The Relatable Struggles of Feeling Old
Part of my old CD collection
What can we do when “you wake up feeling old?” It’s a thought that’s crossed my mind more frequently now that I’m in my upper 40s. During the Super Bowl, I found myself completely lost in a conversation about the latest rap artists. I had to ask my stepkids to help translate what was going on. The result? An entire dissertation on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef! Trust me, it was a lot more than I bargained for. For some reason, I just couldn’t grasp anything they were saying. My mom used to express similar sentiments (classic boomer vibes), and I guess the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree—I’m officially feeling my age. It’s a bit of a reality check, especially when I recall my own youth in the '90s, belting out every word to “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Insane in the Brain,” and tons of Snoop, Dre, and Eminem tracks. It seems like rap today is just different (shocking, I know).
Then there’s the whole reading glasses situation. It’s like they snuck up on me! I can’t believe that in just the past five years, I’ve gone from never needing glasses to wearing them all day, every day. I even took the plunge and got my first pair of contacts last month—bifocal contacts, no less! Some mornings, I wake up feeling great, but then there are days when I’m painfully reminded of my age by little annoyances like the arthritis in my right knee. Ugh, how did this happen?
I recently had an eye-opening moment when my husband was flying with a new first officer. He mentioned Sting, and her blank stare said it all—she had no idea who he was! My husband, probably trying to get a rise out of me, then asked if she knew LL Cool J. Spoiler alert: she didn’t. This young woman is around 24 years old, and I can’t help but feel a little offended, not to mention shocked! It’s a stark reminder of how generations can be worlds apart in terms of cultural references.
This isn’t something that happened overnight, either. I think back to about ten years ago when I woke up one morning with the worst neck pain. I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary; it was just one of those random things. Yet, that neck pain launched me into a whirlwind of doctor appointments, cortisone shots, and nerve blocks. Thankfully, that pain hasn’t returned, but it’s like a little alarm bell reminding me that it could very well come back at any moment.
The Emotional Side: Aging as a Mindset
Now, let’s dive into the emotional side of aging. Is feeling old really just a state of mind? Personally, I’m a huge believer in the power of positive thinking. If you think you’re old and start acting that way, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’m definitely not saying we should all run out and try to relive our 20s, but I do think we have the ability to make choices that keep us vibrant. Eating well, staying moderately active, and challenging ourselves mentally can work wonders. As our kids grow up, exploring new hobbies and embarking on travels keeps life exciting. My stepdaughter often teases me about how I’m always on the go—I really can’t sit still for too long!
It’s fascinating how we often equate tiredness or aches with aging when, in reality, it’s a combination of life catching up with us. I’ve noticed I need more downtime to recharge after a busy week of travel or just the chaos of day-to-day life.
I’ve come to embrace the journey of aging. Every year brings new wisdom and experiences, and I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned along the way. Friends, coworkers, and family often turn to me for advice, and I take pride in the fact that my experiences can help support and guide others.
Reframing the idea of “aging” as simply growing into your best self is crucial. I truly believe that I haven’t lost anything; rather, I’ve gained countless opportunities to experience the world in diverse ways. Sure, I sometimes wish I had more time to explore everything life has to offer, but that’s a different kind of challenge, isn’t it?
Signs You’re Officially “Old” (According to the Next Generation)
Let’s face it—there are some undeniable signs that might hint at officially being “old” in the eyes of the younger generation. For instance, getting excited about a new appliance? Guilty! I recently picked up a Ninja all-in-one crock pot that can steam, braise, slow cook, and more. It’s honestly amazing, and I can’t wait to whip up new dinners with it.
Music, once my lifeblood, can sometimes grate on my nerves these days—especially when it’s cranked up too loud. But if I’m alone and my favorite song comes on, I’m all in; the volume goes up, and I’m transported back to my younger days.
And let’s not even get me started on the evenings when I’d rather stay in than go out—a sentiment I find myself relating to more and more. After working remotely for about three years, I thought I’d crave social outings since I’m home so much, but the opposite has happened. These days, I find myself enjoying the comfort of my space—in winter especially. Give me a sunny, warm day, and I’ll be outside soaking it all in!
Having a favorite grocery store is yet another sign of “growing up.” Seriously, doesn’t everyone have their go-to? For me, it’s got to be Meijer!
How to Shake Off That "Old" Feeling and Feel Young Again
So how do we shake off that "old" feeling and bring back a sense of youth? Reconnecting with things that once made us feel young is a great place to start—music, hobbies, or a little spontaneity. I regularly find myself tuning into ’90s music; it truly is my all-time favorite genre!
Trying something new is essential, too. In the past five years, I’ve taken up some new hobbies like pouring resin, dabbling in woodworking, and crafting Christmas decorations. Oh, and I even started kayaking in my early 40s, which has been such a thrill!
Focusing on fun, physical movement, and fostering a fresh mindset can make a world of difference. Connecting with younger people—whether it’s your kids, grandkids, or just lively friends—helps keep you feeling current. I spend a lot of time with my 5-year-old granddaughter and my 17-year-old son, and honestly, they keep me on my toes and in the loop with all the latest trends.
Lastly, laughter is such a powerful tool. Age is just a number, and joy keeps you young.
How are you doing as you age? What keeps you grounded and feeling positive about the changes?
