# So I am an old man **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 25, 2010, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966 "2010-09-25T03:51:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![statsman1982](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e79b87/32.png) [@statsman1982](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statsman1982)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2010, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/21 "2010-09-25T18:29:56Z")
Play around with semantics and it’ll maybe make you feel better. I still consider you to be in your mid-twenties. I consider the “mids” to be any age \>20 with ones digit between 4 and 6. Once you turn 27, 28, or 29, you’re in your “late twenties.” When you hit 30, 31, 32, or 33, you’re in your “early thirties.” I’ll be 28 in October, BTW, young man. I’m teaching college students who were born in 1992. Scary. ---
**Author:** ![KRC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/45deac/32.png) [@KRC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KRC)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2010, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/22 "2010-09-25T18:38:56Z")
Quit pitying yourself! I’m 20 years older and you wouldn’t believe the problems I have. I’m required to sit in a rocking chair all day and if I escape and try to go hiking in the mountains the guys with the white jackets drag me back to the old folks home and feed me geritol. ---
**Author:** ![Tethered\_Kite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a5b964/32.png) [@Tethered\_Kite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tethered_Kite)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2010, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/23 "2010-09-25T18:39:55Z")
> [@ReticulatingSplines](#): > > > [@lynne-42](#): > > > > Congratulations - you’ll soon be at the good times. No way would I want to be in my 20s or 30s again. But it is impossible to explain to young people (like you) the benefits of being older. Stop worrying about it, start enjoying the journey. > > With all due respect, this attitude is a little patronizing. Why is it impossible to explain? Unless it has something to do with quantum mechanics, I don’t see why it’s so hard to say, “Yeah, I’m happier than I used to be at that age and I get senior discount coffee at McDonalds.” Oh, c’mon. This isn’t patronizing. If you think about it for a minute the path you are on is already a familiar one to those who have gone before. I’ve met very few younger people who truly can grasp this concept. I think some of them “get it” but really don’t see how valuable a resource that can be. It is at the moment when a person finally realizes that it isn’t patronization but a possible offer for support that a person gets it. Happy Birthday AK84. Everytime I passed by your post thinking it was some oldster who needed a little encouragement I felt guilty for not dropping in. But, heck, you are 21 and already past any encouragement I can offer. Truth be I have had those passing thoughts all my life and that’s all they are. You guys are our future so buck up!😛 ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2010, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/24 "2010-09-25T19:02:58Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > You couldn’t pay me to do my 20s over again. Life doesn’t even THINK about starting til 30. For me similarly. In my 20s I was a poor grad student with no life and no SOs. In my early 30s I got my first real job which within a few years become a really high paying job so my life started to improve in every conceivable way. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/25 "2010-09-26T03:07:31Z")
I’m more than twice your age. Happy birthday, you little zygote. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/26 "2010-09-26T03:57:58Z")
> [@ReticulatingSplines](#): > > > [@lynne-42](#): > > > > Congratulations - you’ll soon be at the good times. No way would I want to be in my 20s or 30s again. But it is impossible to explain to young people (like you) the benefits of being older. Stop worrying about it, start enjoying the journey. > > With all due respect, this attitude is a little patronizing. Why is it impossible to explain? Unless it has something to do with quantum mechanics, I don’t see why it’s so hard to say, “Yeah, I’m happier than I used to be at that age and I get senior discount coffee at McDonalds.” I think what she meant is she can’t remember what they are. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![aaelghat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c5a1d2/32.png) [@aaelghat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaelghat)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/27 "2010-09-26T05:27:25Z")
I’m 43, and although I must admit to sometimes feeling “old” compared to 20 somethings, I also wouldn’t want to go back. Overall, this is the best time I’ve ever had (so far). For much of my 20’s it was all about “me” and proving myself. Now, my life’s purpose is trying to be the best dad and husband I can be for my family’s sake - not mine. My life has more of a purpose now, than it’s ever had in the past. The newness and exploration of being a teen and young adult is replaced by the adapting and learning that happens in trying to relate to my spouse and maturing kids. The anxiety and stress of trying to prove myself and of climbing the corporate ladder has been replaced with the self-confidence that I really don’t care that much of what other people think about me. I am more “me” at 43 than I ever was in my 20’s. I used to worry constantly of the impression I made on people, and now I realize that most people don’t spend their precious time obsessing over my actions - as I don’t obsess about them, and that’s fine and welcomed. At 43 I have the confidence to focus on the “vital few” things that I want to. I am not a professional athlete, so although I can’t run as fast or be as athletic as I was when I was younger, in fact that has very little relevance in my day-to-day life, and I can do what I need to do physically. Now I have to admit, I’ve felt like you. When I was in my 20’s I lamented I was no longer part of the college scene. In my 30’s, I thought I had missed out on some things in my 20’s, and I was very conscious that it would be awkward to hang out with a younger crowd. But, as time has gone on I’ve realized my life is my own. At 39, I invested time and energy into “a dream”. I’ve had a blast nourishing it and making it grow. I’m more proud of what I’ve accomplished doing it, than anything I’ve ever done before. At 43 I feel blessed - I have my health, a loving wife, a great family, and I’m doing something I love. Looking towards the future, I’m a little anxious of what life will be like in 10 or 15 years when my kids go off to college, but I’m the kind of person that is always busy, and always tinkering, so I look forward to spending some more concentrated time on other things that will bring me happiness. I wouldn’t be surprised if my life was more meaningful (both at work and at home) in the next 10 years than it’s been previously. Your life is your own - you control your own destiny. Like the other posters have said - you can either worry about getting old and as a result be crotchety at 26 or enjoy life now. You could die in a month, or you could die in 60 years. Either way, don’t let your attitude diminish how you enjoy tomorrow. So go watch [this video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQtmGcdSDAI) and enjoy your 26th year. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/28 "2010-09-26T05:43:24Z")
Thanks. It is actually galling watching the US Open a few weeks ago and realising that the players were all born in a year that _I can remember living in_. I feel well how do I say it, still much younger than whatever 26 is supposed to feel like. Only good thing was some very good chocolate cake the left over of which I now bequeath to my fellow Dopers. ---
**Author:** ![Tethered\_Kite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a5b964/32.png) [@Tethered\_Kite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tethered_Kite)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/29 "2010-09-26T05:48:13Z")
Just wait until you think your doctor should be delivering newspapers! It takes courage, I’m tellin’ ya. ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/30 "2010-09-26T08:51:15Z")
I’m going against the grain and saying I would kill to have my 20’s and 30’s back. I was married young, had a horrible marriage where we did nothing and wasted life, Now I’m divorced with nothing and I want those wasted years back. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/31 "2010-09-26T08:58:17Z")
Hey, I’m 26 too! Join the awkward-mid-20’s club! I am actually having a blast with life at the moment, but at times everything feels so unsure, so scary, and I’d love to have a wife and a career to cherish (and kids eventually). ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/32 "2010-09-26T09:59:25Z")
Haha! I’m not 26 until next year. 😛 But, seriously, I don’t consider 26 old, and, in my case, my adult life will likely just be beginning. Then again, I’d consider myself to be about 23 at that point. I seem to have lost 2 years of my life already to crap. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/33 "2010-09-26T12:47:47Z")
I have been 26 for the past 15 years. It’s the age I felt the most comfortable with myself. ---
**Author:** ![Lust4Life](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecc23a/32.png) [@Lust4Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lust4Life)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/34 "2010-09-26T14:33:18Z")
Sorry mate but I think posting on this site might disturb the humours. At your age I’d be thinking about getting trousers that start just below the armpits. Its also a neccessity that you get a lawn, otherwise you can’t shout at the kids (anyone under the age of 23) Get off my LAWNNNNNNNNN! Also hanging around in parks and playing bowls are definitely in your near future. “Accidently” getting in the way of young whippersnappers in shops is also a must. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/35 "2010-09-26T15:30:05Z")
> [@Lust4Life](#): > > At your age I’d be thinking about getting trousers that start just below the armpits. Why do old people do this? How can I avoid it happening to me? ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/36 "2010-09-26T15:44:34Z")
I have underwear older than you! (Really. I saved a genuine Pucci half slip and matching bra I bought in high school that look like they might fit a Cabbage Patch doll.) Don’t start obsessing about age, OP, just live your life every year. There are good and bad things about every decade, and as long as you have your health and friends, you will be OK. You’ll have a lot of company, growing older. And you DON’T HAVE TO turn into an “old fart” like people are saying. That’s stereotyping, like saying all teenagers are glue-sniffing morons, or all single women over 25 are desperate to land a man. ---
**Author:** ![KlondikeGeoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2010, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/37 "2010-09-26T22:37:29Z")
What can I say? At 83 I’d be happy to be only 75 again. Even at this ancient age, my brain still thinks I’m 35. Think young all the rest of your life, and I hope it is a long one. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/38 "2010-09-27T03:37:10Z")
> [@ReticulatingSplines](#): > > > [@lynne-42](#): > > > > Congratulations - you’ll soon be at the good times. No way would I want to be in my 20s or 30s again. But it is impossible to explain to young people (like you) the benefits of being older. Stop worrying about it, start enjoying the journey. > > With all due respect, this attitude is a little patronizing. Why is it impossible to explain? Unless it has something to do with quantum mechanics, I don’t see why it’s so hard to say, “Yeah, I’m happier than I used to be at that age and I get senior discount coffee at McDonalds.” Nah. That’s not patronizing. Patronizing would be pointing out the fact that adults aren’t going to take you seriously until you’re at least 30. You haven’t achieved, you haven’t accomplished, you haven’t even really started. You know nothing about the real world. You have no relevant experience. You’re a blank notebook with the pages all clean and crisp. You need some coffee stains, illegible notes scribbled in the margins, and crumbs of unknown origin dusting the paper. And you’ll get there. And you’ll see the next generation of angsty youngsters. And then you’ll understand. And chuckle in mild amusement. (Generic you used throughout.) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/39 "2010-09-27T04:17:50Z")
Last weekend we had a combined dinner for my younger sister, who turned 47 earlier this month, and my older sister, who turns 50 on Monday. I gave my younger sister a big “40” card. Inside I wrote; “Do you remember how scary and traumatic it was to turn 40? Don’t you wish it was only 40 this time?” The answer was Yes. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966/40 "2010-09-27T05:29:02Z")
This Friday I’ll be 65. Thanks to Medicare (the first health insurance I’ve had in over 15 years) I can finally have two cataract surgeries and two knee surgeries and a colonoscopy and EKG. It’s gonna be a great year! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-am-an-old-man/554966.md?page=3)