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**

[rowanwitch]

OK 40-59 Enjoying real independence and new relationship now have the maturity to make a better job of it
Not enjoying the physical aspects of ageing

[sara3]

I'm 45, and I am not middle-aged!

[fliptheswitch]

18-39 bad. I don't like the thought of the children being older and not being "around".

[sandyRoe]

60+
Enjoy life while you're able because when you get to my age decrepitude starts to take its toll.
Don't back odds-on favourites and don't back each way in a 7 horse race.

[sallybb]

Aged 40-59.
Enjoying being active than when younger, more freedom to think of myself before the family, who have now flown the nest. Not enjoying back problems, but by managing them , I am able to continue an active life.

[johnk]

Don't get married
Put regular money away for retirement
64

[chelle7272]

Age 39
looking forward to turning 40, enjoyed my 30's being older and being a mum throughout, seeing first signs of physical ageing which have begin to concern me - started looking after myself more!

[craft1948]

I'm 60+............make sure you pay into a good private health care plan.

[flump1]

Hi rose, I am a fifty two year old lady so my answer to your question might be.....Since being fifty years old , I am more i inclined to lead a slightly hedonistic lifestyle ! I have my life's' experience and wisdom ( or not ) to enable me to relax and enjoy life. I dress in the same style as I always have , and look after my body better than I did in my youth.

[cazzz1975]

36, I have a positive outlook for middle age, as I have got older and look forward to the years ahead I put more emphasis on health, happiness and family.

[vulcan]

I don't think those questions are relevant to the ages. I am 69 but I still have expectations[40-60] and I'm still enjoying gardening, photography, oil painting and being on several committees [40-59] Life and living doesn't end on your 60th birthday.

[Meg888]

Aged 41 - don't consider myself middle aged!
Enjoying the feeling I NOT have to go or keep up with what my friends do
Suffering arthritis, weight gain (very hard to shift) and menopausal symptoms

[sallybb]

Have already submitted one, but now for OH
60+ After many years of worrying about growing old and deciding I should slow down, I have taken the Bull by the horns and gone into overdrive. Got a lot fitter, walked to Everest Base camp this year, Walked the Atlas mountains, Snowdon, SW Coastal path. Next year 3 peaks challenge and Kili. Down side like Sally have to manage backs issues.

[chelle7272]

"Don't get married "

yes that too :)

[carrust]

50+. Never-ever waste an erection. LOL

[LoftyLottie]

60+

To the young me I would advise carry on exactly as you are - enjoying yourself, being devil may care and throwing caution to the wind because when you get older your responsibilities are going to tie you down for a long time and when your responsibilites get less but you still feel the same mentally as you did when you were young, your bloomin' creaky body will stop you in your tracks!!

[craft1948]

carrust define "waste"..........

[carrust]

If the pumps at full pressure use it,Craft

[craft1948]

lol lol...........

[pa___ul3]

I'm 32, I'm expecting to be settled down and probably starting a family around then. There's middle aged and older people in my family who are still very fit and active so I want to follow a similar path.