Youth * Middle Aged * Senior - Advice for your older/younger self

[rosechar4]

I am trying to grasp and eventually change the perception of being middle aged for a university project.

For the purpose of my research, I have narrowed down middle age from 40-60.

Step 1: Choose your age group below.
Step 2: Answer the corresponding question in one or two sentences.
Step 3: Post your response, along with your exact age.

You are aged 18-39:
In one or two sentences, what are your expectations of life in your middle aged years (40-60)? Good or bad?

You are aged 40-59:
What are your enjoying/less enjoying at your current age?

You are aged 60+:
In one or two sentences, what advice would you give your younger self?

Many thanks,
Undergraduate student, Essex

**Please include your exact age**

[Brenden]

60+ enjoy every minute of the day, time passes in a flash. Do the things you yearn to do while you are capable of doing them.

[ummmm]

38 - Looking forward to doing more things as a couple, without the children.

[erin-x]

By that age I would liked to have settled down in my own house with a happy marriage and healthy children. Most of all I would like to know that i'm going to be fit and healthy. By looking at my mum and brother, it's a thing that's looking less and less likely :-(

Erin... Aged 20

[sophie_1003]

I wouldn't say 60 is middle-aged; who's going to live to 120??
Anyway; I'm in the first category (am 24) and have good expectations for middle-agedness; will hopefully have a family and be well established in my career and be in a position to do the things we want in our spare time; e.g. go on holidays to interesting and nice places.

[flicrat]

I am 74 and definitely not a Senior. Didn't you know 70 is the new 40?! LOL !
:o)
Advice to younger self? Enjoy your mobility and don't take it for granted.
Spend more time with the children and blow the
housework!
PS Wouldn't you like to know what I am still enjoying? Censored.

[Mamyalynne]

58 - Though having been through a bad time recently , am seeing hope and maybe a new future. Like the fact that I can see the fruits of my labour in the way my children have turned out and continue to prosper. Adore being a groovy Gran and having fun.

[RATTER15]

Im 53 nearly 54 im enjoying life, im still reasonably fit and work well with people of all ages, I get on as well with 18 year olds as I do with 90 year olds. I have learned so much about life and death in the last few years.

Im enjoying life more and more, I dont think im enjoying anything less.

[237SJ]

That`s what eating lots of pasties does for you

[Marijn]

Age 40 - 59. I'm enjoying spending time with family and friends more. I don't enjoy TV much now. I used to run everywhere, like running for the bus - just for fun. I don't like running now.

[tinkerbell23]

Me- aged 24...

I expect to have a husband and kids and a comfortable lifestyle with holidays! I expect to retire early (lol) hopefully by 40odds ill have worked my way up in my job too. However current climate and pension cuts are a worry x

[DaisyNonna]

65 Never ever have a joint bank account with your husband

[starone]

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. In other words make the most of what you have and enjoy every moment you can. Before you can look around you will be too old to enjoy it. I am 84.

[tinkerbell23]

Wanna b like mum n dad- mid 40s lovely holidays, nice meals out and in! Still sit on same couch still love each other x

[sophie_1003]

Sounds like you and me have exactly the same thoughts on the question Tink; wonder if that is something common across 24 year olds; might be something for the OP to look into!

[tinkerbell23]

Possibly soph cos were both trying to make a career etc!!

Great minds eh xxx

[NOX]

51, Enjoying being able to relax and not being as driven as when I was younger, not enjoyng living alone-prefer to be in a couple situation with kids.

[China Doll]

I'm 32, I don't have any expectations for the next week let alone the next ten years! I can't see things changing very much or very significantly I guess.

[LoftyLottie]

I must be strange, I can't ever remember when I was in my late teens, early twenties ever looking forward to being married, having children etc, and never even contemplated being middle aged. I just lived for the moment.

I did get married at almost 25 but it wasn't planned and happened suddenly. The child I had at 36 wasn't something planned particularly either.

When I was middle aged I never considered old age either.

No point in expectations in advance in my opinion.

[rsvp]

65 and most definitely would rather regret the things I have done rather than the things I haven't!

[RATTER15]

LL, "I did get married at almost 25 but it wasn't planned and happened suddenly."

you woke up one morning and found you were married?

A bit like waking up with a stiff back?