lamenting where I've come to in life. Always made a good buck, but that's essentially it. No unique skills, talent, athletics, hobbies. Gave up on golf (too damned frustrating) no local friends (we recently moved out of state), work is unrewarding and no real plans or enthusiasm for post-retirement life. May ride the motorcycle a bit once the blast-furnace subsides, but enthusiasm for that has also waned considerably.

A shame really. Retirement is what we look forward to. Now that it's imminent, despite still being relatively healthy, I'm dreading it. Honestly, not looking forward to these last 20 years waiting for the clock to turn. Good to know I'm not alone anyway. Bunch of grouchy old men, we are.

You’ll figure it out, Mike. You’re a smart guy.

I figure I’m about 5 years from retirement. I wonder what I will do from day to day.

[KFC911]

I "retired" at 48 ..... 15 years ago. The time just flies .... $$$ can't buy ya any more when it runs out either.

Everyone is different .... no "regerts" here.

How much is my time worth?

More than my corporate gig paid

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

At 64, close to retirement, kids off living their lives, I find I'm spending too much of my plentiful time lamenting where I've come to in life. Always made a good buck, but that's essentially it. No unique skills, talent, athletics, hobbies. Gave up on golf (too damned frustrating) no local friends (we recently moved out of state), work is unrewarding and no real plans or enthusiasm for post-retirement life. May ride the motorcycle a bit once the blast-furnace subsides, but enthusiasm for that has also waned considerably.

A shame really. Retirement is what we look forward to. Now that it's imminent, despite still being relatively healthy, I'm dreading it. Honestly, not looking forward to these last 20 years waiting for the clock to turn. Good to know I'm not alone anyway. Bunch of grouchy old men, we are.

This is 100% completely normal, except that you are sharp enough to see it coming. It took me 5 solid years, or 1,825 days, to not wake up ecstatic that I don’t have to go to work, or get dressed, or be nice to anybody. It’s been 12 years now and I’ve begun to voluntarily be nice to people. That in itself has become a hobby.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

At 64, close to retirement, kids off living their lives, I find I'm spending too much of my plentiful time lamenting where I've come to in life. Always made a good buck, but that's essentially it. No unique skills, talent, athletics, hobbies. Gave up on golf (too damned frustrating) no local friends (we recently moved out of state), work is unrewarding and no real plans or enthusiasm for post-retirement life. May ride the motorcycle a bit once the blast-furnace subsides, but enthusiasm for that has also waned considerably.

A shame really. Retirement is what we look forward to. Now that it's imminent, despite still being relatively healthy, I'm dreading it. Honestly, not looking forward to these last 20 years waiting for the clock to turn. Good to know I'm not alone anyway. Bunch of grouchy old men, we are.

Choco, just a thought but was there anything that got you excited (other than Playboy) before you got burdened with responsibilities? If not then you are perfectly positioned for intellectual exploration. Take an art class or music lessons or welding class etc. If there is something from way back that you couldn't pursue then get after it now. That's what I did.

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Choco, just a thought but was there anything that got you excited (other than Playboy) before you got burdened with responsibilities? If not then you are perfectly positioned for intellectual exploration. Take an art class or music lessons or welding class etc. If there is something from way back that you couldn't pursue then get after it now. That's what I did.

Good idea, I would have no excuse to practice guitar during retirement.

[oldE]

I would second the idea of revisiting an interest you had when you were busy being a breadwinner.
I played guitar and sang from the time I was 13, but was too nervous to do it around anyone other than close friends. Then 17 years ago I found myself on stage with some acquaintances about to sing a song I had learned two days before. (Lead singer couldn't make it).
I realized two things: first, the nervousness didn't kill me. Second, I enjoyed it and so did the audience.
I have been performing in small venues on and off ever since.
I think it has been good for my memory as well since I have built up a play list of over 250 songs by various artists. No books to lug around.
What would you challenge yourself with?

Best
Les

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I’m only 64 and feel old.

You feel old because you . . . Ah never mind!

I’m right behind ya. We’re old.

Interesting perspectives here.

I do feel young at heart like most of you here. I mean, compared to my parents at my age. I still ride bikes, can still ride a skatepark on a bike or skateboard (rode a wheelie for a block the other day, haha), ski or snowboard, etc.

Mentally I don’t feel much different than I was at 30.

I do have more wisdom and I think a better perspective now. It’s a happier time now, from 20 to 50 was a long, stressful grind.

But, physically I have some issues. Heart things. I don’t have the same energy level, need more sleep. I see my parents in their 80s now, I never viewed them as “old people” but that’s becoming a reality more and more every year.

I retired at 50, so it’s been quite a while now. On that, I’ve had no regerts. I have a theory on that. It’s a lot easier for introverts. So it’s been a very easy path for me, I basically wake up excited for every day, and go to sleep every night so thankful for another day above ground.

But I can totally see how it might be difficult for others.