I'm 60 today. And I feel pretty awful. I never thought I would bother much about getting older. It's true that when I was 40 and 50 I hardly gave it a thought. But the awful thought now is that I only have "old" age to look forward to. What do forummers, especially those over 60, think about this milestone? Does it make any difference, or is the old adage "you're only as old as you feel" apply?

Physically, I feel quite good. Despite the odd twinge I am in good health, and things have certainly improved of late. Although I lost my much-loved mum in 2006, things also improved around that time. And in March last year, this erstwhile bachelor married his childhood sweetheart after 37 years apart (FriendsReunited works!) Marion and I are blissfully happy, and this takes the edge off any feelings of misery today. And of course, I get my bus pass and my £200 winter heating allowance. I can get my (remaining) hair cut more cheaply. I qualify as a "senior citizen" and so pay less to visit some stately homes, tourist sites etc.

But I don't feel like a "senior citizen". Mentally, if not physically, I feel like an old man. Naturally, I have been reminiscing about old times - my wonderful parents, who in the difficult post-war period did their very best for my brother, sister and me. Weekend trips with dad's motorbike + sidecar into Derbyshire. The Dial House seaside day out each year. Dear old Uncle Joe taking us fishing. Whitsuntide gatherings in Hillsborough Park. Paddling in the river at Malin Bridge. Family units that stayed together through thick and thin. Friendly corner shops kept by local people who would serve you at the back door after hours. But I feel as if I should be looking forward, not back.

All commiserations or suggestions welcome...

No suggestions, but, many more happy returns of the day, anyway, hillsbro> :D

I know what you mean. I turned 65 in February and wasn't too thrilled, but as the day after came I realised i was no different to the day before.
I still feel the same and am doing the same job. I have my husband and family and the only thing that changed was the number.
The bus pass has saved me a fortune in the last 5 years:hihi:
So happy birthday and don't get blue.
It's just a number.

"Just a number". I like that thought, and you are absolutely right. I'll bear it in mind - thanks!

Awww! I know how you feel, I was 60 last year. It does seem a much bigger milestone than any preceding birthday. It's our last decade when we can really pretend to ourselves that we're still 'young enough'. Although maybe in another 9 years I'll be singing a different tune! I think you actually mean you mentally feel like a young man, not an old one? Those halycon days of our youth, hindsight brings a golden halo to memories, but I really do think the 50s and 60s were a much better time to be young in than now.

Congratulations on getting married too, and to your childhood sweetheart. At least you've got someone to share it all with, who remembers the same things. Lucky you!

I think you actually mean you mentally feel like a young man, not an old one?

Thanks for your input, rubydazzler. Actually, what I meant was that, mentally, I feel like an old man today, because I'm 60. Until today I could put any thoughts of being a sexagenarian aside, but now I'm actually a 60 year-old. But I suppose the feeling of being old will pass - especially as, physically, I am in good shape. And as you say, I now have someone to share it all with - both the memories of when we were kids together 40+ years ago, and thoughts and hopes for the future. I never thought I would ever be a married man. In the 1960s, Marion and I parted because she lived in Scunthorpe and I lived in Sheffield, and it just got too difficult. But now we're married, and as Marion is 61, I suppose I have the last laugh!

74 in feb I didn't start to feel old till i reached 70 then after a very bad hernia op the body just went to hell, just lack of exercise, at this age it takes a long time to bounce back but i'll keep working . My father died in Sheffield at 96 and my mother at 90 so with the better drugs(:hihi::hihi::hihi:) of today I will crack the 100 mark in only 25 yrs:cool::cool:

Many Happy Returns. Don't worry about it. I hit 65 last November and although I have a few nostalgic tendencies, I get on with today and just look forward to all the good things I'm going to do this year. Next year can look after itself, as can the past. Dave Berry gave a great show at Llandudno last Wednesday and he's 67. Marty Wilde and Joe Brown are still giving it loads.
Every Monday I get £119 OAP (SCA) and this keeps me in Beer for the week. I want to get the OAP for as many years as I can. My Dad's been drawing it for 25 years and he's on a 4 month holiday in Madeira.

Whatever you do don't start thinking you are old!!as said it is just a number,I was 78 last week and have a check up every six months and the Doctor said I am in excellent health for a man my age,I have many interests and hobbies,swim every week winter and summer,holiday abroad three times a year,and above all keep the old brain box going.Many happy returns.

Thanks, folks, for all your good wishes and advice. I'm sure that this feeling of being old will pass - it's just that "celebrating" your 60th birthday is some kind of rite of passage, and it's a reminder that we all get older.

I certainly keep busy. I took early retirement in 2002 and like Highnote I have plenty of interests. I've been busy with gardening, house repairs/decorating, country walking, eBaying, extended pub lunches, travelling (USA & South Africa last year; Germany, France & South Africa this year), writing/translating books and articles - and at present (we hope) selling our Sheffield home and looking for another one. I think that retirement has its own version of Parkinson's Law - your activities expand to fit the time available.

Sorry to hear about the hernia op, flyer, but you certainly have good genetics and I'm sure you'll reach 100 and get your telegram from the Queen (she'll be about 107 by then, but her mum made it to 101).

If mikeG's dad is active enough at 90 to take a long holiday in Madeira, that gives me something to aim for. Mrs hillsbro and I are in quite good shape, and as we were apart for so long we've got some catching up to do. ;) ..I went to the BUPA clinic recently for a full MOT, and apart from a high cholesterol level (now lowered with pills, which come free from today) I got a clean bill of health.

I feel better already.

sounds like life begins at 60 in your case hillsbro, happy birthday, :partyhat: you have good health which is great, I dont mind getting older as long as I stay fit and healthy.

I envy the bus pass hillsboro hehe :hihi:
but you do have to spend your fuel allowance on your grandkids so i'll let you off ;)

Happy Birthday............I dont think it is a good birthday on the day you feel terrible, but life goes on my Dad used to say many in the graveyard would be glad to be celebrating. Have a good one..............

I turned 60 in January and feel great - I dont think I have ever happier in my skin - maybe its because I dont feel 60 and people are constantly amazed when I say I am 60. I actually enjoy telling folks - also just become a granny for the first time so really happy.

I envy the bus pass hillsboro hehe :hihi:

I'm going to town tomorrow to get my bus pass. But I'm b*ggered if I'm paying £1.70 to get to town when I'm old enough to travel for nowt, so being a hale and hearty 60 I'm going to walk to town and get the bus back..:).:).:)

but you do have to spend your fuel allowance on your grandkids so i'll let you off ;)

Of course you're right. When I married Mrs hillsbro I acquired three "honorary" grandkids - Dylan, 11, Helen, 8, and Darren, 3. They are lovely kids and I don't begrudge them the equivalent of my fuel allowance (they've already scoffed their Easter eggs).

I have always felt a bit sad anyway on any birthday, but now, having just had my 66th, I feel honoured knowing that I have had 6 more birthdays that either of my parents had.
One great grand-daughter and another due in 6 weeks.
Have a great birthday anyway and as sheshe says, Age is Just a Number.....enjoy:thumbsup:

:clap:HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY:banana:CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm 60 today. And I feel pretty awful. I never thought I would bother much about getting older. It's true that when I was 40 and 50 I hardly gave it a thought. But the awful thought now is that I only have "old" age to look forward to. What do forummers, especially those over 60, think about this milestone? Does it make any difference, or is the old adage "you're only as old as you feel" apply?

Physically, I feel quite good. Despite the odd twinge I am in good health, and things have certainly improved of late. Although I lost my much-loved mum in 2006, things also improved around that time. And in March last year, this erstwhile bachelor married his childhood sweetheart after 37 years apart (FriendsReunited works!) Marion and I are blissfully happy, and this takes the edge off any feelings of misery today. And of course, I get my bus pass and my £200 winter heating allowance. I can get my (remaining) hair cut more cheaply. I qualify as a "senior citizen" and so pay less to visit some stately homes, tourist sites etc.

But I don't feel like a "senior citizen". Mentally, if not physically, I feel like an old man. Naturally, I have been reminiscing about old times - my wonderful parents, who in the difficult post-war period did their very best for my brother, sister and me. Weekend trips with dad's motorbike + sidecar into Derbyshire. The Dial House seaside day out each year. Dear old Uncle Joe taking us fishing. Whitsuntide gatherings in Hillsborough Park. Paddling in the river at Malin Bridge. Family units that stayed together through thick and thin. Friendly corner shops kept by local people who would serve you at the back door after hours. But I feel as if I should be looking forward, not back.

All commiserations or suggestions welcome...

60 is the new 40 happy birthday :D

I was 60 last year and thought it was the end of the world, after a lot of rib pulling i just got on with it. Today took my two grankids 2-6 down Rivelin nature trail and loved every minute, mud and all !

Many Happy Returns Hillsboro. I reckon 60 is a milestone and so is 65,70,75, etc; I remember when I was 20, I was a bit shocked, and then 30, Jeez, that was old. I try and ignore these milestones, but the trouble is everybody sends you reminders in the form of cards and stuff. I try and keep fit, I'm nearly 75 by the way, and try to keep my interests fresh. If you feel like you're beginning to be a bit of a curmudgeon at times, hey, you've earned it, your entitled.

If you feel like you're beginning to be a bit of a curmudgeon at times, hey, you've earned it, your entitled.

" ... a bit of a curmudgeon". Indeed, there are times when I begin to feel as if I am bordering on the curmudgeonly. But all I can say is that getting married at 59 worked wonders, and maybe by the time I'm 65 and get my "retirement pension" (to use the official euphemism for the O.A.P.) all traces of curmudgeonliness will have gone, I hope. But as you say I'm entitled, so what the hell...

60 is the new 40 happy birthday :D

*beams, happily* as she realises that this must mean that 40 is the new 20... :clap:

I'm approaching it at a rate of knots - I fear it's a gravestone.
Strange things happen : you go to bed fine, but get up the next morning with an aching joint or pain somewhere...but there's no apparent reason.
A couple of days hobbling about or whatever....and then it's gone again.
No - you can keep it, thanks.
And as for it being the "new 40", hopefully that's just total BS too....I woke up on my 40th with chickenpox!

*beams, happily* as she realises that this must mean that 40 is the new 20... :clap:

hope so :)when next january comes around ive already had chicken pox :P

As has already been said, it's only a number. Enjoy every day there's lots of advantages to being a senior! Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and have a good one.

Many more of them, hillsboro. Don't worry about being 60. In little over a week, I'll be 65. Never felt better. Retired Jan 1 and already wondering how I used to get done all the things I used to. My days are pretty full now. Go to a Fitness Centre regularly. Keeping fit is a key. Like yourself, I too enjoy gardening, though in Canada, one has to down tools in October and pick them up the following June. We still have a fair bit of snow kicking around. I golf, badly, but who cares? You have grandkids. You'll find them fun. We had our first granddaughter this past Jan. I was just as excited as when I became a father. You have some nice spots over there to go walking which is one of your hobbies. Try golf. You don't have to be any good at it, take it from me. Enjoy a (one) glass of wine or a beer every day too. All the best.

Thanks again, folks, for all the good wishes and useful suggestions. You have cheered me up no end. We've just cracked open a bottle of delicious Gewurztraminer (vin d'Alsace - a snip at £6.95 from the Hillsborough Co-Op) and that's cheered me up even more. Fitness centre - a good idea, rogG; I'll look into it. Marion is (despite being quite trim) trying to lose a little weight; maybe we'll get a discount as we are now both 60+. Our next-door neighbour in Sheffield (where we spend about a third of our time) is a keen golfer and has been trying to get me to give it a try; maybe I should. And I'll be getting a bit more exercise in the garden in the coming weeks, despite today's wintry weather, complete with snow - the first time it's snowed on my birthday!

I just realised I've never had chicken pox. Measles - yes; mumps - yes; tonsils - removed, appendix - likewise. So all clear on that score, but am I too old to get chicken pox?

Look at it this way. Sixty is nothing to celebrate but it's a lot better than turning seventy.

I loved reaching 60. My family gave me a wonderful party and lots of gorgeous presents. I am much better off, with pension, fuel allowance, bus pass, free prescriptions. And I don`t feel any different in myself, ie I still think I`m 30
Life is what you make it regardless of age.

I'm going to town tomorrow to get my bus pass. But I'm b*ggered if I'm paying £1.70 to get to town when I'm old enough to travel for nowt, so being a hale and hearty 60 I'm going to walk to town and get the bus back.

So much for that idea. I got to the office at the Interchange, waited in a queue of grey-haired people, produced my birth certificate, gas bill and mugshot ... and was told that I couldn't have a pass; it will be posted to me. I had been told earlier that I couldn't apply before my birthday, but apparently, if I had turned 60 a week earlier I would have been given a pass immediately. Goodness knows when I'll start travelling for free - the fact is that I'm 60 and I still CAN'T!

*beams, happily* as she realises that this must mean that 40 is the new 20... :clap:

Belated congratulations on your birthday, Plain Talker! I see your birthday is the day before mine. I only wish I had been born in the same year as you - but then, I suppose, I would still be working full time, and wouldn't be married to the wonderful Mrs hillsbro.... Yep - life gets better, and I shouldn't grumble like a curmudgeonly sexagenarian...:)

Free bus passes? You've got it made. We don't even have buses in the town where I live. One city on the island has buses, single deckers of course, and they were brought in recently on a trial basis. We do have one London double decker bus but that's just for the tourists. Enjoy your bus rides. I used to like sitting upstairs at the front when I was a kid. Don't know how I managed to breathe as back then it was full of smoke upstairs. I expect things have changed for the better now.