2 weeks Ago By BuzzFeed
Though getting older is certainly a privilege in life, it doesn't mean it's always easy. Recently, older adults of the BuzzFeed Community shared with us the hard truths about aging that no one really talks about, and they're extremely candid and insightful: 1. "It's impossible to find a doctor of any kind who listens and wants to help.
This is where you feel really invisible, ignored, and disrespected. They don't seem capable of understanding anything you tell them; they just latch onto the easiest solution, almost like they want to get rid of you and can't be bothered." — silkylegend1151 2.
"Flatulence and belching. At 75, I have to be extremely careful about the food I eat, especially when in the company of others. If I eat too many of the foods I love, I am a farting and belching machine!" —Niki, 75, Canada 3.
"I'm 67 and have fallen three times in the last year. Now, I'm afraid of falling every time I go anywhere. I haven't done the things I want to do because of these fears.
" — sillymoon815 4. "Not knowing if you are sick or if that's just what old age feels like." —Lynn, 72, Maine 5.
"My taste buds are dying. I can't stand the taste of foods I used to like. I feel like I could choke on anything dry, like bread, crackers, and overcooked meats.
I only like sweet things because I can taste them. If you've ever wondered why old people have cabinets loaded with cookies and candies, that's why." —Judith, 80, South Carolina 6.
"Being called 'honey,' 'dear,' or 'sweetie.' I am a professional woman, not any of those pet names." — superchipmunk832 7.
"Adjusting to a somewhat slower metabolism has been a challenge for me in recent years. Part of that is probably my age (I'm 63), and the other is that I walk with a cane now, so I'm just not as active as I once was. That said, I really have to pay attention to how much I eat.
" — greyhedgewitch 8. "I was at the lab recently having my blood drawn. I was holding my arm out for the phlebotomist and looked down only to realize I was seeing my mom's arm! I thought, When did this happen? How did my skin become loose and wrinkled? It's a shock that no one prepares you for.
" —Marian, 67, Indiana 9. "I'm an athlete, so not being able to exercise as much as I used to is a sobering moment." —Christine, 62, Massachusetts 10.
"Because I use a cane, people think I cannot get up out of a chair by myself, so they try to grab my arms and lift me up (which doesn't help). Younger people think I shouldn't walk, even though I have to get my steps in, or they think I shouldn't carry anything they consider heavy, even though I tell them I have to keep my bones strong by weightlifting. I hate when people grab me without asking because they think I need help.
I know many people have good intentions, and I appreciate it, but it gets aggravating. I'm 85 and worked as a nurse until I was 78. I still cook for my family, bake cakes for special events, and am active in several ministries.
I know when something is too heavy for me." — sharpknight802 11. "I have a teenager granddaughter, and it's hard to digest the fact that I will likely miss out on the major parts of her life and may not live to see my great-grandchildren.
I hope my granddaughter will talk about me with them and share my stories." —Jeanette, 78, South Carolina 12. "The hearing part of aging.
People don't like speaking louder or repeating themselves to you." — nostalgictable896 13. "Once you're old, it's hard to just lie your head on a pillow and wake up eight hours later uninterrupted.
I would do anything to have a night without waking up and not having to use the bathroom all the time. Younger people shouldn't take that for granted, because it's a constant annoyance." —Anthony, 67, North Carolina 14.
"When I was young, all eyes were on me when I'd walk into a room, store, or restaurant. I loved the attention I received. Now, I'm old and invisible.
I miss what it was like back then." — hunterjonesh 15. "The way my own children interact with me has changed tremendously since I retired.
While I realize my world has shrunk considerably since I don't commute or run an office or oversee staff any longer, it appears my ability to contribute has shrunk, too. My grown children, who all have their own families now, don't seem to think I can be useful or helpful. I'm told to 'just be a grandma' or 'stop parenting' and not to interfere.
I never am sure if they say that out of frustration or anger, but it makes me so sad to see my children dismiss me when I've been their sole parent and sentinel." — radmule6456 16. "It's a bummer once you realize that there is no one in professional sports anymore who is your age.
The same athletes you grew up with as a kid are all retired." — visionarycentipede856 17. "I was prepared to lose my parents, but nothing prepared me for losing my wife.
" —Jack, 81, New York 18. "After menopause, my sex drive slowed. Ten years later, it's all but gone.
I know hormone therapy might help, but I'm unwilling to do that. I feel guilty because my husband still has a sex drive, and I'm positive my lack of one has strained our relationship. The difficult part is that my body still looks great, and I often look at myself and think, What a waste .
" —Anonymous, 65 19. Lastly: "When you get older, your world gets smaller. Your family grows up and doesn't have time for you anymore, or your friends start dying.
You just end up being or feeling alone." —Barb, 63, West Virginia If you're an older adult, what's a difficult truth about aging that isn't really talked about? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your thoughts using the form below. Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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