How Quickly Does One Go From Being Older To Being 'Old'?

[barry1010]

My relative has become an old man in a few months. He is only 78 but now feels cold all the time even in this weather, lacks concentration to follow a new tv programme, doesn't want to do anything and just about everything is too much effort.

He is definitely not depressed - happy as a pig in muck is a good description (when he's not too cold) - and there is no new health problems. He just seems to see himself as an old man and behaves accordingly.

Is this normal for some older people?

[burlyshirley]

My dear old Dad used to do jobs for the 'old ladies' when he retired (he was a plumber by trade), the majority of them were younger than him, bless him.

[Bobbisox1]

I lost my Mum when I was young but I was blessed with wonderful inlaws

[eleanor2]

Hi barry, blood tests might be an idea for iron deficiency or a thyroid problem.

[eleanor2]

I've been feeling old, turned out I was iron deficiency and diabetic. Felt the cold & was falling asleep a lot. Let's felt like lead to walk.

[rowanwitch]

I'm only 63 but I feel old, so many things I can't do now, and most of the rest
are painful, at a time when I should be out enjoying my retirement I am mostly stuck trying to avoid getting over tired, or doing too much, as I can suffer for days if I do. I don't even recognise myself in the mirror, I was always told I look young but every year is written on my face.

[eleanor2]

*legs* felt like lead.

[jourdain2]

Both of us feel that 'lockdowns' have aged us considerably. Used to have the calendar full of bits & pieces, meetings, practices, events. Then it just stopped. Yes we still went for walks - but the 'buzz' had gone. Struggling to get it back, but I've started. OH is trying, but finds that he tires a lot more easily and has even started to have an afternoon lie-down.

Maybe that is what happens to some people in the normal course of events? They get tired and choose the easier path. Can't blame them if they do.

[eleanor2]

Jourdain, you're right also, lockdown has reduced stamina in many.
What concerns me is Barry's relative feeling cold in this weather.

[Peter Pedant]

agree eleanor -

get the GP to do a blood test - T4 /TSH or whatever it is called nowadays

[Peter Pedant]

and slowing up mentally

[Thisoldbird]

My husband was a very active 87 year old...prior to Covid.
He would walk the 3/4 mile to town a few times a week. Had hobbies, loved life a good joke and company.
Now 88, he sits day in day out watching YouTube videos and TV.
His health has gone dramatically downhill.

GPs answer it's part of the aging process.

In my book Covid is to blam.

[jennyjoan]

There was always a dance for the older ladies in the hall round the corner where I lived and I used to beg my mum to go. "I'm sure I will, not going round there to them oul ladies."

[jourdain2]

Thisoldbird I can't help but agree - I am hearing so many stories which say the same thing. Lockdown was supposed to protect oldies - in fact it has started killing them slowly - a probably irreversible process and more cruel. We said at the beginning that we would prefer that we all got on with living our lives and accepting any risks.

[pastafreak]

I read a few weeks ago that many people feel that physically they've got weaker and have deteriorated. Not just older folk, but also those in their 30s. It's a combination of not getting out, working from home, lack of mental stimulation, rubbish food.
Personally, I've been ok weight-wise...but I've definitely lost stamina. When I no longer had a dog, I promised myself I'd still make an effort to get out on walks...until October or so. I went out less and less...from 3 walks a day to none sometimes. Now, I'm trying to grab some of my fitness...and confidence...back...if it's possible at my age. Getting too lazy or depressed to go out scares me.

[Bobbisox1]

Get up in the morning and take life by it’s throat , we’ve all had the worst 16 months imaginable,

[barry1010]

I'll tell his immediate family to persuade him to get blood tests done, don't know why I didn't think of that :(

Sorry you are not feeling so good, Rowan

[Spungle]

Sounds almost identical to Joe Biden who is the same age.

[dannyk13]

I believe that ageism is in the mind.If you keep your brain active and do light exercises then I think that you will not feel old.

[emmie]

my brother doesn't ever admit to being old, he is 71 years, he always says to me that we aren't old but older. I totally agree with him,

[dannyk13]

I am well on my way to the 90s and I too consider that I am older.