What does 45+ feel like?

**Mamaw** · 09-16-2005, 09:52 PM

I dont know about you all, but I am over 45 and still wondering what I want to be when I grow up. That led me to wonder," what does over 45, midlife, over the hill feel like? And when exactly will I get there? Will I know it when I do?

I certainly can attest that the body is not doing as well as it did before. I have learned to cover the grey and trust my hair stylist. My dentist is my new best friend and I have decided to accept the wrinkles, sags and bags as battle scars of a life well lived. But when does the mind know it is an adult? I think my body figures it is 80 or so but my mind figures it is still 21 or thereabouts.

I wonder if it is silly to plant fruit trees that take several years to produce. To dream of taking dance classes of somekind. To consider obtaining additional education. To take up a new hobby or try a new skill. But then my mind reminds me that I am still only 20 so I can do anything I want to.

I think I will listen to my mind...How about you all

**pqb57** · 09-16-2005, 10:44 PM

I'm almost 59 and I haven't gotten there yet.

**forestdale** · 09-17-2005, 12:28 AM

Mamaw, I'm 57 and in many respects I still feel the same as I did when I was 18. I don't think you are a number, some people are born old.

Planting anything is an act of faith. Just remember that old saying ... when you're over the hill you pick up speed.

**Julia Kimber** · 09-17-2005, 08:10 AM

I'm nearly 56, most of the time I don't feel anywhere near that. As far as I'm concerned age is a state of mind!

Julia

**cozyquilter** · 09-17-2005, 10:27 AM

I am also over 45. I remember a conversation my Dmom had with me when I was in 6th grade...on my way to the orthodontist. My Dmom was always very well dressed and fashionable, dressed like Marlo Thomas on That Girl...anyway...she was driving as we were going "downtown" to the city of Minneapolis. With her hands on the wheel...she said something to the effect that the only thing that reminders her how old she is, her hands....that on the inside she still feels like a young girl, until she notices the skin on her hands...that they look like her moms! Now my hands look like my moms hands!

That has always stuck with me, we are all who we are...our souls are the same, regardless of our age...

**PrairieRose** · 09-17-2005, 10:46 AM

I remember my 91 yr. old Granny telling me that she felt the exact same inside that she had felt at the ripe ol' age of 19. I think the inner woman is always the same, plus a little wisdom, patience and indifference to public opinion

**joyofsix** · 09-17-2005, 11:02 AM

My 78 yo dad says he feels the same way he did at 17. I am 42 but really feel the same as always too. Thank God the body is holding up so far. And I agree with the pster above, some people are just born old.

**pip** · 09-17-2005, 11:35 PM

I think it's all in your mind. Think young, be young.

**jlxian** · 09-19-2005, 04:09 PM

Ever see the movie "Harold and Maude"? I don't think the mind ever accepts that it is "old", or when it does you could go down hill pretty fast.

I know I am still astonished when I stop and think about my age (51) because mentally I feel pretty much like I did when I was 18.

**mom2matty** · 09-19-2005, 04:32 PM

I am 43 and don't feel any different than I did when I was 19 or 20!!

**peanut** · 10-01-2005, 04:19 PM

I guess I was born old. I'm turning 45 and feel 80...too much experience and negative input.

**HandyMom** · 10-01-2005, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by peanut
I guess I was born old. I'm turning 45 and feel 80...too much experience and negative input.

You aren't alone, Peanut. I feel the same as you. It gets better, tho.

I've heard that's why I have to take these antidepressants.

**dolphin** · 10-01-2005, 08:36 PM

I'm 50 but in my mind, I still feel like I'm 35. Don't know why but the late 30's seemed to go on forever, maybe because so much happend during that time and I'm forever stuck in the 30's. I still dream but mostly it's about having a comfortable life in 20 years and how to accomplish that. I don't really care about school anymore. Tried the continueing education thing and it's not for me.

**pkellyc** · 10-02-2005, 05:12 PM

Just over 45 here and some days I feel like I am 20 and some days 80. I do feel a heck of a lot smarter than when I was 20. On the whole I am glad to be where I am I would rather not go back.