I am retired - I wonder what it would be like if I were still working, as my career required in-person attention on most days (you really can't set up an in-home research laboratory...) Talking with some of my co-workers, I understand those doing lab work had to stagger their hours, and of course not as much could be done.

I definitely feel the stress - I am less patient. I live alone. I have been away overnight for TWO nights in the entirety of 2020 - and those were for an organic farmers' conference back in the middle of February. I certainly feel less sharp, creative and motivated than I did before this. Probably the main new stimulus - and I love this one - is the fact I now am raising quail I may not have gotten started this year (I don't know) were it not for the lack of other outer endeavors. Then again, maybe I would have. It was a thought on my horizon last winter.

Maybe a bit aged, maybe a bit -- well not clinically depressed, but -- a bit "flat." DH and I exercise daily, mostly walking outside. I still garden, play with the pups, cook, read books, housework, all that. But I've noticed that I sit still for longer periods than I used to. I can get in a chair and not stir for an hour or two, or three? That's not healthy. In normal times, even though retired, I'd have to keep an eye on the time, to be here or there for whatever reason. No scheduled activity has lead to no activity. *sigh*

Well, I am another year older and it seems like they count more these days. Just kidding, sort of.

I don’t think I am very productive at home, even with more time to get stuff done. We both have been able to return to volunteer activity so that has really helped our outlook on things. And I go to a small Pilates class once a week and we do a good bit of walking and I do some mild jogging now and then but not the running miles I used to do. I still sit around way too much many days.

I am also retired and DH and I were reflecting on how glad we are to be retired instead of having to try to deal with work issues. Neither of us, because of security requirements, could work from home except on very basic issues. From what I understand, at my previous work site people are now going in on alternate days, 2-3 days per week. It’s not very efficient, and now Covid cases are popping up more regularly among the workforce. No thanks. I’ll take what I have.

I feel fine. For me, the biggest losses have been the curtailment of what have been elements of "normal life" in past years - extensive traveling (domestic and international), eating out, social gatherings with friends and family, and the like. It's probably been the same for many of you.

I've noticed more people than normal seem cranky these days. Whether it's an element of cabin fever, personal frustrations taken out on others, fatigue with pandemic circumstances, whatever.

I am 71. Retired, My bachelor son lives with me but he works a lot. I am home alone a lot of the time. Covid put an end to the social activities I got involved in after being widowed. I worry about my family getting sick, and fear that if I got covid it would not be easy with my copd. Winter is here and I can't work in my garden so I spend a lot of time sitting and reading and watching TV. I know the inactivity isn't good for me and I do feel quite old.

I feel like I've aged 10 years in ten months. My daily four-mile trek thru the woods is the only enjoyment I have. Otherwise, it's like groundhog day every every every day.

We've been following the rules, but not isolating. Tonight DH and I went Christmas shopping at the mall. Extremely empty. We were done within an hour. This has been a yearly tradition.

We are going to celebrate a special birthday for a friend this Saturday at an outside dining restaurant.

For this same friend, two other girlfriends will give her a gift and take a walk around the neighborhood, distance with masks.

DH is not one to socialize and is perfectly content just managing his properties. This gets him out and busy.

I can't say I have ever had a packed social calendar but I do miss monthly book club, but participate in the Zoom meetings, going to the gym, meeting friends for lunch. But, I'm okay with just keeping up on the phone for now.

I work part-time and we now are working from home doing Zoom conferences. I can pick and choose what I want to participate in, so this works for me. To be honest, I prefer going into the office and actually interacting with my co=workers, but this at home wok is keeping the business afloat. Which is a good thing.

MY DH is a Vietnam veteran. His thoughts were that if he made it out of there, everyday after was a bonus.

Because he is relaxed, it helps me not get into being overly anxious.

To answer the question, I don't think it has aged me.

No. Quite the opposite. Other than being totally worn out some days from having to hunt and gather for the household, I feel better than I have in years. Instead of socializing with peers, sitting around playing cards and snacking or going out to lunch, since there is not much else to do, I've immersed myself in equestrian activities. I have ridden off more than 25 pounds, built my core, and my upper body strength from working with horses is better than it's been in decades. I am surrounded by optimistic young people to work and play alongside and we have no age barriers. I also have people a bit closer to my own age with a similar mindset as me. I have a new mentor who can be pushy, manipulative, and has the alter ego of a drill sergeant that slips out at times from his laid back persona LOL but has given me his full support and nurtured me to achieve goals I never imagined were in play.

I am still saddened by the collateral damage to so many people I know (small businesses, equestrian services, loss of homes) and I went through a bit of depression over it but from the ashes I found a new family.

Mostly it has been lonely. Hard to think that that just about a year ago I was at Longwood Gardens with a group of GW friends, socializing, having fun. I always counted on book club, volunteering, going out with friends to keep me occupied. All that came to a screeching halt. I am lucky to have neighbors to chat with outside.

The holidays, some minor health issues and some recent sad news just magnify that “hollow” feeling. So if those things age you, then I have aged. I guess we’re all about a year older! At least we have January 20 to look forward to.

Not really. The only thing that has made me feel older than I am (at heart anyway) is the excruciating hip cramps that beset me whilst I was sitting on a low step stoop wrapping the lower portion of the wall of my office. Who knew a HIP could cramp like that?!?!?! But that's not really related to your topic....

Yeah , dedtired, January 20 is the only good thing to happen.

I can't wait to Jan 20...I think that will be better than xmas this year for sure! I wish I could head to DC and celebrate!

I think if I aged at all, it was in March and April which seemed about 9 years long. But since then, we've adjusted, we've reached a new normal. As always, whatever life hands you, you make the best of it and move on. That's what we're doing.

Well, I guess since I'm not out in the sun as often, probably not physically. I'm used to being out and about for work. Now I work from home. Mentally, not aged, but definitely sobering.

When I look in the mirror I seem aged - a bit haggard. But that might also be because I stopped wearing any real makeup months ago. I do feel tired and sad. It's December and things seem only to be getting worse.

No, not at all. In lieu of travel, we've taken up bicycling which has been a blast. I've continued my weekly Pilates class and acquired a reformer for additional at-home workouts. Though downhill skiing may not be in the cards this winter we'll definitely cross country ski and snowshoe. We're both quite adept at entertaining ourselves with hobbies and activities so boredom has never been an issue. We enjoy being together, DH thoroughly enjoys his p/t work, we love our home and where we live. Thankfully, those we know who have had Covid had relatively mild cases. Several times a day we'll comment as to how fortunate we are and that has been true since the day we married. As the saying goes, "If you have your health....." which, knock on wood, we do and will continue for the foreseeable future.

Amylou, have you considered PT for your hip? The right one with the right credentials can work miracles.

2020 and loss has aged me for sure, but not covid. I’ve worked from home for a very long time and I kind of like having my groceries delivered. The last thing I feel like doing is being in public or around people, so If anything Covid has given me the space I need to grieve on my own terms.

No. It has had almost no effect on my life.

No, not because of Covid 19, just getting old. I do miss going out to eat with friends and going to movies.

Whatsayyou,no I haven't. It really hasn't occurred to me. I thought my hip was perfectly fine until that very moment. I didn't even know a hip could cramp up like that. It hasn't acted up since. Maybe I should take up yoga or something to improve my flexibility.

No, it hasn’t aged me Any more than I was ageing anyway. But I do have the feeling of a wasted year. We had a lot of things planned which haven’t happened. Worst thing is DD hasn’t been able to get married. We were just a few weeks away from it when we locked down. And niece has had a tiny wedding instead of a big family gathering in Majorca. DD has lost all her work as a singer. We’ve had no visits to our usual music festivals in Italy and Ireland and no annual ’big’ trip. (Japan last year). My walking group has suspended activity, my regular meet ups with former colleagues have stopped and exercise classes were stopped for months. We were all supposed to be in Rome for Christmas .

But ..... nobody has been ill and nobody has lost their job, other than DD. We are warm, fed, have enough space, haven’t fallen out with each other and have no health issues.

Some things have actually been better. Shops are quieter, people are friendlier and the traffic free few months were wonderful. Small local shops have done well as people have avoided supermarkets. I’ve had groceries delivered for years and did a lot of other shopping via the internet anyway. But it is getting boring now!

Hoping the vaccination which started this week will bring relief.

No, it has not aged me. My life because of it has not changed much. What aged me was taking care of my sick husband for years before he passed away. That was very difficult.

Sue

I haven't noticed much difference other than the WFH. I did notice how much hair I had lost in recent years when I started getting very short haircuts. Now I feel shaggy when my hair is as long as it used to be right after I'd get a haircut pre Covid.

We traveled about the same as we have every year which is very minimal. A one week visit with my siblings in Wisconsin July 4th week and at least 2 long weekends a month at the lake cabin in the Ozarks. I've only been on an airplane 3 times since 2005 and those were for business.

I was just 82 when it started soon to be 83 so I think it has aged me.

It's like the weight thing. I see two extremes. One group is losing weight dramatically, and one is gaining. I just lost my pandemic pounds+1. I still have 19 more to go from what I gained over the past 1 1 /2 years (and nothing to do with being housebound). But I was only motivated because my boss must've lost at least 50 pounds. He's been away from all those taking guests out to dinner meals, and able to work on the treadmill at lunch. People keep asking us if he's ill because he's lost so much weight, but really it's that he's getting super healthy. It's odd to me how much this thing is affecting us in ways I never would've thought. I still see my workmates via Zoom, but it's not the same. I feel as challenged as ever, and even work more hours, but it's in different ways. I feel more stressed, but not older. Sadder but not aging more. Stagnant, if that's what it really is.

I don't know if it's "aged me", but it sure has make life dreary. This time of

year is usually so happy. I haven't lost weight or gained, but most days,

wouldn't care either way. It's the "not really caring much about things" is

what bothers me most. Go to bed tired, wake up tired and tired most of

the day, it seems. Have to keep "kicking" myself.

I think it's made me a little, put out. Cynical. I do the "I can't believe it" thang more now. COVID has added more drama to my life. I used to think of myself as more carefree....letting things go......not dwelling on things. COVID is everywhere. I wear a mask daily. I can't just let-go.

For those of us who are still in a comfortable life.....................we are fortunate beyond compare. That can change in a moment.

I certainly realize that and I am sad for the people whose lives have been affected. Very sad for those who lost their lives or family members who have lost loved ones. I live the life of a recluse, more or less. Always have....at least for many years. Like Marilyn Sue did, I take care of a terminally sick husband. And I live in a very rural area, where the incidence of the virus is much lower than in more populated areas. I believe 6 have died in my county. I only know of one person who had it. A 70 something woman, wife of my husband's friend, who caught it in a nursing home. She recovered and moved back home.

Yes, I do feel it's aged me. Because I'm a widow living alone, my interactions with others have diminished considerably. Instead of getting out of the house every couple of days for SOMETHING, I'm home, alone. My friends are all married and home with their husbands and sometimes children/grandchildren. Phone conversations, ZOOM, etc., cannot even come close (for me) to replace personal interactions. When you're widowed, you lose the physical touches. Holding hands with someone, hugs, a kiss, casual conversations, reminiscing.. Then take away the friendly gatherings, winter weather, longer nights, and it's very difficult for me. I do get out of the house for work one day a week, that's my only saving grace.

Nature has aged me to 98. But- i do miss the connections with others who live here. Sadly, all of my close friends have died. Our activities here have stopped. I miss the ones I took part in. I have never lived alone like this--some days I don't speak a word.

I've begun writing my autobiography, a long-delayed project. I had never been much of a TV watcher, but have begun to be. Oh my, how I hate the commercials!!!!!!! I could scream at many of them. I will scream at that girl who chews and chews vinegar pills!! So, I think my answer is "yes."

I lost about 40 pounds in the last two years. It brought out the wrinkles that the fat in my face was puffing out. This last week my phone is apparently having difficulty recognizing me because I am having to put in my passcode more frequently especially in the morning. I have always declined to use my finger print on sites like my bank that give that option because I garden and frequently enough cut or damage my finger. I never thought of what aging or weight loss would do for facial recognition.

I feel awful whining because I know everyone is going thru the same thing. The stories of all the suffering and deaths affect me greatly. I lost a dear friend early on in the pandemic in May but I don't know of any more cases. It's lonely and repetitious and I fear it will be like this for at least another year.

Nicole, you make a really good point. I used to be a pretty optimistic person but now find that I struggle to find the positive. I’ve also become fairly cynical. The way the government and a lot of the population has responded to Covid has totally affected my attitude.

It has aged my appearance because I used to wear a short highlighted hairstyle and now I have a grey ponytail. Yuck! I think it has aged me mentally because I don't have my volunteer job anymore which required me to think.

Physically, I have a dull headache most days from clenching my teeth. I stop myself several times a day.

Yes. Stress ages you. This has been incredibly upsetting and stressful.

I suppose the year has aged me more than it should have, but I think anger and resentment have done their job too. Of course, that has lasted for four years now. In a million years, I never would think our government would basically thumb its nose at the effects of a pandemic.

Tangential to topic. FYI. Excellent accessible presentation. Short.

Well, I wouldn't be able to repeat that video back verbatim but I think I got the gist of it. Interesting; thanks for sharing!

Yes, I look in the mirror and wonder who that is and cutting my own hair , is not helping either!

Seniorgal - you are an absolutely amazing woman for 98 years old! I would love to sit and chat with you if the universe allowed. Please do write your autobiography and it would be wonderful if you could share bits of it here, if you are comfortable doing so. Stay safe and stay strong.

I think I aged a little more when I looked on my phone this morning and saw that there were 100 active emergency calls handled by my city's EMTs and fire. There were three lift assist calls, one alarm, five facility transfers, one fire but the rest were listed as medical emergencies. It is a repeat of last March and April when surrounding towns were assisting in calls because there were too many for the local company to handle. Knowing that it will become much worse is very stressful. I understand that people wait until morning to see if they are feeling better before either going to an emergency room or calling and ambulance but if anyone on here does not feel well do not wait. Wasting time may be the difference if you live, die, or are severely impaired.

I second that. Seniorgal has shared with some of her wonderful writing. Looking forward to more.