Anyone else feel old?

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I know this sounds very nonsensical, but as a 21-year old I do feel old. I know I may receive (from older users on SDN) that they wish they were my age; however, although I look forward to the challenges of medicine, the whole process does in fact make me feel old! In retrospect, I remember in my early teenage years I thought being 18-years old was old, and then once I reached that mark I realized it wasn't. I guess this feeling will never go away? I suppose I answered my own question, but I am searching if anyone else here has felt like this as well.
 
Matrix207 said:
I know this sounds very nonsensical, but as a 21-year old I do feel old. I know I may receive (from older users on SDN) that they wish they were my age; however, although I look forward to the challenges of medicine, the whole process does in fact make me feel old! In retrospect, I remember in my early teenage years I thought being 18-years old was old, and then once I reached that mark I realized it wasn't. I guess this feeling will never go away? I suppose I answered my own question, but I am searching if anyone else here has felt like this as well.
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Jeeze, Matrix, you're living proof of the GB Shaw adage of "youth is too good to be wasted on the young".
 
Matrix207 said:
I know this sounds very nonsensical, but as a 21-year old I do feel old. I know I may receive (from older users on SDN) that they wish they were my age; however, although I look forward to the challenges of medicine, the whole process does in fact make me feel old! In retrospect, I remember in my early teenage years I thought being 18-years old was old, and then once I reached that mark I realized it wasn't. I guess this feeling will never go away? I suppose I answered my own question, but I am searching if anyone else here has felt like this as well.
Click to expand...
Why do you feel old?
 
Matrix207 said:
I know this sounds very nonsensical, but as a 21-year old I do feel old. I know I may receive (from older users on SDN) that they wish they were my age; however, although I look forward to the challenges of medicine, the whole process does in fact make me feel old! In retrospect, I remember in my early teenage years I thought being 18-years old was old, and then once I reached that mark I realized it wasn't. I guess this feeling will never go away? I suppose I answered my own question, but I am searching if anyone else here has felt like this as well.
Click to expand...
I feel you hun, I’m a year older and feel the same exact way. The only cure is involving yourself in activities that revive your youth! Go out to parties, get drunk after exams, seek out festivals and parades, do activities on the weekends like: bike ride, skate, or amusement parks. These may sound “immature.” But sometimes the quote on quote immature things is what keeps some of us sane. Best of luck 😉
 
Haha. Wait til you’re in your 30s and go, “wait wasn’t I just 16 yesterday?” I feel like that a lot. When you work hard you don’t realize how fast the time goes. But I’m much happier and feel much better than I did in my 20s, so hope is not lost! just like a wine, better every year. 😉


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I'm 38, and I feel old only when one of the following conditions is met:
  1. Leg day was two days ago
  2. I tell a Millennial about some awesome vinyls I got and they think I'm talking about sex
  3. I have to yell at those damn hooligans to get off my lawn
And @OrthoTraumaMD, I'm right with you. I frequently look in the mirror and see the same ridiculous teenager as always, then do a double-take and say, "Dang, they made me a doctor!" You'd think that particular decision would blow up in someone's face, but it's worked out surprisingly well so far.
 
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Matrix207 said:
I know this sounds very nonsensical, but as a 21-year old I do feel old. I know I may receive (from older users on SDN) that they wish they were my age; however, although I look forward to the challenges of medicine, the whole process does in fact make me feel old! In retrospect, I remember in my early teenage years I thought being 18-years old was old, and then once I reached that mark I realized it wasn't. I guess this feeling will never go away? I suppose I answered my own question, but I am searching if anyone else here has felt like this as well.
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Lol! Put your books down, turn off your computer, and get out of your house! Go and socialize! :soexcited:
Enjoy your life and have lots of fun... you wont even remember your age! 😛
 
Angus Avagadro said:
I have ties older than you. When I was your age we were told not to trust anyone over 30. You are not old
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:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

A few years ago, my 70 year old now senior partner came into my lane on my birthday and inquired what all the festivities were about... and i said "Well Dr., its my birthday...i just hit the 35 year mark and im feeling a little old, and people are letting me have it."

And he said " Well Cubs, just remember this... I have ties that are older than you are." and calmly continued on down the hallway.
 
I’m 31 and it feels like just yesterday I was in high school.
 
HomeSkool said:
I'm 38, and I feel old only when one of the following conditions is met:
  1. Leg day was two days ago
  2. I tell a Millennial about some awesome vinyls I got and they think I'm talking about sex
  3. I have to yell at those damn hooligans to get off my lawn
And @OrthoTraumaMD, I'm right with you. I frequently look in the mirror and see the same ridiculous teenager as always, then do a double-take and say, "Dang, they made me a doctor!" You'd think that particular decision would blow up in someone's face, but it's worked out surprisingly well so far.
Click to expand...

Pssh. You’re barely not a millennial.
 
I’m 34. I do not wish I was your age, OP. I cringe when I think about my 21 year old self. I’m in much better shape, much healthier, more contributing, more selfless, and much happier.

Sometimes I wish my knees were 21 again though. Especially after leg day or a PRT.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
I’m 34. I do not wish I was your age, OP. I cringe when I think about my 21 year old self. I’m in much better shape, much healthier, more contributing, more selfless, and much happier.

Sometimes I wish my knees were 21 again though. Especially after leg day or a PRT.
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Same here. My knee just randomly gives out on me leaving me on the floor. Seems like it’s getting worse as I get older but still doesn’t happen extremely often. But it does ache fairly often.
 
I'm 30 going on 31. Now Facebook pops up things I posted 10 years ago. It's crazy to think I was in college orientation a little over 12 years ago.
It's amazing how much time has passed, but I'm not old yet.
 
You are getting mocked, but I am 22 and feel old too! I never thought 18 was old, but I used to think that early 20s was old and that I should have my life together better. Now I'm worrying about how to fund my parents' retirements, their health, and bills and all that jazz. I have to worry about working out to improve bone mass, wearing sunscreen so I don't look old early, doing exercises so that I don't have long term knee problems, looking more attractive/becoming more confident so some girl will actually like me and I don't die alone... I don't feel any of the liberation that is supposed to exist now, I just feel tired. "Maturity" has basically taught me all of the problems that exist in life and how uncertain everything is, not given me any comfort.

I'm sad because I know I will only get progressively weaker and more tired as I age. I sometimes regret committing to a career path that will be profitable so late; I don't think I will be able to do anything fun in my 20s while my classmates are partying in the Maldives.

But maybe this has just been a very long 9 months of no fun and I'm cynical.
 
I’m a little worried about you...
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
I'm sad because I know I will only get progressively weaker and more tired as I age.
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Definitely not true. First of all, you aren’t really even fully developed until 25. And I’m in much better shape and health and am a lot stronger than I was 10 years ago.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Definitely not true. First of all, you aren’t really even fully developed until 25. And I’m in much better shape and health and am a lot stronger than I was 10 years ago.
Click to expand...
Same here bro. Men don’t really physically peak until their 40s, if they take care of themselves.
 
Years and years from now, when you look back at this comment you WILL literally laugh at yourself. Trust me the best years of your life will very likely be your 40's. The 30's are pretty good, and early 50's are not too bad either. You will look back at your teens and early 20's and laugh at yourself.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Definitely not true. First of all, you aren’t really even fully developed until 25. And I’m in much better shape and health and am a lot stronger than I was 10 years ago.
Click to expand...
I went to a conference yesterday and learned that muscle stem cells in older individuals aren't as good at self renewal and stuff. As you age, your telomeres shorten, your metabolism slows, female fertility declines via faulty chromosome separation, Ink4a levels increase so proliferation (healing) is restricted. In murine experiments, taking blood plasma from young mice and giving it to old mice was sufficient to enhance neurogenesis and memory. As we age, our fluid intelligence also tends to decline.

I do think, healthwise, we are probably best off when we are younger. But on the bright side, there's lots of regenerative medicine research going on, so maybe we will all live longer and healthier lives than we think!
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
I went to a conference yesterday and learned that muscle stem cells in older individuals aren't as good at self renewal and stuff. As you age, your telomeres shorten, your metabolism slows, female fertility declines via faulty chromosome separation, Ink4a levels increase so proliferation (healing) is restricted. In murine experiments, taking blood plasma from young mice and giving it to old mice was sufficient to enhance neurogenesis and memory. As we age, our fluid intelligence also tends to decline.

I do think, healthwise, we are probably best off when we are younger. But on the bright side, there's lots of regenerative medicine research going on, so maybe we will all live longer and healthier lives than we think!
Click to expand...
If you just stay active and eat half decent you’ll be fine. I’m in the thousand pound club and still progressing year after year at 31. Better yet, most of the guys in the gym that lift more than me are older than me.
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
You are getting mocked, but I am 22 and feel old too! I never thought 18 was old, but I used to think that early 20s was old and that I should have my life together better. Now I'm worrying about how to fund my parents' retirements, their health, and bills and all that jazz. I have to worry about working out to improve bone mass, wearing sunscreen so I don't look old early, doing exercises so that I don't have long term knee problems, looking more attractive/becoming more confident so some girl will actually like me and I don't die alone... I don't feel any of the liberation that is supposed to exist now, I just feel tired. "Maturity" has basically taught me all of the problems that exist in life and how uncertain everything is, not given me any comfort.

I'm sad because I know I will only get progressively weaker and more tired as I age. I sometimes regret committing to a career path that will be profitable so late; I don't think I will be able to do anything fun in my 20s while my classmates are partying in the Maldives.

But maybe this has just been a very long 9 months of no fun and I'm cynical.
Click to expand...
You’re right, we are mocking the OP a little.

By the way, you kinda sound like my husband (who is 44 now). He told me he felt old when turned 21, and when he woke up on his 30th birthday, he said everything hurt. He can’t stand the thought of getting older, and is not looking forward to being a grandparent someday.

Some people are born old.
 
seaturtle98 said:
You’re right, we are mocking the OP a little.

By the way, you kinda sound like my husband (who is 44 now). He told me he felt old when turned 21, and when he woke up on his 30th birthday, he said everything hurt. He can’t stand the thought of getting older, and is not looking forward to being a grandparent someday.

Some people are born old.
Click to expand...
That's what my entire family says about me. Apparently I haven't been young since I left the womb.
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
I went to a conference yesterday and learned that muscle stem cells in older individuals aren't as good at self renewal and stuff. As you age, your telomeres shorten, your metabolism slows, female fertility declines via faulty chromosome separation, Ink4a levels increase so proliferation (healing) is restricted. In murine experiments, taking blood plasma from young mice and giving it to old mice was sufficient to enhance neurogenesis and memory. As we age, our fluid intelligence also tends to decline.

I do think, healthwise, we are probably best off when we are younger. But on the bright side, there's lots of regenerative medicine research going on, so maybe we will all live longer and healthier lives than we think!
Click to expand...

Think about this for a second. If you spend your twenties fairly sedentary because you’re mostly studying and working, not eating great because you’re a student, then in your thirties you eat healthier, exercise and are active more, and generally have less stress, do you think you’ll be less healthy just because you’re older?

There is no reason why you have to age poorly and turn into a decrepit cryptkeeper just because you’re getting older. You don’t need regenerative medicine to stay healthy and fit.
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
I went to a conference yesterday and learned that muscle stem cells in older individuals aren't as good at self renewal and stuff. As you age, your telomeres shorten, your metabolism slows, female fertility declines via faulty chromosome separation, Ink4a levels increase so proliferation (healing) is restricted. In murine experiments, taking blood plasma from young mice and giving it to old mice was sufficient to enhance neurogenesis and memory. As we age, our fluid intelligence also tends to decline.

I do think, healthwise, we are probably best off when we are younger. But on the bright side, there's lots of regenerative medicine research going on, so maybe we will all live longer and healthier lives than we think!
Click to expand...

Stay happy, stay positive, eat healthy, meditate, enjoy mother nature, surround yourself with people better than you, read, dance, volunteer, and exercise. These are all some things you can do instead of wasting your time stressing over things you cannot really control such as your telomeres shortening...etc.

We all age and we will all die. Worrying about growing old while still in your 20's is a waste of your time and your life.
 
I'm in my late 20s and high school feels like lifetimes ago. People say that time flies but that's not been my experience. Do I feel old? Sometimes, but usually in a good way. If you do it right, life experience bestows wisdom, maturity, and self-realization in a way that makes you feel that you're refining yourself instead of wasting your time.

Sometimes I miss having the time to party, have an enormous social circle, and not ice my knees after long runs, but other than that - I'm pretty happy with being "old".

I'm applying this cycle and I have an interview coming up. I honestly feel really good about being an older applicant. I had time to enjoy my early 20s and do all of the partying, traveling, and experimenting that I needed to feel satisfied, and I can honestly say that I'm going into medicine ready for the commitment. I can't fathom taking on medical school as an early 20 something - but we all need different things out of life, and some of us are ready earlier than others.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Think about this for a second. If you spend your twenties fairly sedentary because you’re mostly studying and working, not eating great because you’re a student, then in your thirties you eat healthier, exercise and are active more, and generally have less stress, do you think you’ll be less healthy just because you’re older?

There is no reason why you have to age poorly and turn into a decrepit cryptkeeper just because you’re getting older. You don’t need regenerative medicine to stay healthy and fit.
Click to expand...
I do aim to work out 5x a week and eat well, since doing the latter poorly negates the former, but professional athletes tend to lose ground at 34 or so, despite doing all the eating/exercising right. I don't think it's unfair to say that we do drop off physically.
But honestly, I think I'm complaining about getting older because I feel like getting older means that I know that there are 100 more things to worry about while not getting any of the benefits. I'm sure once I have more fun/freedom/money, I'll be happier about it. As it stands, I feel like I've just been drudging through everything in very stressful environments, and its taken its toll.

Anyway, I'm a female so I'd be happy with 250 dead/175 squat/100 bench lol. Gotta get those gainz, bro 😉
 
ExcitatorySynapse said:
34 or so, despite doing all the eating/exercising right.
Click to expand...

That’s because they are pro athletes. They don’t do all the right exercising and eating. They do a ridiculous amount of **** that is terrible for your body that destroys it by that age. They taper off because they've ****ed themselves up so much that they can’t keep up with the young bloods.

And not all of them do, so clearly it’s not just an age thing.
 
LOL.

I guess I am just burned out a little bit. I am glad to hear there are many users on here who are a lot older than me who do not wish they were as young as I am. That's a very reassuring thing.
 
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