When did you realise you were getting/feeling older?

[2anddone]

I have driven since I was 17 and over the (many) years I have driven in various different countries on all sorts of roads. It never used to bother me what the weather was like or what time of day it was.
Today I drove home from Birmingham (approx 150 miles) the weather was horrendous and I was scared! People on the roads didn't have their car lights on and weren't indicating. The rain was coming down so hard I could hardly see the road and it was so dark on some roads that I hit a large puddle as I couldn't see it in the dark.
I am now sat at home with my dc in bed and I feel really old I never thought I would be bothered by driving but today (at 42 years old) I was!
What made you feel like you were getting old?

After I had my third child. It hit home that there was no bouncing back and no going anywhere near my former young self. My belly is here to stay as is my changed lumpy shape. I guess I feel accordingly about myself and my life, although mentally I am no worse if not better with the benefit of life experience. Sad, but have to live with what I have got now.

Oh and I’m no longer bothered about getting a new phone as I haven’t got the patience to learn how to use it. The fact I’m now a national trust member, enjoy gardening even watching gardening programmes and hate the sound of loud noise!! Which isn’t great seeing as I work with kids!!! Also the sadest part is the amount of funerals I’ve been too which is now creeping into my parents generation. Seeing them old reminds me that I’m old 😞

I used to look tired in the morning before I'd washed my face and had a coffee, those things don't help anymore. Just tired, puffy eyes all day now.

Been in my current job just over a year. I am the oldest in the place (that's fine!) There was a work's party and we were all asked to suggest music for the playlist. All my suggestions were met with "oh yes great choice, my mum/dad/nan (😬) loves that song"
I'm 50.

That said, I am a keen runner, continue to get parkrun pbs even after doing parkrun for 6 years, and am the sole representative of the staff in a team half marathon.

When I realised one of my colleagues at work was born AFTER Princess Diana died.

Also, my penultimate child is going to secondary school next year!

When something hurts when you get out of bed. Not always the same thing but always something. Ouch.

When started trying to avoid Radio 1.

(I had my bunions operated on in my teens and became a great aunt into my 20s - and a great great aunt in my 40s - so they're not signs of age to me )

When I realised that my arse was trying to mate with the back of my knees, while my boobs were trying to mate with my thighs.

Every time I run into someone I've taught busy being a proper grown up. One now teaches my sons football club... some of my earliest students will be 30 now

Like last week. I am about to turn 24. I feel like I’m not really young anymore. It’s horrendous. I can’t imagine how people must feel when they hit ages that feel are ‘old’. Not looking forward to it.

When I noticed I made a groaning sound when I bend down to pick something up.

When I saw a programme on the telly with Adam and the Ants on it and realised it was THIRTY SEVEN years ago. Doesn't seem possible.

Eh??!!!

I'm in my 50s. I feel young.

.. when I was checking a new teacher's ID for a DBS check and realised that they are 15 years younger than my DS and I'm almost old enough to be their grandma!

When I lost my nerve.

Sickness around me. I have a friend with recurred cancer and its now not treatable. I have lost two people I know from cancer in the past year. At work there are only 6 of us and all of us have had a worry and tests that could have been something serious or something serious in the past year.

Im 51. The feeling of getting old has crept up fast since passing 50.

I can relate to a lot which has been said on here, but surprised it is hitting some of you in your 40's, I am 57 and have started to feel achy some days, but generally fit and well fingers crossed. I have put the aches down to being menopausal, at least that is what I have read and hoping it sorts itself out. I have to drive long distances at times as there is no one else to do it. Latest was a 400 mile journey to Newcastle to take my son back to uni, help him carry his belongings in and set up his flat and drive all the way home the same day. That is in my 13 year old Fiesta which feels every bump. I had to do the same with my younger son a week earlier. I have younger friends who will only drive locally. I have moved home twice this year and never want to lift another box again, although I still have lots of decorating and diy to do. So basically I carry on the same as before but yes I am sure I find things more tiring but plan to carry on as always.

Crimson - not all of us are lucky enough to enjoy relatively good health into our 50's and later. My mum can be a bit like you and forget that.

She was fit and healthy until her 60's and given the heavy smoking and poor diet it was definitely luck!

My bro is still fit and healthy which he is thankful for as he needs to be for his job (police officer).

My sister and I due to a mix of accidents and ill health really struggle with pain and mobility issues. I was in a major car accident in my early 30's is the main cause of my aches and pains. But I've also got friends with arthritis and other issues that make them feel older.

Graphista, yes I understand that, just surprised it was showing at such a young age for some. I have had a serious bout of pneumonia, 2 slipped discs and suffered from migraine induced vertigo for 15 years myself. Today must be a good day as I had forgotten lol,

This year my DH turned 50 and my oldest DS started High School. My Dad is 80 at the end of the year and this month has been the fourth time that we have thought we are going to lose him. Fortunately, it seems as if he is going to make a full recovery, but there is still a bit of uncertainty, further tests needed on his lungs. I remember when my Dad turned 50 and my Mum wasn't much older than I am now. I am 43 (44 in January) and definitely feel old. On the other hand, though I don't want to let go of wearing trendy clothes and dying my hair various colours, but then again why should I.

My godson becoming a policeman.....

Crimson haha love the days when I forget - few and far between though nowadays.

When my favourite album had its 25th anniversary a few years ago!

Alltheseposes - ahh bless you! Some of mine are hitting 35/40 ditto films

I don’t feel hugely older yet (mid-thirties) but I do find what I thought was a couple of years ago was actually ten years ago.

But what’s really knocked me is a sudden awareness of mortality. In the past year another Mum at school has been diagnosed with cancer (terminal), a close family member had cancer but thankfully all clear after complete removal of the problem area, and my parents are in their mid 70s and suddenly looking ‘older’. I’m suddenly very aware I won’t have them forever, very aware that life can just take you out with little warning, and very pleased I’m here but almost anxious that it can all change so fast. But presumably that’s because I’ve seen others get sick etc recently and it’s freaked me out, esp as I have young children. I’ve stopped taking it for granted, but it’s also been quite anxiety inducing grappling with mortality. You think you’re invincible when you’re in your teens and early twenties!