Ah, the joys of aging! It’s a grand journey into the land of creaky knees, forgotten names, and a newfound appreciation for comfy shoes. While aging gracefully is a lovely concept, let’s be honest: sometimes, it feels more like aging disgracefully.
If you’re starting to notice some, shall we say, “unique” changes, it simply means you’re getting older. They say aging is a privilege denied to many and shouldn’t be taken for granted, but can we have fun while doing it?
And while I honestly don’t mind aging, though at first it felt hard and depressing, my body can’t keep up with my mind. My mind thinks I’m 25, but my body keeps reminding my mind we’re 62. The struggle is ongoing.
Check out this fun video from my YouTube channel about my thoughts on aging.
19 signs you’re getting older
While these are just fun physical signs that you’re getting older, all kidding aside, it’s important to take care of your health, your mental health and your physical health. If something feels off or different, make an appointment with your health care provider.
Regardless of your age, if you want to have a good life in your golden years, do your best to take care of your health today.
Let’s get to the signs you’re getting older!
Grunting and Groaning
Remember when you could leap out of bed like a gazelle? Now, it’s more like a walrus attempting a yoga pose. Every time you sit, stand, or bend, a symphony of grunts and groans escapes your lips.
This is a classic sign you’re getting older. Don’t worry, it’s just your body’s way of saying, “Hey, remember that time you were young and flexible? Yeah, me neither.”
Good times.
Where’s My…?
Keys? Glasses? That important document you were just holding? Gone. Vanished. Poof!
Did I say that? What did he say? Did I already buy those? It never ends. Most of your self-talk begins with where, what, who, did I, etc.
Your short-term memory has decided to take an early retirement, leaving you perpetually searching for misplaced items. This is a very common sign that you’re getting old.
You Can Tell the Weather by Your Body Parts
Your knees suddenly become more accurate than the local meteorologist. “Oh, it’s going to rain,” you declare, as your joints begin to ache.
You’ve become a human barometer, predicting storms with the precision of a seasoned sailor. Your elbows, knees, knuckles, and sometimes even your back are new your weathermen. And they’re never wrong.
You Keep Getting Cats
It started with one. Then that one needed a friend. And then a random kitten showed up across the street. And then someone on Facebook needs a foster home.
Suddenly, you’ve turned your spare room into a cat den. And you couldn’t be happier. You talk about your cats to anyone who will listen because, let’s face it, they are your babies now.
You Care More About Animals Than Humans
And speaking of cats, you care more about cats and dogs and all other furry critters than you do about humans. People annoy you, animals love you.
You go above and beyond to help a stray, including fostering and building a special room for strays because you can.
Can You Repeat That, Please?
You find yourself saying “What?” more often than you’d like. But wait, why the hell can’t I hear anything anymore?
It seems everyone is speaking softly and you can’t hear a single word anyone is saying. When did this happen? According to the National Institute of Health, it was bound to happen.
We Do Everything Earlier
From waking up to going to bed. Dinner reservations and gatherings with friends. We do everything early now. I don’t know about you, but I’m in my jammies by 7 pm, sometimes earlier!
Suddenly, 5:00 PM dinner reservations and early-bird specials seem incredibly appealing. No more, ‘hey let’s meet up at 9 for drinks.’ We’re already asleep at that time.
Feeling Like a Creepy Old Lady
The mailman is hot, the gas station attendant is hot, the water delivery guy is hot, and they’re all under 30, and suddenly you feel like a creepy old lady. When did this start happening?
You don’t even look at men your age at all. The young hot ones got your attention and you are fantasizing daily. Or, is it just me?
Comfy Clothes Only, Please
Fashion trends? Forget them. Comfort is king! Elastic waistbands, soft fabrics, and supportive shoes are your new best friends.
Gone are the days of squeezing into skin-tight jeans and lying on the bed to do up the top button. Make my wardrobe comfy, please! We wear what we want and don’t care what anyone thinks of our fashion trends.
You Have No F*cks to Give About Anything
Ever. You don’t care about politics, the news, the neighbours, the price of things, your friends’ aching bodies.
No f*cks to give. No time for drama. You much prefer to stay in your own peaceful little bubble. With your cats.
Is It Naptime Yet?
Naps, once considered a sign of laziness, are now a vital part of your daily routine. A quick 20-minute snooze can rejuvenate you like never before.
In my case, a simple “I’m going to go lay down for 15 minutes” turns into a 2-hour nap. No judging. This old gal is tired!
How Do I Turn This Off?
Smartphones, computers, and remote controls have become your arch-nemesis. You find yourself asking younger generations for help with the simplest tasks. “How does this work??” is a common phrase.
You tend to pass on a lot of new gadgets simply because you figure by the time you learn how to use them properly, you’ll be dead anyway so what’s the point? Simple and old school is best for you!
Sicily, 1953
Sound familiar? It should if you’re as old as me. Golden Girls. Sophia started every sentence with that.
You know you’re getting older when you start every other sentence with “Back in my day…”. you find yourself telling long-winded stories to younger people, who look at you with blank stares.
Chances are, they don’t really care.
Google My Symptoms
You find yourself reading medical articles and understanding what all of the big words mean. You now have lots of time to really dig into your condition and your meds and find out just exactly what they all are, all thanx to Google AI.
You have strong opinions on modern-day medicine and even take time to try and whip up your own healthy concoctions to ease all your ailments and illnesses. “There’s a plant or essential oil for this!”
Suddenly, You Love Gardening
You find yourself spending hours in your garden, even if you never cared for it before. You love the feeling of dirt in your hands and the smell of fresh-cut grass.
You love going to the nursery to see what kind of ‘new’ plants they got in or what you can put in that bare corner way over there.
Gosh, It’s So Loud in Here
Loud music, crowded places, and chaotic environments are now your worst nightmare. You crave the tranquility of a quiet evening at home.
It seems everything is loud now. The TV, the neighbours, the kids across the street, that motorcycle. You’ve become hyper-aware of noises and how loud the whole world has become. You just want peace and quiet. Shhhh!
Why Does This Hurt?
You wake up with a new ache or pain every morning, and you have no idea where it came from. Your back, your knees, your elbows.
What did I do yesterday? Why does my back hurt? Wait, why does my back always hurt? You have no answers and no clue. It’s just a sign you’re getting older.
Play That Old Song Again!
You have absolutely no idea who any of the new recording artists are, and you are completely unfamiliar with any of the latest top songs. “Who is this?” Truth be told, you can’t stand today’s music and never listen to it.
While driving in your car or hanging out in your house, you now only listen to music from your youth. bring on the 80s and 90s music. Hello, big hair bands!!!
Did I Just Say That Out Loud?
Yup, you did. And I did. We did. We just randomly blurt shit out now and could not care less what anyone thinks.
We’ve been quiet all our lives, and we suddenly found our voices, and our opinions, and we use them both freely.
Yes, you’re getting older, but that’s ok
While these signs may seem depressing, aging is a natural and inevitable part of life. It’s about embracing the changes, finding humor in the absurdities, and appreciating the wisdom that comes with experience.
Aging gracefully isn’t about pretending to be young again; it’s about accepting your age and living your best life. It’s about:
- Finding the humour: Laugh at the quirks of aging.
- Staying active: Keep your body and mind engaged. Exercise, learn new things, and stay social.
- Take care of your health: Eat well, get enough sleep, and see your doctor regularly.
- Finding joy: Focus on the things that bring you happiness and the little pleasures of life.
Ultimately, getting older is a privilege. It’s a testament to a life well-lived. Embrace all the bad, laugh at it and rejoice with each new day.
