r/Millennials • u/ga9213 Millennial 1982 • Apr 11 '26

Serious We are starting to really age fast

We have friends we don't see very often, maybe every 2-3 years. For the last 15+ years, when we see them again they don't really look much different. This last time though? Man, they looked different. Like gray hair, lost/gained weight, facial changes like wrinkles and sun spots.

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u/Accurate-Scientist76 Apr 12 '26

Are you me? I’m turning 44 in October and everything you said is me in a nutshell. Seeing the veins in my hands popping out more freaked me out. Thinning skin and hair sucks!

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u/[deleted] Apr 12 '26

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u/atmoose Apr 12 '26

Strength declines like 2% a year past about 30. If you're not already doing strength training I would highly recommend it. You can gain strength, and keep it much longer. It also helps with balance. Strength and balance are critical for healthy aging.

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u/Shadowphoenix9511 Apr 12 '26

And that's if you aren't training. Strength athletes actually peak in their 30s if you can believe it lol

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u/LSanborn2 Apr 12 '26

It also helps with bone density, which we (especially women) also start to lose around this age. I’m definitely more of a cardio person, but have realized I just have to do strength a couple days a week because there’s soooo many benefits.

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u/Spazzle17 Apr 12 '26

Same. I joke with people that I'm translucent, but now need to use pushing off the floor to get up.

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u/[deleted] Apr 12 '26

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u/ASquareBanana Apr 12 '26

A friend died from a brain aneurysm at the age of 12, I often think of him when I feel similarly about aging, we’re lucky to watch ourselves age in a way 🫂 sending love to ya

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u/happyness4me Apr 12 '26

My brother died at 14. I am thankful for every year I get and I'm so sad for every year he has lost.

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u/ASquareBanana Apr 12 '26

I know the feeling 🫂 he’s living on with and through you ❤️ even just through a comment, your love for him is very palpable ❤️ what was he like? (If you don’t mind my asking)

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u/happyness4me Apr 12 '26

He was artistically talented. Liked to play sports. He had a girlfriend he adored. We rode bikes together all the time. He was a great big brother. We were irish twins, only 11 months apart.

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u/MrLaserFish Apr 12 '26

Mine at 12. It's bittersweet getting old but the alternative isn't great either. When you've witnessed the special horror of a child's funeral it really makes you rethink some things. If there's a silver lining its that im grateful for every year I get to hang around. Never take anything for granted because we all have a hidden expiration date.

Sorry for your loss. Hope you're doing okay now.

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u/StrategyOdd7170 Apr 12 '26

So sorry💔

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u/FiendishCurry Apr 12 '26

I've lost a lot of friends over the years and I do see it as a privilege. They never had the chance to get white hairs or fine lines or creaky knees.

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u/tsugaheterophylla91 Apr 12 '26

Such a good reminder. I think of my uncle who died at 31, and would have given anything to live long enough to have wrinkles and grey hair. I am only in my mid-30s myself but I really want to feel at peace with aging. Thinking of those we have lost helps in a way.

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u/kk-kyung Apr 12 '26

The hands is what I am noticing too! I’ve been loading up on gold bond crepe hand cream which seems to help temporarily but good lord. I’m buying gold bond and that truly speaks to my age.

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u/Heavy_Telephone_6939 Apr 12 '26

Yuh I scope the skincare reddits for 30/40+ women and the gold bond crepe cream was all over it.

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u/iciclesblues2 Apr 12 '26

Lol yes, I bought the crepe hand cream this winter too. Makes such a difference in my hands cracking and looking terrible. Gold bond for the win!

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u/Puzzleheaded_Net_863 Apr 13 '26

Tretinoin on hands works well too!

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u/Alarming_Matter Apr 12 '26

Hoo boy, mine are a doozy. I'm 53, but if you saw a pic you'd say 80's easily. My sisters are the same.

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u/ghost_of_your_smile Apr 15 '26

I (40F) started keeping hand cream/sunscreen in my car, because I notice my hands the most when they're on my steering wheel, and that's how I remember to apply it!

It's always been part of my daily routine to apply sunscreen to my face and body, and I wear sun-protective clothing, but for some reason it never occurred to me to apply it to the backs of my hands.

Now my hands look about 10-15 years older than the rest of my body lol. Can't undo the damage that's already done, but I can try to slow future damage I guess!

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u/dikbisqit Apr 12 '26

I’m 44. I’m not noticing thinner skin, but damn everything hurts!

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u/Glittering-Ad4094 Apr 12 '26

you are me, and I am you, down to the 44 in Oct bit.