How Quickly Does One Go From Being Older To Being 'Old'?

[barry1010]

My relative has become an old man in a few months. He is only 78 but now feels cold all the time even in this weather, lacks concentration to follow a new tv programme, doesn't want to do anything and just about everything is too much effort.

He is definitely not depressed - happy as a pig in muck is a good description (when he's not too cold) - and there is no new health problems. He just seems to see himself as an old man and behaves accordingly.

Is this normal for some older people?

[douglas9401]

People are what they are, I don't think there's a line.

With the possible exception of stairs. :-)

[Bobbisox1]

does he take blood thinners for a condition Barry? My Oh was always warm even in the cold weather but since him having a mini stroke two years ag , he takes a blood thinning agent and he feels the cold now

[davebro]

I think I'm getting there! Everyone's different of course but once you've retired if you have no interests or hobbies you're enthusiastic about it's easy to slip into a lethargic lifestyle. Does he live on his own?

[barry1010]

No he doesn't, bobbi, just dispersible aspirin every day

[barry1010]

He lives with his family and used to have a lot of hobbies - allotments, wine and beer making, carpentry. He used to do all our decorating and odd jobs. Loved rambling for miles - usually with a stop for a swift half along the way.
Now he is content to sit in his armchair watching constant repeats of very old sitcoms and police dramas.

[barry1010]

The reality is, of course, that he is not that much older than me. Is this what I have to look forward to?

[Jackdaw33]

Aspirin also thins the blood.

[burlyshirley]

Going by how quickly my parents suddenly seemed to age and become frail, I would say it happens often. They were fine until their early 80's and everything seemed to change then. Dad especially suddenly seemed to look so old and I'd think 'who is that old man smiling at me from the kitchen table'? Heartbreaking really. They used to love foreign holidays, but it all became too much, the airport and everything, but they had some great holidays abroad so I have those happy memories.

[Bobbisox1]

not sure when I will say I'm old?
I never feel old

[barry1010]

Hope I never feel old, Bobbi.

That's exactly how it is, Shirley. :(

[douglas9401]

I've always been cool. :-)

[Bobbisox1]

I think if you think young at heart, then you will be just that

[barry1010]

I'll dig out my flares and platform boots. Maybe get my hair permed

[Bobbisox1]

ahhh, I go further back so maybe a gold mini skirt and long boots, I might even go into town late at night dressed like that haha

[barry1010]

I was dressing like that in my 30s :D

[Bobbisox1]

what? in a gold mini skirt and long boots?

[burlyshirley]

I will admit to feeling old at times and sometimes play up to it a little ! Time goes so fast ...

[Bobbisox1]

time does go by very quickly I agree, all the more reason to pack as much into life as we can

[ubasses]

I am aiming to be like my late MIL, remember going up to visit when she was 90 and her telling OH ' I won't be in when you arrive, we (the choir) are going to sing to the old people in the Home this afternoon!

[Bobbisox1]

my 80+ MIL ( loved her ) always referred to that old lady /man haha