Physical age vs mental one.

[torvan]

I know I cannot be the only one that feels this way, but I still do not feel the 51 years old I physically am. I still feel roughly 30-35. Sure I am smarter since then due to the teachings of life, but I still walk my dog 5 miles a day, I still ride my bike around town, I still sit in coffee shops with friends and talk, I still follow my liberal thoughts and attend protests when I am really angered, and I still feel like there is a great deal yet to learn and am willing to put my "shoulder to the grindstone" to make it happen.

Take for example the other day--in one day I cleaned out the garage, walked the dog, took down all the Christmas decor and put it all in storage totes, and cleaned the whole house. Was I tired at the end of the day? Sure--but I would have been tired at 30 too.

Sometimes I feel like the chronological clock and my mental one are 20 years apart (*and no--I was not mentally 10 when I was 30) and growing further apart as I get older.

But at the same time, I wish there was some sort of exterior notification that the silver hair does not mean I am old--anymore than blonde hair means someone is stupid, or that red hair means they are a mean person. Maybe I will just make a sign--"30 year old trapped in 51 year old body" and wear it. Gives new meaning to "here's you sign", doesn't it?

 

[jpn]

I know I cannot be the only one that feels this way, but I still do not feel the 51 years old I physically am. I still feel roughly 30-35. Sure I am smarter since then due to the teachings of life, but I still walk my dog 5 miles a day, I still ride my bike around town, I still sit in coffee shops with friends and talk, I still follow my liberal thoughts and attend protests when I am really angered, and I still feel like there is a great deal yet to learn and am willing to put my "shoulder to the grindstone" to make it happen.

Take for example the other day--in one day I cleaned out the garage, walked the dog, took down all the Christmas decor and put it all in storage totes, and cleaned the whole house. Was I tired at the end of the day? Sure--but I would have been tired at 30 too.

Sometimes I feel like the chronological clock and my mental one are 20 years apart (*and no--I was not mentally 10 when I was 30) and growing further apart as I get older.

But at the same time, I wish there was some sort of exterior notification that the silver hair does not mean I am old--anymore than blonde hair means someone is stupid, or that red hair means they are a mean person. Maybe I will just make a sign--"30 year old trapped in 51 year old body" and wear it. Gives new meaning to "here's you sign", doesn't it?

i actually am hearing this more and more: "although i am (60) i feel (40)"
and its oddly usually a 20 year gap that's usually cited.
i don't doubt that the person him/herself actually is feeling this. due to healthy eating and ways to release stress.
but to other people actually looking at that same person, if you ask them the age they quote most often shrinks to about 5 years younger only.
mental acuity on the other hand is frequently felt by the person her/himself to be around the same as their chronological age or even a few years greater than their chronological age, if they answer truthfully (a bit more forgetful, a thought process that is a bit less quick)

so for, for some senior citizens who are 65 years old, its really a matter of
feeling younger (about 45)
appearing younger (about 60)
with slightly impaired mental acuity (about 67).

 

[44267547]

I was just having this conversation the other day with someone, and I said ‘age is just a number’, which doesn’t necessarily determine anything in terms of how you may feel physically/mentally.

I think how you feel depends on a lot of deciding factors (i.e. like genetics, history of depression, sleep cycles, stress, dietary habits/weight, physical activity with working out/cardio, career choice, etc.)

For me, I always have felt that I have a lot of natural stamina/energy, where I seem to be able to operate maybe at a higher level over someone else even if I was hungry/tired versus someone that might experience fatigue with those same considerations.

However, what really provides me a higher level of stamina, isn’t just naturally being just ‘energetic’, but I have a optimistic outlook on life in general, and that means how I treat people, I enjoy my professional career I’m involved in, I generally have very little stress in my life, I look forward to trying new things/meeting new people/ traveling (I booked a nice cruise in April) physical fitness/weightlifting provides me positive energy/stamina, I have quality sleep patterns, etc.

Anyways, you get the point, there are a lot of things what contribute how determine/feel what your mental state of age is, a number does _not_ mean anything in terms of how your outlook on life is. You make life what you want it to be.

 

[avz]

I know I cannot be the only one that feels this way, but I still do not feel the 51 years old I physically am. I still feel roughly 30-35. Sure I am smarter since then due to the teachings of life, but I still walk my dog 5 miles a day, I still ride my bike around town, I still sit in coffee shops with friends and talk, I still follow my liberal thoughts and attend protests when I am really angered, and I still feel like there is a great deal yet to learn and am willing to put my "shoulder to the grindstone" to make it happen.

Take for example the other day--in one day I cleaned out the garage, walked the dog, took down all the Christmas decor and put it all in storage totes, and cleaned the whole house. Was I tired at the end of the day? Sure--but I would have been tired at 30 too.

Sometimes I feel like the chronological clock and my mental one are 20 years apart (*and no--I was not mentally 10 when I was 30) and growing further apart as I get older.

But at the same time, I wish there was some sort of exterior notification that the silver hair does not mean I am old--anymore than blonde hair means someone is stupid, or that red hair means they are a mean person. Maybe I will just make a sign--"30 year old trapped in 51 year old body" and wear it. Gives new meaning to "here's you sign", doesn't it?

You are obviously never really pushed yourself in the gym and have very little idea what your body was capable of in the young age (18-35). I actually envy people who always been very moderate in their activity and judge "how they feel" against this very moderate activity.

 

[maflynn]

have very little idea what your body was capable of in the young age (18-35)

There's some truth to that, in my younger days I found physical activity to be easier then now (in my mid- 50s)

Running 1/2 marathons, roller blade marathons, extensive hiking and practicing karate all came a lot easier before my 50s. Maybe its the toll of those activities building up over the decades, or the toll to my body inflicted by karate, or maybe genetics but I feel 55 quite a bit. My ankles, knees and shoulders all ache and when I run (which I do almost daily) will mean I'll be in pain later that day.

Mentally I don't think any different then a 30 year old, but I know my body cannot do the things that I could in my 30s.

 

[Zmmyt]

real: 39
physical: 29
mental: 19

 

[Scepticalscribe]

From the time I was in my early teens, I felt completely alienated from my peers, and felt much more at home in adult company where I found the conversation much more interesting and intellectually rewarding; mentally, I felt as though I was in my mid or late twenties, perhaps older.

In other words, even when young, I never felt young, and I was terrible at "being" a young person.

Indeed, it was only in my late thirties, and in my forties that I felt that my mental age and physical age had begun to align to some extent, and that I felt comfortable in myself, both body and mind.

Yes, my knees ache to some extent, and I feel tired after all night sessions (such as supervising election counts) in a way I didn't when younger, but I would never swop the mental ease I have now for the physical - not so much strength, but endurance (and I still have a lot of that) - that I had when younger.

 

[avz]

There's some truth to that, in my younger days I found physical activity to be easier then now (in my mid- 50s)

Running 1/2 marathons, roller blade marathons, extensive hiking and practicing karate all came a lot easier before my 50s. Maybe its the toll of those activities building up over the decades, or the toll to my body inflicted by karate, or maybe genetics but I feel 55 quite a bit. My ankles, knees and shoulders all ache and when I run (which I do almost daily) will mean I'll be in pain later that day.

Mentally I don't think any different then a 30 year old, but I know my body cannot do the things that I could in my 30s.

Yes, ignorance is bliss. There is nothing wrong in being somewhat optimistic about the age thing though. After all my late-2008 unibody MacBook is still very powerful in 2020 for the activity I am using it for.

 

[TiggrToo]

As a gal now staring 53 in the eyes, I do find the body tempers the mind.

On a good day I can still outperform anyone else on my team (all much younger than me) in my desk bound job.

However the ability to maintain this past 8pm is where I feel my age and, unless I'm dealing with a true disaster at work, it quickly goes downhill.

Real: 52
Physical: 1,000,000
Mental: 22 (5am to 8pm working days) 52 (in between working days), 12 (vacation etc. with the wifey)

 

[Huntn]

There's some truth to that, in my younger days I found physical activity to be easier then now (in my mid- 50s)

Running 1/2 marathons, roller blade marathons, extensive hiking and practicing karate all came a lot easier before my 50s. Maybe its the toll of those activities building up over the decades, or the toll to my body inflicted by karate, or maybe genetics but I feel 55 quite a bit. My ankles, knees and shoulders all ache and when I run (which I do almost daily) will mean I'll be in pain later that day.

Mentally I don't think any different then a 30 year old, but I know my body cannot do the things that I could in my 30s.

The primary reason I feel 66 is because of changes in my physical condition/abilities and to a lesser extent my mental acuity, I’m more forgetful, mental recall takes more work.

 

[TiggrToo]

The primary reason I feel 66 is because of changes in my physical condition/abilities and to a lesser extent my mental acuity, I’m more forgetful, mental recall takes more work.

I always find user avatars an interesting choice. I have a Tigger - bouncey, trouncey, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. That represents for me more mental aspects of life. Physically I'm old and aged. Mentally - most times I feel it describes me to an absolute T.

You - you chose Scrat - possibly the most neurotic, manic, and acorn obsessed prehistoric squirrel ever to grace the silver screen. There any mental connection to that?

 

[stylinexpat]

In my 20's I felt strong and in my 30's I also felt strong but as one ages things do change. More for some and less for others. Eating healthy and exercising are very important. I have found that not eating after 6 or 7 pm in the evening helps a lot too. 12 hours of rest for the stomach and digestive system helps a lot.

 

[44267547]

In my 20's I felt strong and in my 30's I also felt strong but as one ages things do change. More for some and less for others. Eating healthy and exercising are very important. I have found that not eating after 6 or 7 pm in the evening helps a lot too. 12 hours of rest for the stomach and digestive system helps a lot.

Bolded: Not to turn this into a ‘fitness thread’, but you are entirely accurate. Shutting down the kitchen at an early hour in the evening is crucial. The Mistake I think a lot of people make, is they continuously keep snacking (And/or consuming sugary drinks/alcohol) into the late evening hours, your metabolism naturally slows down, your body stores the additional caloric intake as fat, thus resulting in ‘unhealthy’ weight gain, which adds up over the course of time, affecting your health/stamina levels.

My suggestion is if someone has that ‘late night’ craving, [or some eat out of boredom w/o the craving], drink a tall glass of water, which curves the appetite and try to find something that would be healthier in terms of a vegetable/non-carb item.

Anyways, one’s diet is a pivotal piece to how you function throughout your day (Mood/energetic). The healthier you eat and consuming copious amounts of water, it would have an impact on stamina levels.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have to say that I love late dining, especially when I am eating out in a good restaurant, long, lingering slow, meals, best enjoyed in congenial company, and I love the food cultures and cuisines of some of the Mediterranean and Balkan cultures.

Now, yes, the consumption of copies quantities of water is always a good idea.

 

[Abstract]

Before having kids:

Age: 34
Mental age: 24
Physical age: 24


AFTER 2 kids:
Age: 39 right now
Mental age: 70 on weekends, 30 when at work
Physical age: 30

 

[Gutwrench]

Prison aged me beyond my years.

 

[maflynn]

Prison aged me beyond my years.

It certainly can do that

Before having kids

Wait till they become teenagers, the early years have nothing on the amount of work, worry and stress as they get older

 

[Huntn]

I always find user avatars an interesting choice. I have a Tigger - bouncey, trouncey, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. That represents for me more mental aspects of life. Physically I'm old and aged. Mentally - most times I feel it describes me to an absolute T.

You - you chose Scrat - possibly the most neurotic, manic, and acorn obsessed prehistoric squirrel ever to grace the silver screen. There any mental connection to that?

Ha, no, I picked Scrat because I like his expression in my avatar, something along the lines of stepping in it, getting in over my head which seems appropriate in a forum.

 

[jeyf]

avg population
after say 40y you loose 10% health and or ability per decade

all just a number

 

[a2jack]

10% Per decade sounds about right. But it all depends on what you had going at 40. a2

 

[maflynn]

after say 40y you loose 10% health and or ability per decade

Interesting. I had not heard that. I'm not about to dispute or argue that point.

In my own experience, much of my 40s was similar to my 30s. I didn't find myself slowing down too much, though aches in pains slowly crept in. Now that I'm well into my 50s, things have started to change, those aches and pains are not minor, and arthritis seems to be settling in on some of my joints (osteoarthritis)

As I mentioned above, I'm fairly active which may be the cause of my issues, or it is completely age realted.

 

[faust]

Honestly, I'm 31 years old and I feel positively ancient. Whereas, my 69 year old best friend is full of vim and vigor! She goes to protests, alcoholics anonymous meetings, has a social life off the internet, and so much more! I don't quite understand how she has so much energy. It's great for her to be honest. I imagine that a big part of why I'm so tired is because of the health problems I am beset with, but good grief.. I don't get it. I wish I had more energy like she enjoys! 😭

 

[Ruggy]

It certainly can do that


Wait till they become teenagers, the early years have nothing on the amount of work, worry and stress as they get older

Someone said to me once: 'Little kids little problems, big kids big problems'.
I laughed at the tile but I'm not laughing now.

 

[maflynn]

Little kids little problems, big kids big problems'

My grandmother used to say this, and I've embraced that saying once my kids were born

 

[jbachandouris]

Bolded: Not to turn this into a ‘fitness thread’, but you are entirely accurate. Shutting down the kitchen at an early hour in the evening is crucial. The Mistake I think a lot of people make, is they continuously keep snacking (And/or consuming sugary drinks/alcohol) into the late evening hours, your metabolism naturally slows down, your body stores the additional caloric intake as fat, thus resulting in ‘unhealthy’ weight gain, which adds up over the course of time, affecting your health/stamina levels.

My suggestion is if someone has that ‘late night’ craving, [or some eat out of boredom w/o the craving], drink a tall glass of water, which curves the appetite and try to find something that would be healthier in terms of a vegetable/non-carb item.

Anyways, one’s diet is a pivotal piece to how you function throughout your day (Mood/energetic). The healthier you eat and consuming copious amounts of water, it would have an impact on stamina levels.

A tall glass of water? Really? So I can be up 87 times peeing? No thanks. Not here to argue the point, but the whole 'metabolism slows down' has been debunked as a fitness myth. I don't eat heavy at night regardless.

I am 52. It is my emotional age that I feel most annoyed with. I feel like my maturity level is stuck in the mid 30's early 40's.

Physically, I don't remember when I wasn't 'tired.' Sleep just doesn't work for me regardless of hours slept. I was overweight when I was young, but I'm not now. I started running in 2011. I run 5k's and 10k's. Some weight training, but not much.
Two hernia surgeries last year didn't help me feel younger than I am.

I wasn't trying to turn it into a fitness thread, but just saying how old I feel is meaningless without context. I don't know what 52 'feels' like. I guess I feel younger than that by maybe a year or two.

I look younger than I am. Almost no grey hairs and I am not bald. I would never assume that people would think I am younger than mid-late 40's.