30 Times People Got A Reality Check About Not Being Young Anymore

Everybody ages—it’s a natural part of life. Even though age is “just a number” and a lot depends on the habits you’ve built up over the years, you’ll still see your life change over the years. However, accepting it can be hard for some people.

Internet user u/musclelivx recently inspired an interesting discussion on r/AskReddit. The online community members shared what they think are some of the clearest signs that someone’s getting older, from feeling way out of touch with pop culture and trends to taking their physical health far more seriously. Scroll down to check out their opinions and experiences.

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Though we can’t control the fact that aging happens (yet! Longevity scientists, we believe in you!), we can change our lifestyles to ensure that we’re fit, sharp, and independent even as we grow older.

Though our genetics and environment are huge factors in how we age, a lot still comes down to things that we can control. That means cultivating the right habits, from getting plenty of exercise and eating healthy to keeping our minds sharp and investing in our positive relationships.

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We don’t just need lots of regular movement and a ‘blue zone’ diet to live a long and high-quality life, though. We also need an active social life, to feel like we’re part of a community, and to participate in activities that give us a sense of purpose.

According to the longest-running study on human happiness, out of Harvard, it’s our relationships that we should prioritize. When we actively invest in our most significant relationships, we end up being far more resilient to the stress that life inevitably throws our way. We become tougher. We bounce back quicker.

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It might sound obvious that we should take care of our social lives, but doing so consciously is difficult. Especially when you’ve got work, chores, and a bunch of other responsibilities all vying for your time and energy.

Just as good relationships can improve our lives, the lack of a strong social network can be very detrimental to our lives. Not just mentally but also physically.

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The National Institute on Aging explains that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Socially isolated individuals also have weaker immune systems and have a great chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Those most vulnerable are people who have lost their partners, are separated from family and friends, go into retirement, lose their mobility, and lack transportation.

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Which of these answers did you vibe with the most, Pandas? What, for you personally, are the clearest signs that someone's getting older? On the flip side, what are some indicators that someone's maturing in the best possible way? What have you changed in your life as you age? Let us know what you think in the comments!

#16

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Don't like applying makeup anymore and don’t care how I look. Not that I don’t look presentable but I just don’t care anymore.

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Image credits: musclelivx

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#30

Snap crackle pop used to be the sound of my breakfast. Now it’s the sound of me getting up in the morning.

Genuinely not caring what other people think of you anymore.Getting out of bed in the morning and walking like a new born giraffe for about 2 minutes.Having to scroll wayyyyyyyy back when you put in your birthdate.Newest fashion trends look ridiculous and all new music sounds like garbage.I can sleep wrong now apparently.It's the good knee and the bad knee instead of the left knee and the right knee.The doctor says "Yeah, that just happens." Instead of trying to fix anything.When you think the new generation's slang is just idiotic and not worth your time to understand.One day you’re cool and young the next you get excited for new kitchen appliances."Now playing your favourite 90s oldies." Wait, what?When they tear down a building that you remember getting built.When you start realizing you really don't like most people.How easily I am annoyed by loud vehicles, regardless the time of day.When your back goes out more than you do.I remember having friends, but have no friends.Having a favorite grocery store. Extra points for having one for produce and one for bakery and one for pantry or meats.When the grocery stores are playing your jams.Becoming invisible. I always heard older women become invisible. Well I think that's how I know I'm old now. Nobody randomly talks to me anymore. Nobody hits on me anymore. Nobody gives a s*** what I'm doing, where I'm at, I'm just completely ignored in public. Nobody takes a second glance at me anymore. No random smiles as I walk by anymore. When I was younger, without trying, I always got attention. People would say hi to me. Or approach me. Or ask if I needed help or strike random conversations with me. Their heads will turn and smile at me and keep going. I can't think of the last time somebody turn their head at me as I walked by. All of that stops. I'm truly invisible just like the old ladies used to say ? Now I go through my day watching younger women get approached, get attention, have those small meaningless conversations and stay seen by society. Their presence is acknowledged. It's really interesting watching it from a different perspective instead of experiencing that anymore. I just don't exist. Oh and the kids park! My youngest is seven. My oldest is 18. I'm no longer the young mom at the park. I watch all the young moms, and reminds me of the old moms watching me and smiling from afar. when I used to be a young mom. I don't know how to describe it, but it's kind of bittersweet watching young moms with their new babies and reminiscing at the same time.Eyesight goes off a cliff. Time goes faster.I’m definitely more into birds and birding and I feel I’m slowly slipping towards owning binoculars and identifying species.Not caring about social media. Facebook account deactivated for over a year.I used to use the pull-up bar to make my arms big. I now use the pull-up bar to decompress my spine.When you make a small groan when you get up.Sitting cross legged on the floor for a few minutes makes it difficult to walk for a couple seconds. but you're not REALLY old if you don't call it sitting "indian style".Pain everywhere around the body.When your blood runs cold after you find out that the person you thought was at least 15 years older than you turns out to be your age. I always tell myself (and I like to think it's true) that at least I LOOK 15 years younger than that person.When you get excited about using a brand new sponge to wash dishes.