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Original poster

To wonder what's normal re pain or health issues over 50?

135 replies

UncertainWife · 19/02/2025 18:09

As of recently (early 50s) I have lots of things gone wrong, hip arthritis, lower back pain, shoulder pain, and some new stomach issues, but most of my friends in their early 50s seem fine with no health problems at all.

I'm quite shocked at how rapidly my health and mobility has gone downhill. I eat well, am good BMI, before my hip went wrong I took regular walks each day.

If you're over 50, are you fully healthy and in good working order? Or are bits of you starting to 'go'?!

Is it just a lottery? I did all the advised things, diet, exercise, no alcohol, good sleep, but I am falling apart much more than my boozy friends who eat a lot of rich food! And am in worse health than my smoker husband!

OP posts:
Ilovelowry · 19/02/2025 18:50

Age 42 it all started to go wrong.

Tennis elbow, then insertional achilles tendinitis, then prolapses, every virus possible, then peri meno.

I've constantly got something that hurts. Until all this I ran half marathons, lifted weights and had a healthier diet than about 90% of the country!

At 47 I've stopped wondering what is next and just assume that something else will keep going wrong!!

RachelLikesTea · 19/02/2025 18:48

53, developed an on and off pain in one hip last year, seems worse after sitting for long spells so I walk a lot. Definitely stiffer than I used to be when bending down to pick something up or put my shoes on but that’s about it.

Beamur · 19/02/2025 18:47

Mid 50's here and reasonable health but niggles since 50 have got more serious.
I'd say most of my friends of similar age have at least one serious brush with health stuff, but in overall decent shape. Quite a few with cancer (all treated and doing well)

Lentilweaver · 19/02/2025 18:44

I am 53 and in good health. No aches or pains..I think it may be partly genetic.

unsync · 19/02/2025 18:42

Menopause doesn't help. Are you taking HRT? I found it was like hitting a brick wall. Just started HRT and I already feel a bit better. I've also started weight training too, so that's interesting! I'm 56.

What sort of exercise did you do previously? What happened at 53 that things changed so suddenly? Apologies for all the ??, don't feel you have to answer if you find them intrusive.

Original poster
UncertainWife · 19/02/2025 18:22

HelenCurlyBrown · 19/02/2025 18:18

I’m 52 and feel no different to when I was young. I am trying to think of similar aged friends with health conditions. One had shingles recently which she said made her feel old, but that’s it.

It’s just luck, I think.

Enjoy it while it lasts (and long may it last for you and your friends). But seriously, make the most of it, go on lots of walks or dance, or whatever you like doing, and do all the stuff!

My body was ok until just before I turned 53 and am so shocked by it letting me down like this!

OP posts:
TwistedWonder · 19/02/2025 18:21

I’m lucky at 59 to have no health problems at all.
i get a few aches and pains after a night out but other than that I’m absolutely fine.

But I’m also lucky enough to have both parents still around so maybe it’s good genes and luck

AnnaMagnani · 19/02/2025 18:18

DH and I both had a shock in our mid 40s. Neck arthritis, rotator cuff, tennis elbow, aching hips...

We hadn't felt middle aged up til then but OMG we do now.

HelenCurlyBrown · 19/02/2025 18:18

I’m 52 and feel no different to when I was young. I am trying to think of similar aged friends with health conditions. One had shingles recently which she said made her feel old, but that’s it.

It’s just luck, I think.

hopeishere · 19/02/2025 18:13

I feel that way too. Aches and pains all the time.