Turning sixty in 2023 and I'm freaking out

[LifeIsBetterWithBunting]

I can't believe that I turn 60 later this year. I am really freaked out and can't stop thinking about it, as I don't feel anything like that age - I barely feel like a grown up some days!

My mum, who I was very close to, died last year (my dad a few years ago) and I think that's making me more aware of getting older and of dying. But I can't stop thinking that I've now lived most of my life, and who knows how many years I have left, or what is ahead of me. I fully know that it's pointless to think like that, but I can't seem to get it out of my head and genuinely feel scared of old age looming, and what might be ahead of me.

I still work, no sign of that ending anytime soon. Our two young adult DS are at home (thanks covid). But I have a lot to be grateful for. I have good health and don't look my age. So how do I change my mindset and cheer the fuck up?

Hi @CrepuscularCritter , another person here curious about your retraining plans. I am 66 and have not worked for the last 6 years for a variety of reasons, some valid, some not so. I think I have a few years of usefulness left, and would like to do something new.

I agree. I'm 63 and we are all just like you at this age. The only thing to do is to make the most of every day, and take care of your health. My BIL died of dementia last night and he was younger than me - a good reminder to live a healthy life and to appreciate what we've got.

I'm only 45 but i believe this too. I remember my mum saying that she looked in the mirror and wondered who that old person was - it definitely wasn't who she was inside.

I think we all need to try and be philosophical about age. It is actually a privilege to age. None of us are here that long.

I turned 60 during lockdown, so didn't even get a big party! The benefits since have definitely included a senior rail card - getting 1/3rd off really helps - and also getting free flu jabs and higher up the queue for covid jabs. But I do constantly worry about how to make the most of my 60s by cramming in lots of fun stuff while I'm (relatively) fit and healthy. While also needing to work, and finding that much harder to endure, as I really don't want to do it any more - especially the bits that involve being nice to idiots...

My lovely and now late DH celebrated our joint 60th and had a lovely party. He died at 61 and now I'm 68. I was privileged to know such a grand man: the best husband, the best father, the best friend.

I'm here, in good health and that's all good.

So yeah, LifeIsBetterWithBunting, in the best possible way, you're here so it's good and as you suggested, in the immortal words of Harry from "In Bruges"

getyarn.io/yarn-clip/018adf96-5911-46bd-9a51-a5c94af5d02d

All the best.

Sorry...only just spotted this...been at eye clinic.

I'm retraining as a teacher. MN has been very helpful in clarifying the hazards and managing my expectations! My background is in civil service and charities. If that's of interest to you, then I highly recommend looking at Now Teach, a charity that supports more mature career changers. They've been very helpful.

I will be 60 next year. Since I turned 57 I keep saying 'I am nearly 60 you know' to myself and everyone else. That way when it happens it won't feel like a big deal. I hope. Like a pp, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

My 60 61 will be a time of rejoicing no more debt will have saved for 85 or 98 inch tv, party at our centre. I can’t wait. Find what you love and make it around that as a theme theatre show or something so special luxury for the home.

For both you and @barkascending, I thought it might be useful to clarify the timescale. I had to complete a technical refresher course on my subject (did A level in it, and joint honours) which was a few weeks part time, then it's an academic year for the PCCE and the qualified teacher status. There is also the TA route, of course, and I have worked with great TAs who really enjoy their role.

Reading this thread it's just hit me that I'll turn 60 next year. I still think I'm 25 in my head, not sure that'll ever change. I'm trying to take care of the 'wrappings' and I plan to grow old as disgracefully as I possibly can. So there!

Thanks @CrepuscularCritter . Sadly I am already a qualified teacher, I retrained in my 40s. I did wonder if that is what you are doing. Best of luck with it.
I'm looking for my 3rd career now, but I really don't think there is another profession that is as open to new older workers as teaching is.

I've recently turned 67 😱 and honestly don't feel a day older than I did at 42.

My fifties were awful though! I had an horrendous menopause, my weight ballooned and I was starting to not enjoy my work as I had always done in the past.

Fortunately, both DH and I were able to pay off the mortgage and retire at 59. We have never looked back or been in better health.
I am back in my size 10 jeans, exercise twice daily, discovered my weight gain was due to an underactive thyroid for which I now take daily medication and also take a low dose of hrt. Our only DD is nearly 30 and has SLD but has her own apartment in a wonderful small complex with fantastic 24 hr care and we see her 4/5 days per week when she can fit us in to her varied social life 😂. We have no money or health worries, have spent loads on improving our home to exactly how we want it and have no intention of moving despite it really being too big for just the two of us. We have always travelled extensively but have covered most of our bucket list since retirement.

I fully intend to be still mnetting at 100 years old with DH still driving me nuts at times and DD phoning me regularly with her shopping list.🤣

I was 60 last year and could have written this post. However I'm currently sitting with an 87 year old whose neighbour is 101.

@JadeSeahorse I’ve just been diagnosed with Underactive thyroid and been prescribed medication. Just waiting for message from chemist to pick up. Any tips for losing weight. I really want to get me back.

We already get free prescriptions in Scotland, but I’m looking forward to free bus travel! I have fantasies about just getting on a bus and seeing where I end up. 😁 Take a wee overnight bag with me and go on an adventure.

Oh and the pensioners’ menu in my local pub. 👵

Else1E were you like me with your weight just ballooning even though your diet hadn't changed?☹️

I went from size 10 to 16 pushing 18 and was nearly starving myself😥. Can't tell you how miserable it made me.

I started the Levothyroxene - excuse if I've misspelt - in the March of 2013 when diagnosed and by October I had lost 3 stone. I was only taking 50mg per day too! Since then my dose has been increased to 100mg but last year was dropped back to 75 mg. I pretty much started following the 16:8 diet 18 months ago but would say I am more 15:9 as I don't eat until 1.00pm and have a snack - and wine at the weekend 😊 - between 9.00 an 10.00pm each evening. I was back in size 12 for several years but then found an exercise programme I really enjoy which I do at home twice per day for 10 minutes each time and it has toned me up really well and am now back in size 10.

Honestly, the Levothyroxene is brilliant!
Really hope it works well for you too.
Let me know if I can help further but I'm honestly not saintly with my diet at all these days.

I’m in a similar situation.
I think of them most days.
It feels almost disorientating though, to realise that they are no longer here.
You are so right, every day is a gift.
Onwards and upwards!

Do you have skills that fit a new industry? I'm asking this as my mum got headhunted in her 60s to work internationally in the supply sector. Is there some aspect of your teaching portfolio that would work in a similar way?...not necessarily in an international setting unless that is what you would want.

I'm thinking of later transferable skills too, so I can perhaps wfh in due course. Thanks for the good wishes; I have a feeling I am going to need them!

I retrained last year and love my new vocation. Also planning a mega interrail trip around Europe in September 😁

As @Cuppasoupmonster says - my husband died suddenly at 51.
I turned 60 last year and it was the hardest. I remember a friend a few years older turning 60 and me thinking that is really getting on! I have a child in school (her last year) so things like grandkids are a long way away (I hope in one sense) as my older child is just 19.
We recently moved back to London and I am also embarking on a new business, so not about to retire to the kitchen to bake cookies and let my hair go grey. But I do feel invisible and think I need to get some excess weight off to ensure I'm around to meet the next couple decades!

Since returning to work after the Christmas break, i feel more energised and happier. I work in a school so surrounded by younger people (pupils & colleagues). I seem to think differently to many of my friends/colleagues of a similar age to me.

On my 60th birthday many of the staff & children commented that I couldn't possibly be 60 (banners & balloons on my office door gave the game away!) as I 'didn't act old 😂'.
A colleague (who is a year younger than me) told my boss that he should not overwork me because I was older & less able to cope. I know she was being nice but I was furious!