To find getting older so incredibly sad

Who is saying you should not live life to the full? I am always saying that. But I acknowledge that many people do not make it to their 80s, or do so but with chronic health problems.

You seem determined to be depressive.

Yes you are lucky to be healthy. My mother is 70 and does not exercise significantly. She was very sporty when younger and now struggles to walk with severe arthritis. Easy to be judgemental when you have no idea of the impact of chronic illnesses.

Of course there are cleaty I know plenty of people who have died young but I can't see the point of dwelling on it and stopping you getting on an living life to the full! If I go to the 'Early Bird' swim at 7am it will be mainly those aged 60+ because they have the time.

Of course problems will set in if you think you are too old to do things and don't exercise. I realise that I am lucky to be healthy, but there are a lot of people aged 60+ ( or even 40+) who wouldn't dream of getting off the sofa and running around the block despite the fact they could if they wanted.
Another friend - aged 68yrs has just set herself the challenge of taking up horse riding for the first time and is much fitter.

Two of my friends have died in their early 50's, several work colleagues as well. And I know a number of people who have developed chronic illnesses such as MS or Lupus in their 40s and 50s.
Yes there are people who are healthy until their 80s, and others who die or get serious illnesses before then. Look at the stats.

My FIL was over 100 when he died and still playing 18 holes of golf until his late 80s.

I will rephrase it . In my personal experience I have found that people are generally OK until they are 83 yrs and then health problems set in. That personal experience is of people who are still alive at that age. My mother is now 10 yrs beyond it and she is elderly ( but only in body).

Apparently 83 is the life expectancy for women ATM FreshHorizons - or so I heard I think on the news today

Men aged 65-74 have an annual risk of death of 1 in 42. All those who died did not find they were okay until they were in their 80s.

I do think exercise is key. Nothing's foolproof but it will certainly help you be more limber in old age.

Not tosh at all! My mother redesigned her garden and did all the work at 80, she got elderly at 85 yrs. My friend's parents ( those still alive were fine until about 83yrs) . I ran a half marathon at 62 yrs and would do more if the training didn't take so long. I still do short runs in the morning. My friends are all similar ages and are very active e.g one is out on her horse everyday aged 72 yrs and shows no signs of stopping.
I was skiing last year and may well go this year.
Use it or lose it.
I do 1000+ steps a day.

It was certainly true of my grandparents and my dh's grandparents. My mum is in her early 70s and has friends in the early 80s who definitely still enjoying life despite some physical issues. Playing bridge, chess, book clubs, walking groups, charity work, bowling etc, grand children and great grandchildren. Just because that sounds dull to a young person doesn't mean you aren't enjoying many aspects of your life. My neighbour who is in his late 70s isn't in good health ( a life long bon viveur) but still does guest lectures in his medical speciality and is regarded as an expert in his field. He seems to get a great des of satisfaction about being needed and respected.

I am sure this has been said already but better to grow old, than die young

my friend died last year, and that put so much into perspective

Generally fine until their 80's! What tosh.

I actually don't feel like a grown up woman inside my head - I rarely wear make up or heels, have never dyed my hair or been on a diet. Maybe I will grow up one day ?

me too. Thank fuck none of this crap is compulsory!!

the reading glasses are a bore though!

My present experience is that people are generally fine these days until about 83+ when problems of old age start to kick in.

They are rare at 80+ but not at 60+.
I took up running at retirement and managed the half marathon.
Don't let age put you off things.

81 year old marathon runners are rare.
Hard to feel young when you have health problems or friends your own age dying.

minipie - that is soooo true! In fact I said upthread that I felt very old when I was 30, and it just dawned on me that that's precisely when I had my two babies. I remember trying to do a run, and I literally couldn't even do 200m! I now run 5K once or twice a week, swim 1km twice a week and play tennis competitively, and it's all easy and enjoyable!

Oh dear, yes, the reading glasses. I'm pleased I got to 59 before I really needed them but I hate them with a vengeance. I suddenly want to read ingredients in the supermarket or have a good look at my train ticket when I'm out and I can't unless I dig in my bag to get them out. I'm far more concerned about this than the odd ( fortunately very odd ) wrinkle.

IME The solution to defying the ageing process is a commitment to exercise. Yoga/ running / dancing / outdoor swimming/ walking whatever you enjoy. Take up a new hobby ! Getting in shape will make you feel better about getting old. I'm almost 50 but I am fitter than I was when I was younger. I may be wrinkly but at least I am fit and toned. Can't do much about the wrinkles can we ?
The only downside for me is rapidly failing eyesight - the need for reading glasses is a constant reminder of my age. And last night my pelvic floor totally failed when I did a fast running session up and down some hills. Honestly you have to laugh these things off with friends ( of the same age obvs don't share with young men from the running club...)
I actually don't feel like a grown up woman inside my head - I rarely wear make up or heels, have never dyed my hair or been on a diet. Maybe I will grow up one day ?

Ah OP I wondered if you had small children (like me) and guess what you do! I think looking after two small children makes you feel ancient (although in another way it keeps you young) - as I said upthread I'm hoping to "reverse age" once the DC are a bit older.

I think that I was about 35yrs when I caught sight of myself in a shop window and was shocked to find that I didn't look young anymore, so I can see where you are coming from, but beyond that you just have to enjoy the time that you are at and try and keep fit and healthy.