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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Anyone in their 50s have advice for anyone in their 40s?

74 replies

pussincahoots · 08/05/2020 14:27

??

OP posts:
Didthatreallyhappen2 · 08/05/2020 14:28

In what sense?

Spodge · 08/05/2020 14:37

About what?

Pebbles574 · 08/05/2020 14:42

If you need/want to, start losing weight/ getting fit NOW. In your fifties I think it's harder/ takes longer, and menopause etc can get in the way of your best efforts.

Xenia · 08/05/2020 14:42

I expected the menopause all through my 40s and it didn't happen at all until about age 52 or 53 so don't assume everyone has a horrible pre menopausal 40s. It might well be exactly the same as your 20s on that front.

StripeyLurcher · 08/05/2020 14:45

This is like what would you say to your younger self if you could go back 10 years with some advice.

pussincahoots · 08/05/2020 14:46

Pretty much @StripeyLurcher

OP posts:
Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 08/05/2020 14:49

If you are faffing about thinking about a change of job/direction, don't dither, do it, it's not too late yet.

Pelleas · 08/05/2020 14:49

Placemarking as I was on the other thread as a 40s person.

ifonly4 · 08/05/2020 14:50

53 here. I'd say my skin isn't in such good condition and wrinkles are starting to show, so look after your skin and eat well. Also, I've put on 8lb over the last year - when I realised I was putting on a few pounds I cut back but still put on a few more, so if you're overweight might be worth nipping the worst of it in the bud now.

I would say I'm generally more relaxed now and happier though.

Ginfordinner · 08/05/2020 14:51

Enjoy life and don't worry about the future. Look after your health.

Ghostlyglow · 08/05/2020 14:51

Do everything you want to do and go everywhere you want to go (covid 19 allowing of course) because, in your 50s,you will be tired. And, although you can't stop your body ageing, stay young in your attitude and outlook. And wear what you want Smile

DisplayPurposesOnly · 08/05/2020 14:56

I would say I'm generally more relaxed now and happier though.

Ditto, so my advice is dont sweat it.

megrichardson · 08/05/2020 14:58

If you haven't already, stop sunbathing now and wear sunscreen on your face every day.

happinessischocolate · 08/05/2020 15:06

I agree with the start keeping an eye in your weight and exercising, I'm 52 and I've easily stayed in size 10 clothes since my 20s but gradually over the past 2 years I've put on weight and am in size 12 heading fast towards 14 if I don't sort it soon. It's shocking how quickly you lose strength and muscle mass.

Oh and enjoy any late nights out, after 50 you really can't be arsed to stay out later than 12 with all the youngsters in their 40s 😁

VickyEadieofThigh · 08/05/2020 15:07

I'm almost 62, but would offer the following:

Once you hit 50, the years absolutely race* by. Make the most of life's experiences and don't put off things you want to do.

After menopause, the deterioration in some aspects of your body is quite distressing - your skin, for example. And vaginal atrophy is something I never* saw coming at all.

  • It really is true that older women are 'invisible' to a lot of people.

  • If you still have your parents (and a relationship with them), do your best to see as much of them as you can - especially if, like me, your relationship with your mother is not that good. Mine died 3 years ago and we'd never been very close - I wish now I'd made more effort whilst I could (I do understand that for some people this is not going to happen).

pilates · 08/05/2020 15:14

Yep menopause is shit. The tiredness, thinning hair, weight gain. Try and keep on top of your weight and don’t waste your time with a man you’re not happy with.

ErrolTheDragon · 08/05/2020 15:21

in your 50s,you will be tired

I was fine for about the first half of my 50s, till some time after meno I got hypothyroidism which knocked me back for a bit. Partly because of the stage DD was at I got back into sailing and even started doing a bit of windsurfing. I had a good Jillian Michaels habit for a few years. Now at 59 I'm more on walking and Pilates.

And vaginal atrophy is something I never saw coming at all.

Remember the word 'vagifem'... it's likely to come in useful.Grin

Women aren't all the same!Smile

Fleamaker123 · 08/05/2020 15:22

@VickyEadieofThigh

Spot on.

MereDintofPandiculation · 08/05/2020 15:26

Stop worrying about being 50. When you're in your late 60s, 50 will seem young.

Grobagsforever · 08/05/2020 15:26

@megrichardson

Pls don't advise ppl to reduce their vitamin D3 intake during a global pandemic. Supplements aren't good enough

PEOPLE NEED SUNSHINE TO MAKE VIT D

notacooldad · 08/05/2020 15:26

I'm 55 and at tbe moment I'm still much tbe same as 40s really.
I'm still having regular periods.
I'm still doing the same things. I have always been restless and curious so always on the look out for the next gig, the next new band, the next up and coming director etc.
I've still got my hobbies so I'm still skiing, mountain biking and hiking. So no change there except I can afford to go to more places now.
I guess the only thing is it sometimes takes more effort to look ok!! I cant tumble out of bed and have a quick shower and look good for work anymore! I take more care with my grooming.

So I guess my advice is to know what you love and keep doing it!
If looking good is your thing invest in it, both with money and time.
Another piece of advice is to see positives where ever you can. A positive mindset makes things a lot easier.
So in summary it would be to stay curious and interested in things. Keep up to date what's going on around you.
I am always amazed by people in their 50s stuck in a groove with the 80s and havent moved on and have no idea what is going on musically or culturally! They are stuck in the past!

doodleygirl · 08/05/2020 15:27

Sort out your exercise routine now,.

peppersaunt · 08/05/2020 15:30

Realistically, enjoy your last few years before you become invisible (unless you’re an outlier like Liz Hurley or Elle Macpherson).
Also, my late 50’s have surprised me by being addressed like an old dear by, in particular, medical staff.

Zenithbear · 08/05/2020 15:32

Pay off your mortgage as soon as possible and put whatever you can into pension/savings. I only work part-time because I did and the thought of having to work full time now in my early 50's would fill me with dread. I'm over the career bit, I used to love work but can't be bothered now. I like meeting up with friends and doing things with dp and hobbies, gym etc much more than going to work.

JeanfromAccounts · 08/05/2020 15:37

Don't panic about turning 50 and don't let anyone make you feel shit about it.
Wear shoes/sandals that give you arch support (including indoors).
See a qualified nutritionist, overhaul your diet and take the necessary supplements.
Get a physiotherapist to teach you weight bearing, balance, core strengthening exercises.
Decide not to be repulsed by changes in your appearance, you can be attractive at any age.
Don't dread the menopause, many women breeze through it, others take HRT and others manage it through diet & exercise & supplements.
You're young enough to start a new career.