On the one hand, I see what you're saying. I'll be 49 this week, and I probably look somewhat older because I let my hair go gray (though in my mind I'm in my early to mid thirties). I don't think I'm ever going to turn heads.

On the other hand, I've seen threads where younger posters talk about suddenly dealing with male attention in ways that can be uncomfortable. I'm not sorry to not be experiencing that. I'm in a male-dominated profession, so I'm certain that certain aspects of my life are much easier than they would be if I were "hott".

I was pretty miserable for most of my life until things turned around at about the age of 45, and I feel as if I finally have my act together. It's hard for me to feel bad about the fact that I will never get certain kinds of attention when so many aspects of my life are so positive.

It's sobering to think that my mother had her first heart attack when she was 50 and died at 55, a little more than 6 years older than I am now. But I am taking care of myself in ways that she never did. I don't know what the future has in store (who does?), but I think I'm ready.

Hang in there.

I don't mean to make light of this sentiment, but I just have to share one of the funniest moments ever with my DS. I had just had a birthday.

He was 11, we were driving down the road, and out of the blue he popped up with, "So, do you feel 44??"

I responded, "Oh, I don't know, son. Age is just a number; you're as young as you feel. I do think you get happier as you get older."

Without a breath, he processed that information and said, "So, you're telling me dad was The Grinch Who Stole Christmas when he was born."

Can't make it up; I am still *laffin'.

The beauty that was on the OUTSIDE moves INSIDE. Just let it out.

god bless you! you made me laugh out loud!

I love the age I am at now, 45 I love the wisdom I have and even though i have weight to lose I feel good cause I work out and hour a day 5 days a week, I absolutely love playing with the grandkids. I love the relationship I have with my kids, I love that my kids are grown, (raising them is hard work especially as a single parent). I still feel like I am in my 20 only smarter!

This isn't about looks. I'm good with the way I look. I'm good with what I have accomplished in life. It's about the thoughts of moving toward the end of my life and the realization that I am no longer young and the realization that I haven't been young in a long time. There is a lot going on in my life that is making me feel this way. My husband is in poor health and going through evaluations for lung transplant and I am the person responsible for our financial well being and also for his health. I am just feeling really overwhelmed right now and it's making me a bit depressed.

My mind doesn't feel old but my body does! Sore shoulder, out of shape, over weight! My husband still weighs what he did (give or take 5 pounds) when we got married 18 years ago. 185 lbs 5 10". He nevers says anything about my weight but boy I sure would like to look/feel better for him as well as myself.


Terri

Age really is just a number, and it's how you feel on the inside that counts. I'm 48, and somedays I still feel like I'm 17 and on top of the world. Some days I feel ugly inside and that's when I'm ugly on the outside.

Today is an ugly day for me, but there's always tomorrow to think about...

I'll be 45 in April. Certain things in life cause me stress and worry, but aging isn't one of them. It's the #1 non-controllable thing in the universe, a day passes and we're older. No way around it! What we can control is how we approach it, our attitude, our bodies, etc., and I'm so glad I gained control of my body before it was too late. The grey hair I don't love so much, so i spend the money to have that dealt with in a believable way. I dress appropriately for my age - nothing ages a woman MORE than to wear a short skirt meant for a 20 year old when you're 45 LOL it's sadder than anything!

If you want to talk invisible, trying being 320 pounds LOL But my personality is too big too funny and just plain too much to ignore, fat thin young or old! I love being this age!

Amen to that one! My husband is from England and over there they call it mutton dressed as lamb. One of the women in my synagogue looks like she goes shopping in her teenage daughter's closet, and it's just sad.

I don't really care how old I get, as long as I keep getting older. In 2002, when I was 40, I died. I literally died. I had a pulmonary embolism and at one point my heart stopped and they had to jump start me with cables. I'm 48 and happy to be 48. 49? Bring it on!

I have to disagree about the short skirt thing. Many women can and do wear short skirts and look great. I do not wear micro minis anymore but I do keep my skirts at fingertip length and paired with jackets or nice blouses and tights. Knee length skirts tend to make shorter women look matronly or frumpy! To me the saddest thing is when 40 somethings wear polyester pantsuits or even worse sweatsuits!!! You don't have to dress like your 20 but you shouldn't just throw in the towel and look like a frumpy old matron either. Wear what pleases you and your confidence in yourself will come shinning through.