Man, 60 is a hard number to accept

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

60 last summer. work with a small construction crew that knew I was 59, turning 60 in August. Knew they would make a big deal out of it so never said anything until we were leaving the jobsite that it was my 60th birthday.

I still work in the building trades and swear to god I am about to have a heart attack at least once a week.

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gotchafaint@reddit

You’re too fit, good for you for lasting that long in the trades

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

about 37 years ago as a young man I went to lift a big piece of steel that I could lift... an old timer yelled at me to put that shit on a 2 wheel cart... saying I had too many years to go to hurt my back that young.

I lived by that. I do not let the young guys carry or lift heavy shit when we have tools to do it.

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gotchafaint@reddit

I was into the whole extreme sports thing and really beat my body up. All those injuries have come back to haunt me.

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

what type of extreme sports did you do?

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

I work with an ex power lifter... He is our boss, Marine, he can barely walk and same age as me. I am not the most agile cat on the crew anymore, but in pretty good shape for 40 years in the trades. Bonus, I have a full head of dark brown hair, no gray. lol

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philly-buck@reddit

60 is the new 80. Study nutrition and exercise. Will add years to your life.

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Photobuff42@reddit

Get your fiber and feed your good gut bugs! It truly makes a positive difference.

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philly-buck@reddit

Metamucil every morning for me.

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TiredWillie24@reddit

I turn 60 in ten days. I relish it. No male in my family has seen 60 in several generations. That shadow hung over me for years. I'm looking forward to piling on the years, come what may. Best wishes to you.

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GeekTX@reddit

diag'ed with pancreatic cancer so I am just hoping to make it to 60. My advice in all ways is simply ... Live like you are dying ... I mean that spiritually and in your life aspects. Don't wait for a chance to happen ... make it happen. Another perspective I have is that I lost my son in 2019 ... so I am biased towards you reconciling with yours. Go to him ... don't wait for the timing to be right ... show up on his door and tell him that you love him and that you want to change yourself and the relationship. Take ownership of your own flaws and mistakes before pointing out others.

I pray that your journey of personal and familial healing is blessed, and you find all that you are looking for.

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

just read today some treatment killed pancreatic cancer cells in 3 people.

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GeekTX@reddit

Could be the treatment I am on. Recently approved and working wonders with over 50% reduction in the size of my tumor over 2.5 months. Still a long way to go.

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

keep up the fight brother...

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AlwaysTheNewb@reddit

Keep it if you enjoy it. You may be enjoying them for another few decades.

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dpl9598@reddit

60 couldn't come soon enough...

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kidde1@reddit

Nope, it won’t be hard to accept. In the last 20years I’ve accepted permanent nerve damage, a heart attack and bilateral pulmonary emboli. The last two tried their best to kill me (as did my first wife, literally), but they failed. I guess Billy Joel was right about dying young.

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slayer991@reddit

I harder number to accept would NOT be getting older. That number can keep getting bigger...it means I'm still alive.

Oh, I, oh, I'm still alive

But yeah, I understand simplifying life. I don't like to waste time on BS.

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TheRateBeerian@reddit

Turning 57 later this year and my 50s have just flown by. 60 feels close and yet so far. Yea that number is doesn’t feel right

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Robviously-duh@reddit

I will turn 60 this summer hopefully.. have outlived my big sister and mom so far... 7 more years and I will pass dad... diagnosed with stage 3b Colon-rectal cancer at 49 makes predicting the future problematic... live and love every single day... no guarantees..

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MaximumJones@reddit

Whatever

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addage-@reddit

I’ll be 60 this year. It’s an odd feeling.

Really don’t plan on changing a lot, already did my life pivot around 50.

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gotchafaint@reddit

It’s a constant mindfuck. We all have our ageless soul or self or whatever driving around this deteriorating meat machine. I think about my death constantly now.

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Firstcounselor@reddit

You described it perfectly. In my head I’m 19, 25, 30, 38, 42, whatever. But my body is 53, I feel it, and I know it’s going to get worse no matter how hard I work. The crazy thing is, I never “felt it” until I turned 50. There must be a cliff of cellular breakdown at 50 years. I kicked ass physically from 15-50, so this new paradigm is indeed a mindfuck.

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gotchafaint@reddit

50 definitely seems to be a dramatic turning point. Really have to bring on the fitness and healthy diet and all that at this age.

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Careless_Bar_5920@reddit

Honestly confused about cutting out games and fiction. One of the best things I did for myself this year is start showing up regularly at game nights at the local book store. I have fun with people who aren't related to me on Friday nights and have developed more community.

At 60, you should lean in more to the things you enjoy. Why not play games and read/ watch things with your wife and son? Playing games is good because you can talk about heavier things, but the game is there to cover awkward silences.

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IlluminatedMoose@reddit

I (m60)turned 60 last October. My life is far from perfect, but I like it a lot. I meet every birthday with enthusiasm and gratitude- "Holy Shit! I'm still here!" As far as doing important, meaningful things go, that's great and admirable but my personal goal is to enjoy the passage of time as much as I can. Remember: "Time you enjoy wasting, isn't wasted time!"

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mmbenson@reddit

I’m 50 and I keep thinking I need to start selling all my awesome junk (LPs, collectibles, classic video game consoles and discs, etc) or it’s just going to end up in a garbage bin when I die

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Ok-Till-5285@reddit

Just turned 60, cannot believe it and yet it is true. My parents were so much older at 60. I feel kind of detached to the age, I still feel 35 and look mid 40s according to what people tell me.

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GuitarHeroInMyHead@reddit

Nah...no problem with 60. It's a number. The quality of your life is what matters - not how old you are.

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Firstcounselor@reddit

Thank you for that. I need to embrace this more. I’ve been mourning the change in my body, but my quality of life is about as high as it’s ever been.

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Expat-Red@reddit

I turn 60 in June and will do so in a tropical location while diving and generally adventuring. I’m healthier than I have been in years. I had my existential crisis at 50. Then we lost a family friend before she reached her 30th birthday. That loss reset something in me. Aging is hard but it’s also a gift. Not everyone reaches this milestone. I’m grateful to be here.

I’m not retired and won’t be for a while. My job pays well and is stressful but rewarding. It’s not physically taxing so I can do it for as long as I like.

So I’ll put on my gear and go diving and turn 60 and swim and eat and sail and hang out with my wonderful husband who supports all my enthusiasms and be grateful to be here to enjoy the beauty around me.

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LayerNo3634@reddit

Approaching 60 is bothersome, but once you turn that corner and realize you don't feel any different, it's ok. Completely reverse that for becoming a grandparent. Your so excited and loving on that baby, happy to be grandma...but realizing you're married to a grandparent is a little wierd.

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PBfromPhilly@reddit

I had issues with turning 57, bc my Dad died at that age. I’ll be 59 this year, but with 60 looming, it sure does make you stop and think

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ChoiceD@reddit

Why would you want to cut out games and fiction? Don't these things give you pleasure?

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Cantech667@reddit

I turn 60 in a few months, and I retired last year. Divorced, single, no kids.

What stands out to me the most about turning 60 is truly getting older, but not old. I could stand to lose a few pounds, but I am in decent health. Being retired, every day is a Saturday and I enjoy doing a whole lot of nothing. I do anything that brings me joy, such as listening to music, old and new, checking out good TV shows and movies, podcasts, reading up on tech, and communicating with friends and family. My house is paid, and I have a decent pension. No life of luxury, but it’s comfortable.

What is hard to accept is that eventually life may become lonely. When friends start passing away, not having any kids, and my siblings getting older, and having their families, I wonder what life will be like in 20 years, assuming I make it that far. I try not to worry about it, then tried to be mindful and grateful for the present, and what I have.

The best part of turning 60 is a slew of new seniors discounts. Every little bit helps.

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Bluered2012@reddit

Do you exercise at all? I’d add that to the list.

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AbesNeighbor@reddit

I'm here until I'm not, and will act & enjoy accordingly until then. (60 around the corner for me as well.)

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butterflygardyn@reddit

When my 60th birthday was approaching I became overwhelmed with thoughts of" I'm almost dead!" I got over it. Started making plans for retirement. Travel. I still want to have a few adventures. They'll just be quieter and less rushed than when I was in my 20s.

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newwriter365@reddit

Lost my SO when he was just 54. I’m sure he’d be happy to trade places with you.

FWIW, I’m 61 now and grateful for every day.

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stychentyme@reddit

I’ll be 60 very soon and I must say it’s affecting me much more than 50 ever did. I think my main concern is retirement. Financially I’m not where I’d hoped to be by now and it freaks me out. I have friends who are retired but they’re in a much better position than I am right now.

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kixstand7@reddit

This is where I’m at brother or sister, and I’m 10 years behind you. I’m on the trailing edge of Gen X. I had money and fun already and lost it. So still in the what the fuck is this all about phase.

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ugglygirl@reddit

I went on a health tour getting my heart, bones, blood, etc all checked. Shored up good habits and identified gaps.

Made turning 60 much easier. Bring it on!

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Public-Requirement99@reddit

Bigger hit than 50 for sure!

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PizzaWhole9323@reddit

I have decided at 55 come the end of June that I am done with idiots toxic relationships and stupid people.

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Photobuff42@reddit

It's hard. Some of my husband's relatives make life difficult. I move forward as best as I can.

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Sitcom_kid@reddit

I'm somehow the opposite. Since I was 24, I've been counting the days. I'm 61. in just over 3 years, medicare. cashing out, finally. But first, three more years of cashing in.

I'm the oldest one here and I'm not near old enough. But I'm so much closer than I was!

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Astronaut6735@reddit

I'll be 56 soon, so I'm closer to 60 than 50. I think about it fairly often. WHAT HAPPENED?! It has gone by so quickly!

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AC_Uni@reddit

The worst part, as a 62 year old, the concept of time speeding past you before you can blink only accelerates.

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Photobuff42@reddit

I am grateful and amazed that I have made it this far. I'm healthy, feel good about how I have lived life so far. Looking forward to a retirement filled with travel and fun.

I have a lot more to do.

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Dull_Entertainer9953@reddit

60 in November. Getting married on my 60th! Joined the gym 2 weeks ago after losing over 100lbs. No kids, chosen family, partially retired work 21 hours per week. There is nothing bad here 😀

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Nerissa23@reddit

Try being 80! Son!

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Strong_Medium_6646@reddit

I turned 60 last year and it’s surprisingly comforting to know that I made it this far, and that I can start to really enjoy my life as I simply everything and slow down. Full retirement in 6 years and can’t wait! Already down to 3 day work week, and I have never been happier! Please embrace 60, it’s still young enough to do most things, but old enough not to care or worry about all the small, stupid stuff!

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Wrong_Square7826@reddit

exactly. I can retire 2 years ago with my pension, but they pay me to not and I do not work very hard. I am in good health,

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LeoGuy69us@reddit

I'll be 59 this year but I'm already feeling this. I've been through some of the toughest things they say you can experience. Job changes, cross country moves, caring for critically ill family, the loss of loved ones. They were very tough, but I'm still here. I know the future will have both good and bad but I'll figure it out. I'm stronger than I ever realized. And so are you.

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Jillee2@reddit

LOVE this take on it! You are right!!

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Trolkarlen@reddit

I tried to tell myself from 40 that I wasn't middle aged, but I gave up that fight by 45. Now I'm fully comfortable being middle aged at 56.

I hate to say it, but 60 does sound old. My grandpa passed away at 60 from cancer. My other grandpa was 66 when he passed. My dad is well past that age now, but still 60 seems old.

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Sorry-Government920@reddit

I turn 60 in August and I personally just see it as another Bday but I've never put much into milestone Bdays besides 18 because it meant I could legally drink.

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snickjimmy@reddit

From Louisiana?

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mhoepfin@reddit

Go to your son. Tell him you love him and miss him. Text him often. Find similar interests. Don’t give up.

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knitonehurltwo@reddit

Yes. I am there with you brother. 50 was a big nothingburger compared to this. I’m turning 60 in October and there are a lot of hard life things that are really opening my eyes to what I need to let go of, and other things I need to pull in closer to.

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marticcrn@reddit

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 19 days before my 60th.

After five months of chemo and a double mastectomy, I am cancer free but I feel 20 years older.

60 feels like 80 to me right now.

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PoisonPizza24@reddit

Congratulations on getting through that. Something something makes you stronger? Hang in there, you will start to gain back some energy.

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CountHonorius@reddit

Yep. A time to stop driving around pointlessly hoping there's 'something going on somewhere' (like the Springsteen song suggests). More staying at home, more tending the garden, more feeding the neighborhood cats. In my case, reflecting upon things I did in my 20s and how unbelievable it all seems, lol.

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realityguy1@reddit

It’s only a number.

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concerts85701@reddit

50 hit me weird - like getting married. Nothing really changed but saying “I’m 50” the first few times was surreal.

Can’t imagine what 60 will be like

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Inner-Management-110@reddit

58 in 2 weeks. Hanging in there. Every day is a gift. Took my 79TA out yesterday and had a lot of fun. The GenX crowd really loves that car.

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Mill-Work-Freedom@reddit

Same here. Wife just hit that milestone, and struggling with it.

We are doing the same, restructuring life so there are as few distractions and burdens as possible.

We want to spend the last viable years living how we want, Fuck all meaningless things.

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Pitiful-Visual-4510@reddit

Well I’m not there yet, but so far “milestone” birthdays haven’t affected me at all.

It is what it is. The alternative is already being dead.

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One-Matter7464@reddit

I turn 60 in August and am ready to retire so I can spend more time doing the things I enjoy more like reading and my hobbies. I'm thinking yes, I only have about 20 more years left on this planet and I've been working since I was 17. Enough all ready.

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state_your_name31415@reddit

Don't try to figure out the son thing on your own, there are certainly books and there are therapists who can help. there's no sense reinventing the wheel.

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ScorpioRising66@reddit

Turning 60 late this year. Whole mindset has shifted. Discovered that a slower pace of life is perfect. Taking time for doing nothing at the beach or mountains is very fulfilling. Cutting out drama, games, and bs has made my friend circle smaller and I’m happier for it.

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