How can we stop becoming 'old' as we age?

I think it is very much to do with staying interested in the world about you and being willing to listen to others and not hanging on to opinions and ways of doing thing, just because we have always done them that way. Often we can't help some of the things that happen as we get older and of course some times it is our minds that go. If we are always willing to learn and maybe try new things when possible, we can stay young at heart.

Looking into the mirror in the morning, I almost agree with the rest of the world that I am getting older but as the day goes on I forget about it and become 20 again (certainly in my mind). Somebody once said to me that the secret of keeping young is that one has to continue to learn one new thing every day, and I am trying .....

Mads that sounds great. What a good idea. I'm planning to retire towards the end of this year and was happily knitting away on my train commute last month (making a copy of the beanie I was wearing, for someone at work - an "order") when a woman came over to me (train was quiet), gave me her business card and said "I have a wool shop and if you ever want a part time job, come and see me". I said "Doing what?" (I was startled). She said "Exactly what you're doing ,plus chatting to my customers". Sounds appealing - I really do believe there is always something to be found workwise.

Good for you Mads. No reason something like that can't run until you are 90 if you are so inclined.
A friend of mine started cleaning for a few friends who don't like it while they are out shopping etc and now cleans three or four mornings a week then sits down and has lunch with them and gets home about 2 with the rest of the day to herself.
She actually does like cleaning and says her friends are so clean and tidy on the whole that it is a doddle.

I started a small business in November called the Vintage Hostess. Having been made redundant in January 12 and realising that ageism still exists and potential employers think when you are 60 + you have lost your marbles!!
I am enjoying myself and fulfilling a pipe dream selling vintage china.

I expect that's a sign of ageing...sigh...

I don't find jeans comfortable at all, although I've worn them since being a teenager, and still do when I go out. I prefer to slob out in jogging bottoms at home, although I wouldn't be seen dead in them out and about...

Re Deedaa's MIL.Just the thought of crimplene dresses fills me with horror. Several years ago I told my family to shoot me should I ever wear one. In my mid 60s I often wear Jeans,as do many of a similar age now.My DD laughed at me when I started wearing them at 60,because I'd never been keen on them when younger. Long may they last----they're so comfortable (except after Christmas!)

I think my son-in-law despairs of me. The other week I put on my dragon ear cuff to show him. 'How old are you? he asked with an eye-rolling look. Hmph!

The music one likes, the books one reads, the clothes one wears... all totally superficial ways of gauging how 'old' one is, looks, acts. If I listen to classical music it's because I LIKE it. If I wear low heels it's because I feel COMFORTABLE in them. If I choose not to read the 50 Shades books, it's because I think they're tripe (yes, I did get a free download of the first few chapters on the Kindle). If I have a smart phone/kindle/tablet it has nothing to do with trying to be youthful and trendy - I just happen to like technology. I'd better stop now or it will be a case of 'the lady doth protest too much'.

Sheer bloody-mindedness is also a good attribute to defying the old age bogey. Never go down without a fight!

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

The first time I saw that was at Majorstuen Station in Oslo in 1999. Guy walking up and down the platform talking to himself. Weird. Then I realised...

How we've moved on in thirteen and a half years!

yes even people in their 20s walk along talking to themselves these days. It has become normal

Try not to talk to yourself in the street and supermarkets. Or if you must, hook a handsfree device over your ear so you at least look cool.

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!

number I am looking forward to meeting up with you.Based on your posts,I don't think your boring.xxxxlove nellie

number I echo what crimson said - I always enjoy your posts.

Jess I think between you and soop you've found the answer.

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.

But high heels look better and also make one look slimmer .

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

back and cough better soon = typo

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

However, I do think my self-confidence increased as I grew older, especially in my thirties, and I've heard other people say the same thing. Even DH says so and he was monumentally shy as a teenager.

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.