Older Adults Are Sharing The "Hard To Confront" Truths About Aging That No One Really Knows About
Recently, the older adults of the BuzzFeed Community shared the "hard to swallow" truths about growing older that not many people know about, and they're incredibly insightful. Here are the responses that, depending on your age, will have you nodding in agreement or deep in thought:
1."Over the years, three of my primary care physicians have retired. It's tough trying to find a replacement."
—Anonymous
2."It's really hard to find a brand new experience — 'firsts,' as I call them. There aren't many — or any — firsts to be had the older you get."
3."I keep active and maintain my weight, but I've become lactose intolerant and get reflux from anything sugary or fatty. There's no such thing as 'treating myself' to meals or snacks anymore because I will just suffer if I eat those foods."
4."The hardest part for me is realizing that I'm 75 years old even though I feel 35. Being treated like you don't know anything and being called 'dear' all the time. I have so much to offer, but since I'm considered 'elderly,' I simply don't matter in the grand scheme of things."
—Anonymous
5."Ageism in the workplace."
6."It's hard to commit to events because you don't know how you are going to feel."
—Rebecca, 66, Illinois
7."Not being able to see the same. My eyesight has gotten worse over the years. It's really annoying having to use reading glasses for almost everything. I look at different painting jobs over the years, and my work keeps getting worse because I can't see properly."
8."Ear hair like I never even imagined."
9."Fading looks. I used to be fairly attractive — not a magazine beauty by any means, but I used to be flirted with, people were friendlier with me, and I was asked out on dates. I've been happily married for almost 50 years, but it was nice and made me feel attractive. But my golden tan has aged me. I have age spots and sun damage; my light blonde hair has turned silver and dry, and my hands look every bit 66 years old. It takes me longer to get ready to leave the house because I have to wear more makeup. I no longer turn heads. Enjoy your looks while you have them because they will fade."
10."Not mentally aging and staying stuck in the past that made you comfortable."
11."Not being able to sleep longer and your children not taking your advice."
12."Having sat at a funeral for a former high school classmate recently, I've realized that I'm getting older, and it's scary. I have lost a number of classmates from high school and college. Life is so humbling."
—Marcellus
13."Sex disappeared."
—Sheldon
14."Being called 'ma'am.' I still look around for 'ma'am' when I hear it because I don't feel like one. I think young people would be surprised to find that, inside, you feel like the person you've always been. So, it's a shock when people treat you differently."
15."Feeling like your children just don't care. My daughter lives in front of me, and the night before Thanksgiving, she slammed the door in my face and told me not to come back. On Thanksgiving day, I was alone with my dog. I'm 75."
16."I am scared. I am the youngest of five sisters, and I don't want to be the last one left and watch them pass away ahead of me. I never had children (by choice), so I feel like that I will be on my own and unable to take care of myself."
—Sheila, 69
17."I wish we weren't referred to as 'senior citizens.' We don't call people 'junior citizens.'"
18."Feeling like younger people don't value you as a human."
19.Lastly: "The hardest part for me has been dealing with loss and loneliness. My dad died over 30 years ago, my older brother died at 48, and a year ago, my wife of 30 years died suddenly after a routine colonoscopy. My mom, my ex-wife, and my only child's 3-month-old son passed, too. We moved 900 miles away from home 26 years ago. I have my daughter and adult granddaughter here who rarely visit. We were never social people, so I have no friends. I retired when my wife passed, so I'm left to my own devices. I'm left with a guilty feeling that I could've done more. Grief is overwhelming. If any young people are reading this, know that the MOST valuable gift you can give your older folks is your TIME. Just spend some time with us."
If you're an older adult, what's a difficult truth about aging that not many people realize? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit using this form!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
