DF is 79 and still doing well...when does old age kick in

[theapi]

DF is one of life's doers. He doesn't sit still and he's always looking to keep busy, his car is cleaned every week, the grass is mowed twice a week as well as neighbours, and he's so keen to help he's actually scared off his young neighbours by giving them "too many suggestions" as he put it, cringe!

Anyway, he is nervous of turning 80. Presumably because it means he is officially old. We've found that he has started aging a little more in the last couple of years, he has pains in his legs and he's a little more wobbly but otherwise he's in good shape.

When did the men in your lives start to turn more frail?

My grandad at 90 was fitter and more robust than my dad at 70. At 98 now, he has been more old man like since 95 (when he gave up driving) but still lives independently.

My dad is 83 and still very healthy and active. He has no illnesses or conditions. He worked until 70odd (voluntarily at the end and had worked from 15) He decorated their hallway and staircase recently, despite me and my sister telling him not to go up ladders. He does my gardening. He drives competently (no claims for over 30yrs) and is as mentally sharp as he was many years ago. My mum (78) was recently in hospital in central London for a couple of months with a serious condition and my dad travelled by train/tube to the hospital alone - he hadn't used public transport for over 50yrs, but navigated the journey when me or my sister couldn't accompany him. Once we'd showed him how contactless works - he was amazed but embraced the tech. I got him an iPad and smart phone!
He also learnt to cook, with mine and my sister's initial help.
My friend's father is the same at 92.

My mum, now thankfully recovered from prev condition, is the same. They go out every day. Mum is currently obsessively shopping and knitting for her next great grandchild. She is always immaculate, as is my Dad and their house. She cooks from scratch every day, meets friends for coffee/lunch and is a constant support for her children (me and my sister), grandchildren (19 to 34) and great grandchildren.
This last weekend we had a family picnic for my sisters 55 birthday. Mum made loads of food, all labelled up. Dad played badminton with us.
Week before they looked after my two cats when I was away.
I'm very lucky at 53 to have such 'Young' parents.
Today I'm going for a quite serious medical appt and they tried to take me (single) but I said no.
I actually cannot imagine them being 'old'but obv it's inevitable.

But, I've several friends who lost their parents at much younger ages than mine are. Four funerals last year. So I count myself lucky everyday.