Is it because I'm old?

Since turning fifty three years ago, the aches and pains are almost daily. Is it just a normal part of aging? My hip has been bothering me. When I was born, I was born with my hip out and had to wear a brace for a year. My knee hurts, I used to push heavy weights at the gym. My neck hurts, my feet hurt when I walk too long on a hard surface with no shoes.
It takes awhile to recoop after strenuous exercise, that's if I do strenuous exercise anymore. I have gray hairs in weird places. My reading glasses are now a permanent fashion choice. Oh did I mention the aches and pains? Is this just what it's like after fifty?

Deborah, you and I are the same age and as someone put it in a Facebook cartoon, "If I didn't wake up with something hurting, I'd think I was dead." Aches and pains are part of aging and sometimes we don't know where they come from or why. I injured my back 20 years ago and it still gets stiff and spasms when I do too much. My upper legs burn when I dance around too much, my neck cracks and gets stiff a lot (my job is in front of a computer). I have gray hairs here and there and multiple pairs of reading glasses too. While not every day is marked with aches and pains, many are. I really think some of it is attributed to our anxious personalities too. I find the less I think about it, the less it bothers me. I also find myself wishing I could be fit and in shape without hurting in the process. It's part of life but I try not to let it stop me from living.

Hi DS,

I think there are so many factors in how we feel at a physical level...

I can run circles around many people much younger than I am...

...that said, after turning 45 last year...I do notice aches and pains that weren't around just a short time ago, lol!

Continuing to stay active...at an age appropriate level is key. Sure you may not be doing the clean and jerk with heavy weights at this point...

...but walking, cycling, swimming, light weights/toning, are all great choices!:)

Attitude is everything too...think young!! ;)

S.C.

Ppppfffttt...Larry...you are a silly one today!

Love it!

S.C.

While aging often causes some aches and pains, I do think it varies a lot. I know some people over 70 who are in terrific shape -- much better than I am -- and then some who are younger but have back pains, joint pains, etc. I attribute it to some combination of genetics, sedentary versus non-sedentary job, stress level, exercise, diet.