Who thinks getting old sucks ?

I think I'm one of the lucky ones. I've only had breast cancer and at the moment sciatica which drives me mad, although I am someone who avoids the Doctor like the plague unless forced.

Yes, getting old sucks, but the alternative is worse.

Another lucky one here. Also had breast cancer at 62 but caught very early and treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Just had TKR but that is not illness just a mechanical malfunction. I'm now 79and very well but my life is blighted by my H's dementia so I can't enjoy life at all.

There is a third set of people who seem healthy then die suddenly and unexpectedly before their time, like my BF

For me getting old sucks because I've lost so many of my dear ones and watched them suffer through years of illness and horrible treatments, to no avail.

My beloved sister has been fighting breast cancer for five years but is now heavily sedated on a morphine driver as her journey nears its end. She is 71. Our other sister died of the same illness at 54, my cousin at 60, and my DH last year at 69.

I'm so sorry for all of you who are suffering ill health, either your own or that of a loved one. It is so hard to bear.

Bellasnana you have been on such a hard road for so long.

Jalima, so agree.

Down to bad doctors I think in the case I know.

Oh no, not bad doctors in my friend's case. Just very sudden and unexpected.
My doctors have been wonderful on the whole (so far!)

Bellasnana it is hard when it is your siblings, partners and friends of your own generation

I really don't think that old age sucks!Especially if you have a wonderful family like mine!

So youth was so great – or was it? Maybe life sucks – if that's how you look at it. Maybe life is rich and wonderful – if that's how you look at it. People you love die and you miss them but wasn't it a joy to know them and share their lives? There are lousy doctors – the neglect of one GP nearly killed me when I was 20 – and there are phenomenal doctors – the skill of a superb surgeon saved me against the odds. I have had two marriages, both of which have turned out to be pretty crap – but, hell, I made the choices – but I do have a terrific daughter, a loving son-in-law and six fabulous grandchildren. Of all the old people I have known – and I don't mean those of my age but the really old – those who thought life sucked were miserable old bags all the time I knew them. Those who enjoyed the joys and pleasures that they could still perceive and, perhaps surprisingly, they were many and unexpected, had always been positive, outward-looking and loving people.

whitewave your post made me "I've only had breast cancer" - what a great attitude.

What about people who have a rocky road in their early life or are ill, and then a happy and healthy old age - do they say young age sucks?

I can't say that old age sucks. It's just another phase in my life.

I don't think old age sucks. What sucks is watching the people I love and are part of my wonderful family suffer and die. I suppose we've been lucky. As a family we've had almost 40 decades of good heath. The last three years have been truly heartbreaking what's worse it looks like getting worse. Now that really sucks. on the other hand we've still got lots to be thankful for. I've had 15 years of love, kisses and cuddles from gorgeous grandchildren.

I have to disagree strongly with OP who says GPS are more interested in their profits than their patients. I am a retired GP and I can honestly say that the vast majority of GPs I've known have been much more concerned re their patients. The majority of GPs work incredibly hard to do what is best for their patients.

Grannyknot I am absolutely in agreement with you. My childhood was damaged by bullying and careful self-protection arising from a medical problem I had. Nothing since has compared with that.

I no longer have the stamina I used to have, the capacity to keep on and on like a Durex battery bunny, and I have a few health niggles. But life is still incomparably good compared with that of almost anyone living in Syria or Yemen, of driven from those countries to a chancy refuge elsewhere in the world.

Old age isn't a surprise, we understand from childhood the inexorable cycle from birth to death. We lose friends and family and are lost in our turn.

There's a third category,the drippy ones who think they're ill all the time,the GP surgerys and hospital waiting rooms are full of them.Most of them just need to lose a few stones,

Personally I hate the word "sucks" and would never use it so no, I don't.
There are plenty of people who have been denied the opportunity to see their children or grandchildren grow up, whose partners mourn them every day , whose lives have been cut short for whatever reason.
I agree there are two sets of people though.
Those who grow older and wiser and recognise that despite their ills and the petty frustrations, life still holds much for which to be grateful. Despite appalling health problems they remain upbeat and bring joy to those who love them.
And those who moan.

At ninety-six my grandmother was constantly moaning that the GP couldn't "sort her legs out" she was no longer able to climb on the stool to wash her windows..........

Another phase of our lives, it's difficult if you are suffering ill health but there are still some things to take pleasure in I'm sure. Sometimes the small things are most enjoyable, good book, a comment from a grandchild, hug from your nearest and dearest.
I agree mumofmadboys it's wrong to make sweeping generalisations about any group of people there are some good and some not so good in all groups.
Didn't mean to come across like goody two shoes but you get my drift.

There's good and bad in any profession and my family have had their fair share. My DiL was sent away with a flea in her ear after seeing her G.P with a breast lump even though she'd had cancer before. She went again with back and neck pain and was sent for physo and acupuncture. The G.P gave her the impression it was 'all in her head' it was the physiotherapist who eventually insisted on a referral. Within 12 hours she was in hospital undergoing emergency treatment for breast and secondary cancer that is probably terminal. We feel very very bitter. I don't think I could be in the same room as her doctor. On the other hand I have the most wonderful G.P she's great. She's steers me through terrible times. I trust her implicitly. It's so comforting to have a good doctor.

So sorry to hear that morethan On the subject of old age - I am 67. I have never had a day's illness in my life really. However, a few years ago all my hair fell out and hasn't grown back and I suffer terribly with anxiety and nerves, so it's not all wonderful. I realise I am lucky in one way and not so lucky in another. My DH has survived cancer so we have been through the mill the last few years. I keep going, that's the main thing.

I'm one of the lucky ones I suppose - though I am accident prone. At 50 I packed in smoking, lost weight and took up running. Ran lots of 5k Race for Life, a couple of 10k (PB less than 60 mins) and did The Great North Run twice.

I think this helped see me through my 50s and into my 60s. It certainly stopped me thinking that I was getting old.

I also avoid my GP surgery as much as possible (full of sick people or hypochondriacs) but if I really have to visit I ask for a woman doctor as I find them much better than their male colleagues.

Personally I believe it's a mixture of luck (can't control your genetics) and taking responsibility for your own health. We all know what we ought to eat and how much exercise we ought to get don't we?

But I do feel for those who have chronic health problems for which there is no solution.

I really do not think that the vast majority of GPs are thinking only of their profits. I think you have got that wrong. I am married to a retired GP and I can assure you that he and all his colleagues cared about their patients, well-being. Like all of us, they made mistakes, but that is nothing to do with seeking only profit.

I have found getting older to be a challenge and have been afflicted with lots of health problems at a younger age than I might have hoped - and of course OH has PD, which is not a walk in the park. But we have wonderful family, enough money to live carefully but comfortably. I would love to feel better than I do, but, on the whole, I think that people are trying to do their best for me.

That is so sad Morethan2. So far we have been lucky, although my greatest fear is ill health as we age. My DH at 70 is several years older than me and I worry every time he has a sniffle. My sister-in-law has had breast cancer but thankfully it was caught at a very early stage and she has successfully completed her treatment apart from an ongoing drug programme.

What is that old saying "It's not the hand you are dealt, but how you play the cards"?
So true.