For Those Who Are Dong This Later In Life..........

arabianhorselover

Hi. I am 53, and can't stop kicking myself for not losing this weight 15 years ago. I've been overweight for that long. In the "Obese" category, actually. Part of me wonders if it's worth it. I know it should be better for my health, but at this point what can I really expect to achieve? I'll probably never really look good naked. I'll probably end up with loose skin. And more wrinkles. I want to look young and fit, and that's not realistic. Does anyone else feel this way? Why, oh why, couldn't I have appreciated my body when I was young and slim? I never wore a bikini back then. Always thought I was too out of shape, or whatever, and I wasn't! How to accept that I can't go back? That I will never in my life be able to enjoy being young and fit?

arabianhorselover

I can't even type right at this point - I sure never meant to say "Dong" in the title..........LOL!

catfive1

I only worry about being happy and fit as I continue to age. And I'm 53 too.

jharb2

Yes you need to be realistic. But it is worth being healthy and fit. I did it. No, I do not like the extra skin and wrinkles, but I'm getting older and I would have had loose skin and wrinkles on a chubby/unhealthy body instead of a slimmer more fit body. Its never too late to feel and look better. Focus more on health then how you look. I work out and lift weights and feel 10x better. You cannot recapture your youth but you can make the best of what you do have. You can do it!!

arabianhorselover

You look so good. May I ask if you've had children?

I only worry about being happy and fit as I continue to age. And I'm 53 too.

bwogilvie

Hey, I'm merely a whelp of 46, and our society puts different pressures on women than on men in terms of looks. But I've had to accept that I'm not going to look like I'm in my 20s again.

Nonetheless, I can be healthier and more energetic in my late 40s and onward than I was in my 30s and early 40s when I put on the excess weight.

One of my inspirations is the historian Natalie Zemon Davis. I went to a celebration for her 80th birthday, and she was out-talking and out-walking students who were less than a third of her age. That was 5 years ago; she's still spry and active at 85. Another is the old guy (maybe 75) who passed my wife and me when we were hiking up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park some years ago. We were active hikers at the time, but he went by us like we were standing still. He didn't look young, but he looked great. I want to be like that in a few decades, not sitting in a chair all day. That's why I'm getting myself in shape now.

mymodernbabylon

I'm only 45, so 'young', but I'm not doing this to fit into a bikini or look 25. I don't give a flying ... about that. What I want and what I'm hoping for is to live as healthy a long life as possible. To feel good in my skin, regardless of weight or size, because I'm eating well and I'm working out regularly. And quite honestly, I think you can look hot even if you don't look like a skinny 25 yr old...just hot for your age (even if you never wear a bikini).

sculler62

I am almost 63 and am finally losing the 30+ pounds I've gained since my forties. I like being my age. I like my silver hair, my sense of humor and my mental flexibility. Wouldn't trade that for the world of youth! But I will trade the weight that made me more sedentary, out of breath, frumpy and slow. Shedding this weight makes me feel younger!

skinnyinnotime

The thing is you could be saying the same thing in another 15 years.

Why not do it and find out if it's worth it...I will tell you that it is!

Alissakae

I'll be 53 later this month - and have been working on this for going on two years. Of course I wish I had gotten myself under control years ago (and I think with the effort I put in I could have lost at twice the rate pre-menopause - ugh) but every time I go up a flight or two of stairs, or get up and down from the floor with my granddaughter, I know that every day I take care of myself is worth it. I want to be like the 90 year old lady in my water aerobics class who gets up and does stuff every day, including leading her den of cub scouts.

GodMomKim

I'm in the same questioning mode; but I am (and always have been) more modest and would never be comfy in a 2 piece suit, much less a real bikini! But I know I'll be healthier, it will be easier to find cute/ flattering clothes; I know I'll be able to do more- more comfortably.

The other motivation for me right now - is eating this way is cheaper - so I am saving money - that I can spend on something fun - it's cheaper because of less eating out, and junky snacks. A head of lettuce is a buck and a candy bar is a buck, but the lettuce lasts 2-3 days and the candy 5 minutes....

I am hoping it opens some dating doors - you married folks might (hopefully don't) not want that but as an always heavy always single 55 year old- I am hoping that being thinner will help someone nice take the time to judge me on who I am not just on my looks.

I also figure that the bikini weight is way lower than I need to be to be healthy and comfortable so I could lose 40-50 and be good - but to be in a bikini I would have to loose 70-80 and really tone my tummy.

catfive1

You look so good. May I ask if you've had children?

I only worry about being happy and fit as I continue to age. And I'm 53 too.

I have a 26 year old son and a 25 year old daughter. I'm not too concerned with the stretch marks, loose skin and excess fat on my stomach. Losing weight and getting fit has eased the pain in my hips, knees, feet etc.

My mom just turned 80. She is a diabetic with parkinsons and if fading quickly. I don't want to be that person.

deksgrl

Being stronger and healthier at this point is more important than looks. I might never be happy in a bikini again, but I damn sure want to be strong enough to ride my Harley for a long long time to come.

rileamoyer

Absolutely, do this for your self. I feel and look so much better. As other's said the wrinkles and loose skin are part of aging, no reason to fret. Better to feel the firm muscle underneath, wear the bikini on your private sundeck, and ride that Harley into the sunset!!!!! Oh yea, it is a lot more fun when you can play with the grandkids instead of watch!!!! Oh yea - I am 63, started here in 2010. Gained a few over this long winter but ready for spring to get back in great shape instead of good.

rocky503

I’m hearing that acceptance of not being young any longer is a struggle....

Yes I'd like to look young and fit too but I’m gonna get old, wrinkled and gray no matter what I do. I'll you tell why I work out, lift weights, and watch my weight and intake:

Years ago, in my early 30's, I worked in an emergency dept when an elderly woman was brought in by her daughter and son in law because she was weak. So weak they had to lift her in and out the car and into a wheel chair. The woman had many work ups prior and really there was nothing wrong with her, no diagnosis to explain this weakness. Her demeanor was like a child and although her family cared for her it was evident she was a burden and being tolerated. When I was alone with her, she said this to me, "don't be like me, don't let yourself become like this". Her weakness may or may not have had a medical reason but she had given up, lost her will. Meeting that person made me commit to be as strong as possible physically and mentally. My goal isn't to wear a bikini in my 50s or 60s but be a tough strong old bird that my family enjoys and doesn't pity. That's why I do this.

With three sons, husband, friends and family I bet there is plenty you don't want to miss in the future. That's why you do it.
To enjoy your life fully.

leapsonbounds

I am 53 also. Gave birth to twins 16 years ago, and no, I'll never wear a bikini. Ever. There is no point in kicking yourself for the past. Can't change it, so you have to move forward. As we are getting older it's going to get harder to lose the weight. It's still (relatively) easy...you can control your portions, eat more veggies, go out for walks or join a pool. You can do this. And in 10 years, if you don't start now, you'll kick yourself and think "why didn't I start when I was ONLY 53?" But in 10 years if you do start today, you'll be a much healthier, active person.

I really truly felt the same way you did. I thought "what's the point" and "I can't" but the truth is I can and I did. Now that I've lost some weight I feel so much better, I can shop off the rack (is there nothing sweeter?), and my daughter is always super excited on the days I roast veggies (never expected that one).

Friend request me if you'd like. We can support each other. Good luck!

acogg

I am also 53, so I understand your fear. Do this: Imagine you are your 54 or 55 year old future self. Now ask that future self if losing weight and getting fit was worth it. The answer will always be a resounding YES!:flowerforyou:

acogg

Here are two motivators that prove that 53 is not too late to be in fantastic shape and look good.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clk6r8tjlno

klaplace50

53 is hardly old. You have so much still ahead of you. Why not make the most of it, by being as healthy as possible. Losing weight will extend your life and allow you to have a better quality of life in the 30 plus years you have left.

mactaffy84

53 is hardly old. You have so much still ahead of you. Why not make the most of it, by being as healthy as possible. Losing weight will extend your life and allow you to have a better quality of life in the 30 plus years you have left.

I gotta agree here, no way in he** is 53 old! It can't be, not when I'm turning 52 this year. Stop looking behind you and start looking ahead of you. You gotta do the best you can to be the best you can be. Who cares if you never wore a bikini? I never wore one, and I was alway pretty slim. Just not my thing, I guess. But I'd like to rock in a pair of shorts (OK, and maybe a one piece bathing suit:laugh:).

Get out of your head a bit. It is so TOTALLY worth the effort! Good luck.

Grannyfan

I paused for a moment here and thought how nice it would be to back at 53 again. My DH would be still alive, one of my daughters would still be alive, and my mother would also still be here. I would be as fit as a fiddle, and there would be no sign of the weird arthritic condition I now have, or the obesity which has come about partly because I comfort ate, and came to believe that chocolate really was better than sex, and then the dog also up and died, and I had no one to take me on my daily walk around neighbourhood anymore. I have clocked up nearly 20 years since I was 53, and in all honesty I have not really done a lot with those years, and now I feel as though I really must kick butt and take myself in hand. Life is too short and too good to waste on regrets. I am not afraid of death.. there have been times in fact when I may have welcomed it. But I now have 4 grandsons and I would really like to get healthy again, and not become a burden on any of my family. I want to be able to do up my own shoes easily and remain independent for as long as I possibly can. I want to be able to enjoy the time I have left, to laugh and play with the youngsters and I hope to live until at least 109 . I think that if I could at least loose some of these extra kilos it should relieve some the presure on my joints and therefore less pain, less gain, and better mobility. So, what I am hoping to achieve, is the reversal of the vicious circle I have been on for the past 20 years. i want to be the best that I can be, and I know that I sure as heck am not at the present time. Looking forward, being positive, and ever hopeful..
Granniefan from New Zealand where Lady Summer is on her way out, and Admiral Autumn is making his presence felt with shorter days and cooler nights. WooHoo ..I do so love the Fall!

meritage4

I am 55 and just recently moved from Obese BMI to overweight BMI. (Yay me!) My goal is back to normal BMI. I'm finding it a slow journey but each step in the right direction is helping.

airangel59

I hear ya. I'm kicking myself too:sad: (although I have yo yo'ed more times than I care to admit over half my adult life) but the way I see it , there is no time like the present to get one's act together and make the most out of the rest of one's life.

I'd rather have the saggy skin than all those pounds back that filled it up. :bigsmile:

I NEVER thought I'd EVER or BE ABLE to run & I'm working on that now thanks to C25K app (even with arthritic knees) :drinker:

I thought I'd be on meds for the rest of my life (htn, dm, chol) and right now I'm med free and that's due to getting my act together & finally dropping the weight. :bigsmile:

acogg

Woot out to everyone for trying! Here is another link to an inspiring woman who didn't start working out until she was 56. Her sister died and so she quit for almost twenty more years. At 71, she started again and look at this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wXFSczN6Rw

Ladies, we can be awesome if we try each day to be a little better than yesterday! As we all know, the days, months and year will tick by. The difference is what we do during those ticks!

Bebubble

The thing is you could be saying the same thing in another 15 years.

Why not do it and find out if it's worth it...I will tell you that it is!

Love this attitude! I need to hear it more often in my own head.

MeadowSong

So my mother is 86 and moved in with me almost three years ago because of Alzheimer's; her mind really started going fast when she decided she would rather sit than anything else (studies show 60% less Alzeheimer's in active folks vs the sedentary). Mom sits in her chair with her little dog and when the weather's nice follows me outside to 'supervise' whatever I've got going on. My friend's mother is the same age and active. About the time Mom moved in here, my friend's mother fell while watering her garden that grows in tiers up a retaining wall; she fell several feet off of the wall. She tore her hamstring. When they got to the ER she was greeted, "Flo! what are you doing here?" You see everyone knew her because she's an active volunteer there. The doctors couldn't believe she tore her hamstring--old folks break bones, young healthy fit ones tear hamstrings. Well, apparently, old healthy fit ones tear hamstrings. She was home on a walker in 2 weeks and fully recovered quickly.

I was trail riding with some friends in a state park where a competitive trail ride was about to begin. I struck up a conversation with a lady about her horse while she threw the saddle on and went about getting her mount ready. Many of the ladies you find on the trails are in their 60's (finally they have the time to ride), and so I didn't think about this particular lady seeming older. She was 80. She was clearly as fit as myself--an active 47 year old.

I've started lifting. I long ago gave up on "pretty". Strong is what I want now. I want to climb the coral fence (6ft pipe fence) with a 35 lb lamb, like I recently did, if I need to again. I want to teach my grandkids about horses and sheep and gardening. I want to still be riding my horse and running my chainsaw when I'm 80. My son tells me not to do both at the same time or I won't last long!

arabianhorselover

Thank you all so much. You have truly motivated me. I have been on this journey for six months now, and have really done pretty well. I was not planning to quit; just contemplating, I guess. I've come too far to go back. I never want to go back. I have been so afraid that I would, after all my years of over eating. It is SO easy to fall back into old habits, but with God's help, I won't.

I know it is all worth it. All the walks outside in 0 degree weather. All the weight lifting when I really don't feel like it after a long day at work. All the times I have to stop eating when I would like to continue. It is worth it when i get on that scale, and when I can fit into smaller clothes. And I can do more than I used to without getting tired.

It will be worth it when I have grandchildren, and when I can still take care of myself when I am old. Thank you all for sharing your stories with me. It means a lot.

deksgrl

arabianhorselover

I know the feeling. For about 15 years I was in the lovely "Obese" category. I have now gotten to the "normal" category. That was a goal of mine.

I am 55 and just recently moved from Obese BMI to overweight BMI. (Yay me!) My goal is back to normal BMI. I'm finding it a slow journey but each step in the right direction is helping.

arabianhorselover

I know that is absolutely true, and I have been doing it. Thanks for the reminder.

The thing is you could be saying the same thing in another 15 years.

Why not do it and find out if it's worth it...I will tell you that it is!

arabianhorselover

I wish you all the luck in the world on finding someone. However, there are plenty of overweight women who do, also.

I'm in the same questioning mode; but I am (and always have been) more modest and would never be comfy in a 2 piece suit, much less a real bikini! But I know I'll be healthier, it will be easier to find cute/ flattering clothes; I know I'll be able to do more- more comfortably.

The other motivation for me right now - is eating this way is cheaper - so I am saving money - that I can spend on something fun - it's cheaper because of less eating out, and junky snacks. A head of lettuce is a buck and a candy bar is a buck, but the lettuce lasts 2-3 days and the candy 5 minutes....

I am hoping it opens some dating doors - you married folks might (hopefully don't) not want that but as an always heavy always single 55 year old- I am hoping that being thinner will help someone nice take the time to judge me on who I am not just on my looks.

I also figure that the bikini weight is way lower than I need to be to be healthy and comfortable so I could lose 40-50 and be good - but to be in a bikini I would have to loose 70-80 and really tone my tummy.