I've just opened a load of Christmas cards that the PO has been 'keeping safe' for me while we've been away.
One from my 90-year old god-mother.
Note inside, 'Horribly old, but otherwise ok!'
Perhaps GSOH is the answer
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How do we stay young at heart as we age? Our children say that we are quite young minded, at very nearly 64 and 67, but how can we ensure that we stay that way?
We have always been quite close to Dh's brother and his wife, seeing them 5/6 times a year and phoning quite regularly. They always come to us for NY but this year they seem to have aged so much. They are 73 and 72. Various of our children popped in while their uncle and aunt were here and all mentioned how they seem to be, mentally, very old. 
My brother in law was one of the first commercial computer programmers but nowadays they boast about never switching the computer or their mobiles on, they take no papers (but read ours avidly) they rarely watch TV but nor do they listen to the radio. SiL was a teacher and then, voluntarily, ran a village playgroup until a couple of years ago.
They are not wealthy pensioners, nor are they hard up and take quite a few holidays, together and separately. BIL has had rheumatoid arthritis for nearly 30 years and has had quite a few bits replaced but manages to walk their collie once or twice a day.
We were all shocked at how 'old' they seemed and have told our children to make sure we don't go the same way.
DH has another brother, who is 75 in June, who has just left his wife and intends to marry a 38 year old Thai bar girl. 
How do you intend to keep young at heart?
Now I understand it RMA is and always has been the answer - to just about everything.
When we 'retired' to the country it was suggested that we buy a bungalow 'at our age' so we bought a house which is 2 story's at the front and 3 at the back (we live on a hill). It is quite a bit bigger than our SE house and the garden is more demanding but we love it and have room for the whole family to come and stay.
When I asked if a particular clothes shop was nice I was told they sold clothes for 'our age' so now go to Cheltenham or Birmingham to buy clothes and, given the opportunity, still wear my killer heals because I love them! I am transforming my good friend out of her beige and brown and she seems to be enjoying my efforts to make her have fun.
At the moment I have a horrible cough and have sone something to my back but am determined it will all be better soon.
I like RMA and with a bit of luck don't need anything else.
I thought it was PMA but either way, it's attitude that counts!
soop I think you've summed it up pretty well
number; well those that meet you don't find you boring..and those that 'meet' you in internet land find you funny and clever and well read and totally lovable. Just like you probably were when you were 16. Except you wouldn't have read quite so many books by then .
Crimson xxx! 
Well said, crimson, and thanks for explaining, number. I suppose our main characteristics – shyness, boldness, introversion, extroversion (or is it 'extra' nowadays?) – will not change, because our fundamental personalities will not change, however much we try to adapt to changing circumstances. If that is what people mean when they say they feel the same as they did lots of years ago, that's fine.
Move. Know what you mean about heels , my setiments exactly .
If you have good legs why not show them off .
Hope cough and back soon .
Nearly said 
then remembered it is dry January . giggle
Good legs look good in flatties too, with the advantage of not wrecking one's spine, which would tend to bring on old age symptoms 
number if you were really shy you would not have treked across to Brum to meet a bunch of strangers dressed in suffragette colours!
Granny23 your dad would inspire a funny film script.
petallus I think there are a number of things here. One is appearance - some fight it for reasons of self esteem maybe - they feel better about themselves if they have their hair coloured etc. A choice.
Some older people get very set in their ways and seem bored with life and boring to others. They are not interested in much. Others are mentally alert and mentally active. Joining online forums and suchlike capers. There is some choice in this I guess in terms of whether one chooses to lead a more limited life or chooses to do new things, take up new interests, learn new skills or whatever. My oldest relative is still writing widely, gives the occasional lecture and it the same interesting and interested companion that she always was. Making friends with younger people is enjoyable. I tend to do this when hanging out in NZ as most of DS's contacts under 40.
There also the physical decline into weakness and frailty and I can certainly understand why one might want to postpone that as long as possible. When it comes to strength and flexibility the saying "if you don't want to lose it, use it" is very true. Yoga and brisk walking as long as I am able to is the plan. For others its swimming or dancing or having an allotment. I don't think you have to do "sport" but some reasonably demanding physical activity will stave off the weakness and stiffness that comes with age. (yes i know some people get arthritis but lots of older people dont and they still seize up)
Someone I know has a dad in his 80s (very active chap) . He had a minor op recently. The kind of thing that would have merited a week in hospital until the stitches were out, a few years back. Went in on the bus. Day surgery. Had to be practically forced into accepting a lift back to his friends afterwards and then later, drove himself home. Next day, down the allotment pulling parsnips, head started bleeding a bit. Thought he better read the bit of paper he's been given that said don't bend over, sleep propped up etc. 
. And another friend with dad in 80s - I asked after him "Alright except he injured himself playing squash"
And yes I know not everyone can. 
number I echo what crimson said - I always enjoy your posts.
Jess I think between you and soop you've found the answer. 
number I'm sure that you aren't boring, but I find, (I'm shy too and tend to think people will find me boring), that if you're a good listener, people like to be with you because they can talk about themselves!
yes even people in their 20s walk along talking to themselves these days. It has become normal
I don't think "acting old" has got anything to do with anything other than the essence of who you (we) really are. At work my nickname is "Miss Jean Brodie" because all the younger people want to hang out with me - and me with them! They say I entertain them and make them laugh. I dress young, because I like to, no killer heels, because can't walk in them, but trendy flats suit me just fine. But I will also be equally as happy in hiking boots and outdoor gear. I don't go to gigs anymore, don't like the crowds, but that doesn't mean I can't go to Fairport Convention at the Union Chapel come March! I met a woman recently, she's about my age (64), she was conservatively dressed, old-fashioned perm - but guess what, she was so twinkly eyed and full of fun, I think of her as young
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