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**

[China Doll]

Having expectations just seems to lead to disappointment.

[LoftyLottie]

LOL Ratter. Well it did take 6 weeks actually. We weren't even really an 'item' as such - went on holiday together to Spain, got rather under the influence of vino one night decided to get married and then got married 6 weeks later!!

It took me by surprise - but we are still together - 40 years in January!!!

[LoftyLottie]

True China.

[Jayne-123]

I am aged 40-59 and am enjoying having a good job, good health and nice home of my own. I am less enjoying seeing my parent's health declinining.

[RATTER15]

Good for you LL, a whirlwind romance!!:))

[sophie_1003]

I've always been a bit of a planner LL; I don't have things set in stone in my head though so it's not like I'm planning every move; they're just the things I would like to have by the time I'm middle aged!

[LoftyLottie]

I never even thought about middle age when I was your age Sophie!! ;o)

[LoftyLottie]

I do know though that marriage and a family never even entered my head!!

[joko]

i agree, i dont think 40 is middle-aged, id have said more like 45-50...

maybe thats because i am nearly 40, but even when i was younger i didnt really think of 40 as middle aged...

[seadogg]

60+
If your job carries responsibility get out at the first opportunity.
Keep fit but avoid jogging a it wrecks your knees, either run properly or walk till you are slightly out of breath.
Eat natural foods only, avoiding highly processed food like your life depended on it.
Have somebody you love more than yourself, even if it is a pet.

[Bambiagain]

Age 56 - not enjoying the every-day aches and pains and getting acclimatised to my new knee. However, still enjoying being active (riding horses several times a week, even if it is a no-no with the knee). Still often feel the same way mentally as I did twenty years ago, but the body and the mirror tell me I'm not!