# You down with OPP? (Old People's Problems) Then post them here **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 13, 2021, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002 "2021-12-13T19:20:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2021, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/61 "2021-12-14T23:33:40Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > There are [simple balance exercises](https://www.lifeline.philips.com/resources/blog/2018/07/14-exercises-for-seniors-to-improve-strength-and-balance.html) that you can do, as well. Thanks. Those are good, and simple, too. > [@panache45](#): > > I’ve developed an absolute terror of going down the basement stairs. At least there’s a railing, but I feel that a fall there is inevitable. Ever since I fell off my (excruciatingly _cute_) platform shoes and broke my ankle in 2007, I always hold on to every handrail, including on my own front porch. I **don’t** think a fall is inevitable for you if you go slowly and are mindful of every step going down. Were you doing chair yoga on YouTube? ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2021, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/62 "2021-12-14T23:34:05Z")
I’m a side sleeper and can’t sleep on my back or stomach. When I had frozen shoulders, I had to pile up pillows to enable me to sleep on my side; I laid on them and let my shoulder hang off the “cliff” at the edge of the pillows. What a pain! I wish this [MedCline pillow](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087XCTZSR/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=d02d317d6431b92c99b350a118324c94&hsa_cr_id=-98390307&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=82d20659-1187-442d-9064-ded580f876bb&pd_rd_w=8acoM&pd_rd_wg=tk2MG&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_td_asin_0_title&th=1) had been around at the time. I’d have counted it money well spent. In fact, it looks pretty comfy today, even without sore shoulders. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/63 "2021-12-14T23:50:37Z")
I had frozen shoulder a few years back. I slipped on some ice walking down our front stoop, and really messed my back up. The back pain was so bad I didn’t notice the shoulder, and didn’t do anything about it for a long time. A couple of months of PT and I was good as new. I can’t run on consecutive days anymore, and haven’t tried for many years. I could probably walk 2-3 hours every day if I wanted to. I have a biopsy coming up next month on my prostate. I don’t have any cancer symptoms, but there’s a lesion. I kind of enjoyed the questions about whether or not I ever had trouble getting a boner, since the answer was never when I need to. Overall, I can’t complain too much so far. I look and feel fine for 57. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/64 "2021-12-15T00:17:20Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > Stop leafing through those medical textbooks! After 40 years in medicine, that stuff is burned into my brain. ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/65 "2021-12-15T00:37:21Z")
I’m having so many issues at the moment and my doctor is just being so dismissive of my complaints. I know I need to change to a new doctor, but it’s such a pain in the butt. I honestly have no idea if the pain I’m having is actually back issues or something else. I mean, I do have back issues, but it didn’t use to feel like I have an alien in my back trying to claw it’s way out. I have just been diagnosed with Osteopenia though so maybe it’s that. I can no longer go for the 3-5 mile walk every day and that makes me sad and antsy and it’s not helping my weight any at all. So far, 65 is not proving to be good to me. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/66 "2021-12-15T02:06:04Z")
Am I alone in waking numerous times a night? No, I don’t have to pee, I just keep waking. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/67 "2021-12-15T03:23:53Z")
No, you’re not alone. In fact, everybody does this. I wear a FitBit 24/7 and it analyzes my sleep. In any given night when I’m in bed “asleep” for, say, six hours, my FitBit tells me I’ve been awake momentarily or longer (cumulatively) for at least an hour or more, even if I’m only aware of a few specific times. And the device compares me with other women my age, and those times are 100% normal. Who knew, right? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/68 "2021-12-15T12:36:31Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > Ugh. At 60, I feel myself getting weaker. I can still tote horse feed and hay, but I’m out of breath afterward My gf is 62 and has horses. She just bought a used Arctic Cat that she plans to use for hauling around hay bales, doing landscaping, etc. So far it has just made more work for us. This weekend we rearranged an area of the barn where Kitty (it has a name) can be parked. This led to the realization that the garage needed rearranged. Oh, and I spent half a day playing with the winch, learning how to use the plow. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/69 "2021-12-15T13:30:55Z")
I have a small Kubota with a front end loader, but for just a few horses, it’s usually easier to manually move stuff than get out the tractor. Plus I feel it’s probably good for me to be doing manual labor. StG ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/70 "2021-12-15T14:39:52Z")
I don’t think I saw anyone mention ED yet. My ex and I have recently been spending a little time together- mostly beach days or lunch. To say he is the most . . . _amorous_ being I have ever met it is putting it mildly. I couldn’t figure out why nothing elicits even a double entendre from him anymore, when it used to be that almost everything that came out of his mouth was dripping with innuendo. Then the other day, I commented on something being small and wrinkly and he said “just like my dick”. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh 🤦‍♀️ He revealed to me that he’s had erectile dysfunction for a few years now. I mean, I don’t want to boff him but I feel bad. Sex was his raison d’etre , poor thing. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/71 "2021-12-15T15:07:18Z")
I had some of those issues with high blood pressure meds…then got back into cycling. The exercise lowered by BP, which had me stopping my meds (no, I’m not taking them with a 135/85 reading…y’all just moved the goalposts), and came back pneumatically…just in time for the wife to have a dermoid cyst removed which pushed her into peri-menopause. sigh. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/72 "2021-12-15T15:21:46Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > I don’t think I saw anyone mention ED yet. I don’t know the age that typically becomes a problem (if it does). I just turned 60 and my sex drive is through the roof. I think it has increased over the past five years or so for some reason. My wife says she’s okay with (and grateful for) my constant advances, even though she’s not sharing my level of “drive.” We have a happy and fulfilling sex life, so I’m certainly not complaining. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/73 "2021-12-15T15:27:54Z")
By the same token, my left elbow is peachy…but that’s not what this thread is for. We’re bitching about the broken stuff that comes along with aging, not the things that are working fine. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/74 "2021-12-15T15:28:02Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I just turned 60 and my sex drive is through the roof. I’ve heard this explained as no longer having to worry about the consequences of sex (like pregnancy). ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/75 "2021-12-15T15:31:27Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I’ve heard this explained as no longer having to worry about the consequences of sex (like pregnancy). That makes sense, but we’ve been snipped for 20 years. But, kids out of the house, a little more free time, and the feeling that the end of the road is within sight. Whatever, as I said, I’m not complaining. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2021, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/76 "2021-12-15T16:04:14Z")
Absolutely ---
**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:** [December 15, 2021, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/77 "2021-12-15T18:14:29Z")
People need to learn that you don’t need an erection for a satisfying sex life. You just need to be a little more creative. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/78 "2021-12-16T18:04:15Z")
The originating thread from @Unintentionally_Blank began with a problem I’d like to commiserate about… > [@Where do you go to talk about 'Old People's Problems'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-go-to-talk-about-old-peoples-problems/955986/1): > > An Example: WTH did I end up inheriting money AFTER I got my shit together and don’t really have anything I need to spend it on? > > This will result in responses along the line of: > > Boo Hoo, you have too much money, let me play you a song on my tiny violin. > > or > > You could give it to me, I’d manage it for you, or you can donate it to %cause%, otherwise you’re a blight on humanity and all that is wrong with it. > > Which really doesn’t help with the angst and subtle unsaid things like ‘a parent died, and I’d love to have them back and the only thing that I’ve got at this point is slightly different numbers in the checkbook.’ I’ve recently discovered I’m joining you. The short version is that 2021 seriously pruned our family tree. And I (already retired in my 60s) was shown some statements with really big numbers and informed they’re now headed to me. This was unexpected, I didn’t really know about it (not much anyway), and I’m a little overwhelmed. spoilered for length I don’t like the reasons for this, and would gladly trade it to have all my family back. It’s a strange feeling, but at least I know with certainty how my heart feels about it. I’ve known people in my situation who I suspected were happy about the trade-off, and had wondered what my own reactions would be. There’s some comfort in knowing my values remain where they should. But it’s still a strange feeling. And like the OP, part of me is at sea, wondering “what now?”. If I had known this future, I could have retired decades earlier – to sail around the world, or whatever grand event was in my bucket list. But now age and medical issues restrict me considerably – and I don’t want a Ferrari or a rocket ride. In addition, I will probably be assuming responsibility for a handicapped family member and need to ensure they’re well provided for, but not allowed to squander their portion (long story). My real complaint is, except for my wife there is literally no one I can talk with about this. My few friends would react like Unintentionally\_Blank predicts above, and although I’m keeping several bartenders in silk shirts, they hardly qualify as a sympathetic ear. I guess my real OPP is I’ve reached a point where deep discussions IRL are simply impossible. All conversations in the last few years are like the gun threads; all participants have predetermined answers, and are crouching behind figurative trebuchets awaiting an excuse to launch them. Lots of people to talk to but none who listen. I wonder how widespread this is among other oldsters. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/79 "2021-12-16T18:46:15Z")
Age 64 and was told to stop playing racquetball a few years ago due to a wrist injury that surgery may or may not help. More likely the latter. “You just won’t heal like you used to”. It was my favorite form of exercise. What I really noticed was the need to get up once a night (4:00 am) to pee and then not being able to go back to sleep. I know there are guys who have it much worse but it still sucks. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2021, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002/80 "2021-12-16T19:02:30Z")
I drink a crazy volume of water to keep my gout at bay. It’s worked well; I haven’t had a gout flare up in many years, despite drinking much beer and eating all the wrong things. The cost is getting up twice a night to pee. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002.md?page=5)