Get to an age where you think "Well the best has past?"

[Sooooootired01]

Or is it just me?!!
I'm 43 so my "best years" well and truly behind me!

@MrsSkylerWhite maybe you have been luckily enough to avoid significant bereavement? I am about your age and my last two years has been full of bereavements. I am now the older generation in my family and have had friends die. It is hard.

Nearly all of these involve money or a moneyed lifestyle, tbh.

Nope. I've had so much pain in my life including an abusive marriage that I feel I can start in a brand new life as a single person and the future looks really positive

Sure. But again... I'm not there yet. That's rather the point. When I do reach that point, there will still be other options open to me, and I will still have many, probably most, of the small everyday pleasures I have now.

Thanks all. Sounds silly, but I guess it's just the banality of life that I struggle with. God only knows what I'm going to do when I eventually do retire!!

I’m the same age OP. Not convinced my best years are past. Ok; I’m not likely to achieve anything stellar in my life, and probably no more children; but still think I have a happy life in front of me

I feel the same OP. I have a comfortable life and I know I'm lucky. And either it will all fall apart in some tragic way or it will continue as is with me becoming gradually a shittier version of myself. I will take on new hobbies and meet new people I'm sure but I really feel the loss of youth and the person I was.

God no, I definitely didn't feel like that at 43. Am 60 and enjoying life more than ever.

@Lightfrost How do you fill your time?

I'm 43 and life is fantastic- I think it will only get better

I feel the same. I've just turned 38 and had my 2 kids in my early 20s, one is almost 17 and one 14. I've loved being a mum, had an awesome time in that phase of life and I'm also looking forward to the phase of life where it is just me and dh again. I'm very optimistic about my 40s!

So @Sooooootired01 what was so good about the "best years"?

Doing exactly what I want, when I want

I wake up every day and think no-one owns my time any more, I don't think the novelty will ever wear off.

It's all a bit self fulfilling really isn't it, if you think the best is over, then unless you change that mindset, it probably is. We've had multiple bereavements very close together and many far too young. I treasure this opportunity, so many friends and family didn't have it.

@Lightfrost you are lucky to be retired ay 60

At 43?! Absolutely not.

I'm almost 54 and I took up running at 46 which means I'm fitter now than I've ever been and as my kids are young adults me & DH go out on running adventures. We have places we want to travel to. I re-entered the employed workforce aged 49 and am building a career that is busy and interesting and challenges me but not too much.

Life is for living and it's up to you how much you choose to live it or not, no-one can do it for you

I am fully into this angst. However, I just turned 62! You have so many great years ahead for you! Enjoy them!

I’m 50 & got divorced 10 years ago, after wasting most of my 30s in a frankly shit relationship. No kids.

Since then I’ve done a half marathon, bought a flat, built a new career, done a lot of feminist campaigning, had several great holidays with more planned, some with family & some on my own, learned Italian, learned to crochet & made blankets for various babies & cats, taken up weightlifting and become a cat fosterer.

As far as I’m concerned life keeps getting better.

I wouldn't call it lucky, see my comments about bereavements.

No way. My best years are ahead ie when the kids can look after themselves and don't have to be constantly monitored in case they do something daft that results in injury.

Surely to travel you need money?

It’s not clear who you’re replying to, @Sooooootired01?

Can't imagine feeling like that in my 40s, I hope not anyway health being well! I had my kids young, they're pre teens/teens now and I feel the world is at my feet more now in my mid 30s than I did at 18.

Nope. Life is what you make it. Don't look back, look forwards. So many things change as you mature, it's up to you to make that change for the better. I had to rebuild my life from scratch at 49 when my abusive marriage finally (thankfully) imploded.

I'm 56 now and I love my life and myself.

My life has been rubbish since turning 40 🙈

No way! Am in my mid fifties and have spent the last 20+ years parenting my kids. It’s been amazing and gruelling at times and we’re only just getting things sorted financially so I feel like the best times are yet to come. I finally have the confidence and freedom to do the things I want to and physically I’m in better shape than ever. I’m looking forward to traveling, eating amazing food, pampering myself a bit and generally doing more fun stuff. 5 years till my youngest is at uni and I can’t wait.