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I’m 49 and feel pretty much the same as I always have. Sure, I have a bit of white in my hair now and am a bit thicker in the middle than I would like to be, but I don’t worry about it too much. I’m still the same person, for better or worse, and don’t really feel old.

However, I am mindful of the fact that my family health history is abysmal, most previous-generation family members having died of heart disease or cancer, often quite young, so I know that I’m susceptible to those risks. I haven’t let that bother me much but know that since I’m approaching the big 5-0, I should probably start seeing a physician regularly for “wellness” exams. I keep putting that off.

As far as appearance, attraction, youthful perceptions, fitting into a scene, one’s place in all of it as age creeps on, etc? I don’t think of it. I was never any good at that stuff even when I was younger. I’m still not, and I probably never will be. It’s not important. Ultimately, what is meaningful to you will usually find you, or you will find it, regardless of how old you are or what you look like.

I am happy to be who I am at the age that I am. I have been fortunate to be able to do many things that I wanted to do over the years and am happy that I was able to do them, and I have found love and friendship along the way. I could say that the best is yet to come, but if it isn’t, what is is pretty damn good.

Thanks.
 
Ok, here I am 3 years ago

A bit more in the waistline than I would like but...

life happens. Yes, that is a hearing aide. I have never mentioned it but I am deaf in one ear and have some hearing loss in the other ear due to an accident about 25 years ago.

Most people never notice I have a hearing loss. I have learned to work around it. And an odd thing is I cannot stand high pitched sound since the accident (a car fell on me, long story..)

This picture was taken on a trip back home to the mountains. I grew up hunting and fishing in the area. I miss it but it is a memory. One I have pleasant thoughts of. I had one of childhoods that was much like the "Waltons" but fast forward 20 years.

Anyway, this is me. A little more grey in the beard now but pretty much the way I look now.

8-11-2008-18-21-41--oldhouseman.jpg
 
Another pic

the day I adopted another Boxer that I named Georgia. That is Richmond walking up.

Getting older means being wiser if that is a good word.

I wish our society was different about age attitudes.

The biggest problem we have I believe is that we segregate by age. If young people could be exposed to older people early in life and into early adulthood they would learn from older people about the basic things in life.

My thoughts.

8-11-2008-18-36-18--oldhouseman.jpg
 
Well, that responce took me

quiet by surprise.

Thanks for the compliment.

I never thought I would hear anything like that about a picture of myself.

Thanks for the compliment.
 
Well... I don't need to lie about my age because I'm not alone...

But, I'll still hiding it... LOL

My birthday is April 11th, 19something.

At least I learned with all of you that a wrinkle here and some white hairs there aren't the end of the world.
If I can be___ years old and look like 28, it means I still have a lot of time.

By the way, I think next year I'll have to make 29 because the "28" candles are half burned after ___ years celebrating my 28th aniversary.

And please, NEVER ask my age because I hate lies.
 
Age is definitely only a number.

Since my long-term relationship (11 years) came to a crashing halt a year and a half ago, I have learned to look at a lot of things differently. Basically, my new philosophy is, "Nothing is forever and put everything in your mother's name!" Another new attitude for me is when things are getting out of hand, I simply put my hand up and say "I'm all set with that." Trust me, it works.

Another step I took was to hit the gym 5 days a week, not because I thought I was going to turn into a power lifter, but for myself. It helped with the anger issues and it did quite a lot for my self-esteem. Also, I owe my soul to Weight Watchers. I joined in October and am 23 lbs. lighter and still losing.

My point being, age is a state of mind. You can do things to make changes in your life. Those of us who have hit the magic 5-0 (which I did last April) or who are even older know that we beginning the down slide. That doesn't mean we sit in a chair and wait for the end. We've got a hell of a lot of living to do.

The attached picture isn't the greatest, but it's one I'm kind of proud of since I can start to see some of the results of my efforts.

Ron

8-11-2008-20-19-21--kenmore58.jpg
 
I've been 21 for 25 years.....

Ok i'm 46 (47 Dec. 7th). Inspite of being single for 7 years after a 11 year relationship with Satan (my ex), losing both my parents in the past 3 years, I"m doing good. Life does get better but not always easier. AARP is knockin on my door for me to turn 50. I"m a little slower, more pensive, not as wealty as I'd like to be but - i'm not poor. I'm making new good friends all the time and my career is still fun. Life is good.

Jamman_98
Joe

8-11-2008-20-41-12--jamman_98.jpg
 
Let's not forget that in the gay male population (at least) ageism is perpetuated by the 20 somethings. When I was a 20 something, no one wanted me. IN my 30's, I spent 10 years with a guy who had a weekly addiction to Nice N Easy (from Clairol). If I ever hear or see the phrase "medium ash brown" again, I'll scream. Oh, the money he (we) could have saved if he had just gone and had his hair dyed at the funeral home! LOL (It feels good to laugh because he's been gone for a while now.) Anyway, he's the reason why I will not ever dye my hair. Fate arranged for me to always be the youngest one in my group of friends. I always had nicknames because of my baby face and thick head of black hair. Either I was called "Dondi" or "Baby Huey". Now you know why I have little use for cartoons or comic strips. I'm 43, bearded. The gray is coming in nicely, and I'm EMBRACING MY GRAY HAIR! (I earned every single one!)

One of the few GOOD things that has come from growing older, is that whenever I meet someone a lot younger who proceeds to spout off his "personal wisdom" about the world he lives in and what he thinks he wants to do, I stop him and say "no, buddy. I tried that. It won't work." I guess my biggest regret about growing older is that I dont' have any opportunities from stopping the next generation from making the same mistakes that I made. I really wish I could. As the saying goes: "youth is wasted on the young".
 
OK, Thomas, here's fat me at 49. You other guys who put pics up are very handsome, I must say.

Thomas, I would like to ask you to fill in the blank, but I know you don't want to do it. That's OK. Everyone has his mystery. But don't worry about your age. Just don't worry about it! Just do what you love and enjoy the doing. That is the best anti-aging remedy I can think of.

Thanks.

8-11-2008-21-18-39--washabear.jpg
 
What a fun thread. Since I've not contributed for a while, it's about time I shared my thoughts.

Life, ageing, appliances and everything else, brings two words to my mind: "Perspective and Priorities."

Good things about getting older relative to me: I am not tolerant and accepting of other's crap anymore. When I am generous, kind, patient, tolerant, helpful and, overall, a swell kind of guy, it is because I want to. Not because I am trying to please or prove something to others, try to belong somewhere etc. etc.. I've come to appreciate myself, warts and all, learnt to look deeper, enjoy my own company and choice of appliances, appreciate where I am at in my life and count my blessings. I've learnt when it is the right time to exit a party, excuse myself from an argument/conversation and, generally, shut up or speak up.

I know a lot more about the world and the people in it. I've worked out that most human beings are dumb shmucks, just like me. Many probably know a little more, but have as much trouble putting it all into perspective. Mostly, people are opportunistic and full of sh*t. I've learnt that education doesn't, by itself, impart common sense or intelligence. That social and economic success can breed big egos, but doesn't cure other foibles, nor does it impart all-round genious. Or that ageing makes people wiser, sensible or better human beings.

Most importantly, I've unlearnt much of the garbage that I was taught as a child. Why is it that adults (not only parents) have to screw with childrens' minds? Mind abuse is the most common form of child abuse in the world and we have all been subjected to it. Working in aged care I get to see first hand how it damages people.

My views about ageing in general: I think it is great and I embrace it. Ageing is wonderful. Life is such a gift and being around long enough to do stuff - what more could one ask for? Quality of life is an issue. Though, through my work, I constantly witness, first hand, that most people are resilient and resourceful enough to achieve 'quality of life' in adversity.

Looks - well, they are important, but, unfortunately, only a temporal thing and, therefore, subject to change. To me, most people look better as they get older. When our faces mature and life etches its marks on them, we begin to look much more interesting. Through observing others I have found that people who live full, busy, satisfying lives, who are generally happy and content, are usually attractive.

I won't deny that I appreciate the beauty of a young, tight body and a nice, young face. Yet, I wouldn't put myself through the trouble of bedding someone under thirty, let alone pursue a relationship. I am only 45 and don't consider myself old and crotchety (yet), but find that there definitely is a generation gap and not because I begrudge young people their fun.

Anyways, the cure for the reviled combination of good looks and bad attitude is a fast moving object, falling off cliffs, stairs or other high places. Though, life will generally put all of us in our rightful place.

Death is the great equalizer in life. The only real justice there is as far as the human condition is concerned.

Well, that's all I want to say about it for now. Hope you enjoyed it.

Now I've gotta go and let my hair down.
 
Well, considering that nearly every guy who posted a picture is my type (with a special WOOF going out to hottie I suspected he was, GREG!!!!) I guess I better try to find one to post. Hell, I'm not working right now so who cares? The one I like best is shorts only and I don't want to take this thread in that direction . . . or do I? Hmmmmm . . .

Thomas, I'm especially enjoying the pix contained in this thread!
 
OMG!!!

Greg, you are one incredible, gorgeous man!!! Your partner is very blessed. And Bubba, from what I remember from your profile pics several years ago, you are a man who has nothing to be ashamed about at all Mr.!!! And Ken, good Lord, YIKES!! is an understatement. If you passedme on the street, I'd have to go to the emergency room neearest because I'd have gotten whiplash!!! And Bruce, you aren't fat at all, good grief. (And Bruce, I think you're a man that's already spoken for). But, clean-shaven as you are or add a go-tee, I could manage to have you for a feast!!! It's nice to see more washer bears around these here parts!!! Just for the torture, I'll post a pic of this chunky, loveable bear next.
 

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