Why Am I Feeling This Way?
By Sharon
@simone10 (54187)
Louisville, Kentucky
August 5, 2016 7:39am CST
I have been battling a feeling that I just can't seem to shake. I turned 60 in March and I have been having a hard dealing with it. It's not necessarily the age itself but more about feeling like I am on the downside of life now. I don't know why I am feeling this way. Believe me, I have had a heart to heart talk with myself and I just don't know why I am feeling like this. Logic tells me I shouldn't feel like this, it's only a number but those dark thoughts just want to keep creeping in.
I was reading online about how some people do feel this way when they reach 60 whereas it doesn't bother others. There were some suggestions on how to get yourself out of this slump. After reading these suggestions, I have come to the conclusion that I need something in my life to be excited about and look forward to again.
Suddenly it came to me that about a year ago I was interested in taking some online courses. So, I looked into it again and saw a creative writing course that was an online course on SNHU. When completed you can earn a bachelor degree. I am also interested in psychology and they have courses for a bachelor degree for that also. I decided I will be giving them a call today and check it all out as I have a lot of questions.
Just thinking about it makes me a little excited. Maybe this is what I need to get me out of this slump I am feeling. Has anyone else ever been hit really hard when they reached a certain birthday?
**Edited to add: I contacted SNHU and I have applied for admission and financial aid. Now all I have to do is sit and wait. The next semester starts 8/22 so I am really excited!!
32 people like this
36 responses
@Marilynda1225 (83186)
• United States
5 Aug 16
I know exactly how you feel. I'm heading for the big 70 this December and am going through many of the emotions you are talking about. I've been taking care of my mom for so many years now that I feel like my life has slipped away and that I have no excitement left. I hope you find something to get you out of your slump and me too. I need to recharge and get my life back on track.
7 people like this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
7 Aug 16
@Marilynda1225 I hope that you also find something to get you out of your slump too. It's really hard, isn't it? To let go of those feelings even when you know they are wrong.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
7 Aug 16
@JohnRoberts I thought I was all alone in my feelings. I hope we can both pull ourselves out of feeling this way and start to look forward to the future again.
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Aug 16
I can feel your thoughts. I feel that way myself much of the time.
2 people like this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
5 Aug 16
I don't know what it's like to be 60, I am only 54 now. But I know that when I hit 54 I started feeling worse and worse. I had a small battle with cancer in the bladder. Luckily it was caught early and is now gone. I felt good for awhile after the procedure, but then I started feeling more and more tired, no energy and I drag myself. Not a good feeling. If turning 60 is anything like this I am not looking forward to it.
2 people like this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
9 Aug 16
@inertia4 I am so sorry that you had to go through cancer and surgery but very thankful that it was caught early. I also have health issues and I think that doesn't help as you get older because it's hard to do things and feel productive.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Aug 16
I wish I could be optimistic and offer platitudes but they are just cliches. It sucks getting old physically and mentally and that's the way it is.
2 people like this
I do not feel "senior".@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
8 Aug 16
I wish I could say that I still see a pretty young lady in the mirror when I look at myself...lol. And I agree that birthdays are only numbers. I have always felt that way but this time was different and the feelings were very unexpected.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41843)
• United States
5 Aug 16
I was dreading turning 40. My husband, kids, and co-workers all planned little celebrations and it was wonderful. The funny thing is that about two weeks before my birthday, I realized how foolish I was to be unhappy, that I had so many blessings to be thankful for. It actually turned out to be a wonderful birthday!
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Aug 16
I am one year away from your predicament and have been feeling similar emotions for quite some time. It's chilling that only so much sand remains in our personal hourglass.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41843)
• United States
5 Aug 16
It's true that every year is one year less in our time on this earth. But that doesn't have to mean this can be the best years ever, no matter how many or how few are remaining.
Physical ailments seem to increase as we age, but I can honestly say that my 60's are the best I've ever lived. Part of that comes from trusting God to take care of me (through all the ailments) and focusing on all I have to be thankful for.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83186)
• United States
5 Aug 16
@johnroberts it does seem that our sand is running out quicker these days
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83186)
• United States
5 Aug 16
@1creekgirl it's true that we should focus on the good things and all that we have to be thankful for
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
9 Aug 16
That's good because you have helped yourself in getting up from that slump . 
I don't like to feel that way when i reach 60 . I always think positively, although reaching that age would mean you are getting to the twilight years , so i suppose it can';t be avoided to feel that way . We just have to have something to look forward to when we reach that age .
I don't like to feel that way when i reach 60 . I always think positively, although reaching that age would mean you are getting to the twilight years , so i suppose it can';t be avoided to feel that way . We just have to have something to look forward to when we reach that age .1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
6 Aug 16
@Marilynda1225 he he Im89 and use
a walker but I go for walks and bypass
some younger residents and they are
amazed at me lol
3 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83186)
• United States
5 Aug 16
I have an 80 yr old neighbor who could run circles around me and it just makes me shake my head that he can do so much more than me
3 people like this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
5 Aug 16
@Simone10 I know when I hit 50 it hit me a little hard as I felt half my life was over. Now I'm 53 guess I've settled into that somewhat. We all have time against us as only the Lord knows when our time is truly up and then I KNOW I'm ready as I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and He made a way for me to go to heaven so I'm ok with dying. I just want to live life to the fullest while I'm here. I can't wait to go to heaven. I KNOW its an incredible place with my family and pets waiting for me. I'm proud of you for contacting SNHU and applying for admission and financial aid since its now 8/5/16 you only have 18 days to go hurray! Can't wait to hear how you make out.
1 person likes this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
9 Aug 16
@simone10 I take it you are a Christian? I've prayed for you too on this whole schooling adventure that God would lead guide and direct you.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
12 Aug 16
@Butchcass4 Yes, I am a Christian and thank you so much for the prayers.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13454)
• United States
6 Aug 16
I think almost any age can make you have the blues, the key is finding something to do you enjoy , keep busy and don't let others bring you down.
I see you are going back to school,I think this is wondeful news.. no matter the age, enjoy life...
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
12 Aug 16
@CookieMonster46 Thank you! I just found out that they need two more forms so I have to complete them, scan them and email back to them.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13454)
• United States
11 Aug 16
@simone10 , I sure hope you are approved
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
5 Aug 16
i've ne'er felt that way 's i've passsed a few 'f those 'milestones', but'm so glad that'cher lookin' out 'n seekin' higher education, followin' yer passions. that's what 'tis all 'bout anyhow. not a number, but whether'r not one feels productive, got somethin' they feel's worthy'f offerin' to others. i'm 'xcited fer ya also 'n hope that'cha get the help ya need.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
9 Aug 16
My kids are all grown, I no longer work and I am home alone all day with not a lot to do to occupy my mind. It gives me a lot of time to think which isn't always a good thing. I need to have something to look forward to again and I love learning so I pray that it all works out.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
12 Aug 16
@crazyhorseladycx I have thought about volunteering at an animal shelter but I'm afraid I would become too attached. I am very soft hearted and would want to bring all the animals home with me. Also, I don't have a car right now. My brother is talking about getting me one next year so maybe I could then.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
9 Aug 16
@simone10 yepperz, ya need to find somethin' that'll help to fill that 'gap', hon. kinda jealous 's i fear my brain's most dense these days 'n my learnin' curve great. 've ya thought've doin' some volunteer work? i know that'cher doin' yer colorin' books to bide the time, but i think gettin' out 'n helpin' folks'd do ya good. i can't wait 'til i'm able to do such 'gain. ' n the meantime....i sew :D
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41843)
• United States
5 Aug 16
I can understand how you're feeling. I think finding a new interest is just what you need. For me, as I age, it makes me realize how short life really is and to make the most of every day. I don't put things off like I used to.
There's no telling what marvelous things God has in store for you!
2 people like this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
9 Aug 16
I hope I'm not too old 
. This semester I am going to start out as part time so that I can get back into studying. It's been a very long time since I have been in school so it will probably be an adjustment. If all goes well, I will go full time next semester.
. This semester I am going to start out as part time so that I can get back into studying. It's been a very long time since I have been in school so it will probably be an adjustment. If all goes well, I will go full time next semester.1 person likes this
@marie42 (981)
• Shreveport, Louisiana
18 Aug 16
Yes I felt that way when I hit 40. That is why I also enrolled into college and did back in Feb of this year. Best move I made. Although I am still not totally out of my slump, but it has helped me. Congrats on on applying for school..
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
19 Aug 16
Has going back to school helped you? If I don't get approved for financial aid, I won't be able to take the classes I want to take so I am going to have to try and find something that keeps me busy and makes me feel like I have something to look forward to each day.
@velvet53 (22546)
• Palisade, Colorado
6 Aug 16
It may just a number but we can deal with it in a positive way. Think young and do things to keep you busy. Things you want to do. Try going out and skipping or little things like that. Most people feel that is for kids but it isn't. Smile and live young.
1 person likes this
@epiffanie (11326)
• Australia
6 Aug 16
I had a major melt down on the day I turned 60 .. I too was surprised that I felt that way.. It was as thought the whole world collapsed on me.. It was strange feeling .. But I was able to pick myself up and be fine and happy again ..
It's good that you are doing something to keep your mind busy ..
.
.1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
5 Aug 16
For me, it was 30. I was working with a bunch of youngsters and I felt very old and boring. Not what I expected to be at 30. Since then I have been okay with every age. My friend has been using Great Courses and loves it.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
9 Aug 16
@simone10 I was working with a bunch of youngsters and I felt really old.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
12 Aug 16
@BelleStarr I can understand that. When I was 30, it seemed like everything was going right with me for a change. I had remarried and was very happy.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26802)
• Singapore
5 Aug 16
I am sixty six and I want to live my age!
I think it is our inner knowing that gives us the prompts.
I do not want to go against the flow of age accumulation.
I change my frequency to adjust to the call of body, mind.
I personally feel and try to adjust to the reality of passing age.
I take comfort that I did well in the circumstances and happy to be where I am.
Hope you find fulfillment in whatever you choose to do - siva
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
5 Aug 16
I would be very glad if I can reach that age still alive and kicking. In my current situation I doubt I can live more. But who knows. You should be thankful and enjoy the life you have at the moment. For there are a lot of people who wants to live more.
1 person likes this
