My birthday year milestones are always shared with my mom. 20 years my senior, she turned 50 recently. Yes only 50.
My mom & I - 30 years ago
30 was a big birthday for me – not because it meant the end of my 20s but because 30 is the first birthday of my mom’s I remember. It was the first time I had the thought: My mom is old. I expected her to have life figured out by age 30; I expected her to know everything and to have an answer to all my questions. I expected her to have a lifetime of experience in those 30 years.
My sweet girl - I do not have the ALL the answers for you
Having just turned 30 I can say I still feel like a baby. How did I really think 30 was old? Though I no longer get asked if I am the nanny to my children, I still feel on the inside as if I am not old enough to be their mother. I don’t have all the answers, I don’t even have half the answers. I don’t have life figured out.
This doesn’t depress me – it excites me. I love that I have so much more to learn and many years to do it. Getting old{er} sort of rocks if you ask me. My great grandmother lived to be 101. The last time I saw her I brought my daughter to meet her great-great-grandmother. It was very special to have her in our life that long, and I hope/pray/wish that I live that long.
I don’t worry that I still feel like a baby at 30 – if I live to 101 – 30 sort of is a baby – right? When asked how I felt about getting old – I remarked – INSPIRED. There are so so many years left of my life to live {I hope}. How could I feel anything but inspired and excited for what is to come? Life gets better each and every year. I grow – I change.
Pfizer created the GET OLD website for people to share their stories about getting old. As a blogger it’s already a given that I like to over share {within reason} about my life – I like websites that help facilitate conversations {Twitter/Facebook/etc}. The GET OLD website allows us to connect with people our age and see what their thoughts are on getting older. We can read their stories and share some of our own.
Now to the fun part {a giveaway!} Enter for a chance to win one of three $500 SpaFinder gift cards. {All entries will be pooled from participating blogs}
TO ENTER: Just leave a comment to answer – how do you feel about getting old{er}? It’s that simple! {no liking this or posting that – hooray for an easy sweepstakes}
Please do not mention or imply any pharmaceutical products in your posts. Posts that mention or imply a pharmaceutical product will be subject to removal.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt at the bottom of this post.*
b) Read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
*Note: if you want to comment but either (i) are not eligible or (ii) do not want to enter the giveaway, please include something similar to the following statement in your comment: “I do not wish to enter the sweepstakes.”
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Medical professionals who are licensed (or are otherwise authorized) to prescribe medications are not eligible to enter. While BlogHer encourages you to share your thoughts and experiences about getting older, comments discussing medical conditions and/or medical products are not permitted, may be deleted, and are invalid entries. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/30 to 8/31.
Be sure to check out the BlogHer.com Get Old page to find out more about the Get Old platform and read how other bloggers feel about aging!
Runner, dreamer, marathoner x24, mommy of 3, Women's Running Magazine cover model, published writer, Saucony contributing blogger, running coach, and lover of all things running. I Run This Body. 
I feel awesome about getting older! I turned 30 this year and I love being 30. I also love SpaFinder (fingers crossed)
I used to think that 30 was old, but now that I’m 25 it doesn’t seem that old. Actually, it seems as I get older even 40 and 50 doesn’t seem that old. Funny how that works. I love that even though I’m getting older, I feel like I’m in better shape than I was when I was 20. I feel like getting older is more of a blessing than a curse. I feel wiser, more humble and somedays I even feel funnier. Even if my husband doesn’t think so!
Courtney recently posted..Saturday Funnies {linky party!}
Funny you should post this…
Tomorrow I am turning 20. My mom’s birthday and mine are separated by a month, and, like you and your mother, we share birthday milestones. She turned 50 this year. I think I will have to share this blog post with her because she has worried about her age more recently than she has in the past.
How do I feel about getting old(er)? Haha, it’s hard to say- I don’t really have that much experience yet in accumulating years. Needless to say, I’m excited for the experiences that age promises: I’ll graduate college, get a home, start a family, travel the world, move into more competitive age groups in racing- the list goes on and the possibilities are endless. In the end, though, age is just a number.
I actually like getting older – I am 28 and really dislike the number – 30 sounds nice
I don’t think getting old is something to be scared of. I’m actually excited to age up next year.
and the older you get the more you know. happy birthday! 30 was my favorite birthday by far
Bonnie recently posted..Marathon training – week 1 review
I felt great when I turned 30. I feel stronger and a bit wiser.
Natalie T. recently posted..14 miles stronger…
I didn’t think much about getting older until this year (I turned 45!) For me, it has been all about looking at my life as new stages or chapters. I had my single twenties, my independent early 30′s, marriage at 35 and then my late 30′s were filled with being a mother. I celebrated turning 40, being truly excited for a new chapter. I started running at 40 and ran my first marathon at 41.
At 45, I am in better shape than I was at 30. With the right attitude, getting older means getting better.
I used to dread getting older…and 30 is only 3 months away for me! eeeeek! As each day goes by, I have realized that getting older is FUN! I love all of the experiences that have come with getting older…meeting my husband, getting married, being a “parent” for two wonderful puppies, learning and caring more about being healthy and strong. I’m sure they are many more great things to experience as I get older…:)
Jenelle recently posted..Sweat Pink
So far I like getting older. I feel much self-confident and assured of myself than I did in my twenties.
Lately I’ve been dreading getting older. I don’t know what happened. It’s like once I passed the mid-20s hump and into the late 20s something changed. I hope I can turn my perspective around! Giveaway sounds great!
Holly recently posted..Down to the Bare Bones (Part II)
In principle, I don’t mind getting old – I’m 37 and I love how much happier and more confident I am now than I was at 37. But the physical aging is horrid….the grey hairs, the tired skin, the slowing metabolism. But surely part of getting older is learning to accept those things with grace and to embrace the benefits. I’m looking forward to being wise, when I’m older
Cathryn @ Myheartscontentblog recently posted..San Francisco 1st Half Marathon
I love the idea of getting older. I feel that each year I know myself better and am becoming the women God intended me to become.
Allison recently posted..Major Award
I can wait to get old because that means I’ll be able to watch my children grow up. I look forward to seeing how their lives unfold. I plan to be along for every minute of it!
I like getting older because I am so much more sure of what I like and don’t like.
I hope I live to see my 100s!! That would be amazing. My great grandfather lived to 103! I am excited to get older because I know there are so many new things I will do and learn.
Lizzie recently posted..CrossFit Hell’s Kitchen
I find getting older exciting. I’m just 28 and my life is still very much unstable as my husband and I have lived in 4 different cities (3 states) in our 5 years of marriage due to graduate school for both of us, and job changes. I look forward to someday (in 3-5 years) settling down, buying a house, painting some walls, and getting a dog!
I’m getting older, but I do not feel old yet. Doing half-marathons has increased my fitness level so I feel younger and they make me enjoy my post-race spa treaments even more!
I am 37. I LOVE getting older. I remember when I turned 30 I got kind of bummed leaving my 20′s because in all honesty those were my party days. I did not have my first child until I was 26, lived in residence in my college years, and basically was a party girl. So I thought I would miss all that. Now as I approach 40 I feel very confident and settled. I have goals. I work hard. I do not miss the party days of my younger years, but know that experience will help me with my kids when they get older. I no longer care what people think about me, but am happy in my own skin. I have not even colored my hair in over a year, partially because I am growing it out to donate too. I see the white hairs coming in and the very small wrinkle on my forehead and I think “I really love this. I am happy.”.
Jolene Cannady recently posted..But Wait Where Are My Cuffs?
I don’t really like getting older because of all the physical changes happening, but I have been able to gain more knowledge and experience, which is cool.
RunInBoise recently posted..I Did A Hard Guy. Again.
I just recently learned about SpaFinder. Sounds pretty cool. I personally am not looking forward to getting older but have learned that age is just a number. I don’t feel 30 but then again I don’t really know what 30 is supposed to feel like. I know that at 62 my Mom is still looking and feeling young so I hope it will be the same for me!
I’m very excited about getting older and am glad to hear I’m not the only one! I turn 29 next month, but have already been thinking about turning 30. I’m positive my 30s hold great things for me and I can’t wait to find out what they are!
My mom is 20 yrs my senior, as well…and its strange for me to be 33 and still having babies…I remember my mother at 33 and she wasn’t pregnant or having babies (2 and done) and it feels so strange to be expecting and hoping for more in the future…Getting old doesn’t bother so much as losing valuable time with my children. I blinked and my oldest was 10…when did that happen? I let life suck me dry and I feel like I’ve lost some valuable time with her…don’t let that happen!
Jolene (Homespun Heritage) recently posted..~*Inspired*~
I turned 30 a few month ago. There are days when I have really enjoyed starting this new decade and days when I wish I was still in my 20′s but overall I am happy about getting older!
I turned 30 in June and I can’t begin to say how excited I was for this birthday. I feel accomplished, I feel more confident and wiser – granted I know I still have a lot more learning to do!
My 30th birthday is right around the corner (Oct.)…I am pretty excited for the actual “date” to come around because I registered for the RnRLA half marathon and my husband decided to do the mini marathon!! However, I am honestly not looking forward to being 30…I consider it a big milestone in which I am reflecting on my past and hoping to get some things in order for my future! Ugh, the grey hairs don’t help much either
Cassandra recently posted..Virtual Run, Sports Beans & Fresh Limeade
i was so excited to turn 30 (which i did in february). with 2 kids, a husband, a mortgage, etc., i felt like i didn’t really belong in my 20′s… my mom commented a few weeks ago that i seemed far more competitive a runner now, at 30, than i was at 15, in high school. and it’s true. i have a lot more mental maturity, and life experience for that matter, to apply to running now–and i’ve seen the difference. i love being 30 and can’t wait to see what else this decade brings (except for gray hair…).
I feel nervous to get older. I’m so happy in my life right now, and I know things will change again and again. I would just like to stay at this age and soak all the goodness in for a while before moving on.
This is a great post! I know I won’t have all the answers for my future son, either. I am turning 30 in just a few months. I used to think that 30 was old! Now I think 30 is quite young! I am looking forward to growing my family and (hopefully) imparting some of the ‘wisdom’ I’ve learned in my 30 short years to my new son, due in December. I hope that I can also become a more confident, self-assured person. I look forward to having the insecurities of my 20′s disappear. I’ve always heard that your 30′s are great years – I’m looking forward to them!
I like your take on getting older. I must admit though, that getting older seemed far more fun at 30 than it does now at 48:-) And, I still don’t have it all figured out!
Franki recently posted..The Color Run Columbus
I am excited about getting older and wiser…and faces new challenges with age!
I had the same thoughts. My parents were both 25 when I was born, and so I thought I should be married and having kids by the time I hit 25. When I graduated college at 22, I felt no different than when I started college at 18. Then I turned 25 and realized, “shoot, I’m still single!” I wasn’t nearly ready to settle down at all. I’m a week from turning 27 and life is still throwing me curveballs!
Sheena recently posted..Welcome to the Family
Like some of the other posts, I have mixed feelings about getting older. In some way I feel wiser and I often say that I would be willing to go back to my 20′s as long as I know what I know today. I do not worry about how I will look, but if you look young it is a great thing. I worry most about loosing a job. Being out of work (at least right now) when you are in your 40′s in a technology field (and being a woman) would be the worst thing that could happen. It is very sad that we as a society have dipped so low.
Age is just a number, but unfortunately ageism is alive and well today.
It’s funny how your perspective changes as you do get older…I remember being fascinated that I would be 14 when we changed to the new millennium in 2000. I’m fine with aging. I try to embrace each stage of my life and not wish it away waiting for the “next best thing”. Who knows?? Something could happen tomorrow that doesn’t allow me to ever get to that “best thing”. Right now, I’m loving that my friends and cousins are getting married and starting to raise families. What a fun time!!
I cherish getting older and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me!
I have mixed feelings on getting older. I’m 26.5 and I still feel like I’m 16–ok maybe 21 because I can drink now. Regardless, I have no idea where the last 10 years of my life went. I’m afraid the next 10 are going to fly by and I know I’ll want them to go by as slowly as possible because of all the things that could happen…get engaged, become a Mrs (eww…scary), have a kid or two, buy a house, or even a car! Heck–I just want life to slow down!
Kim recently posted..Stay Beautiful Colorado
I felt fine about it until the last two years or so, when I knew I was done having kids and became officially closer to 40 than 30! Things just aren’t the same, like the texture of my hair and skin… I presume that I’ll have a little midlife crisis and then get over it by the time I’m 50
Andrea recently posted..This Week’s Eats and a FAB lunch salad
I love getting older. Every year has brought more challenges, yes, but will each trial The victories are sweeter. My 30s have been full of love and self-renewal. I found ME in my 30s
Pretty sure running & fitness had everything to do with it.
Abby recently posted..I’m Not Always the Boss
I’m 34this year and feel amazing. I have found myself in my 30s and feel stronger and younger than ever!!
Ahh getting older…I think it’s a blessing because it means I’m still here! I also realize how much I’m able to appreciate things and all of the amazing experiences I’ve now had. getting older is good!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Clean Eating: August Challenge Sign Up
I’m loving getting older. I feel younger every year since I started running!
I don’t mind getting older at this point. Every year seems to get better, esp now that I get to watch my little guy grow!
kimi recently posted..A good week.
I like myself more the older I get.
I’m only 22, so I’m still young, but I know that I will embrace and love the aging process. My mom and I agree that those that don’t try to fight getting older and just go with it seem to be happier and actually healthier! Plus, the older I get the better my odds of Boston qualifying!!
Getting older is all about your attitude and lifestyle! You can stay young. I am 42 and weigh less than I did in 8th grade! I “discovered” exercise in my 20s and have never stopped. I did my first 20-miler this past Saturday, have my first triathlon in a few days, and hope to run a marathon next year. And I home-school my 4 young children. You live life as if it will only get better each year…. and it does!
I am looking forward to getting older and wiser. I know we all dont live forever so why not live it up to the best !
I feel great about getting older. Every year brings new joys, adventures, challenges, and more!
I’m 35 and getting older is hard for me. I’m definitely not where I want to be financially and I’m single. Thought it would be different.
Jovan B. recently posted..If I could go back 10 years and talk to myself…
The best thing about getting older? I am finally winning age group awards. Sometimes you just have to show up.
This is exactly how I felt about 30! My mom was 22 when she had me, so her big 30th bday,, I remember very well and I remember thinking the exact same things – until now for me, having just turned 30 and having three kids and realizing I am that person that I viewed her to be and I DON’T have all the answers. and it’s pretty exciting:) great giveaway! Thanks!
Katie @ msfitrunner recently posted..Running Long
The best think about getting older is learning with each year- that I really don’t know as much as I thought- and it gives me a new found appreciation for my elders
Yikes! I’m turning 50 this year, which makes me the same age as your mom! But I don’t feel 50! Altho I have suffered through multiple injuries and Lyme disease this year, I’m pushing through it. I can still waterski (slalom) and just went paddleboarding with my teenage sons. They are keeping me young, I know it! I won’t lie, I hate the idea of turning 50. But with it comes a ton of life experience and knowledge, and that is something I wouldn’t give up, even if there was a way to turn back the clock.
*As a nurse practitioner, I’m not eligible to enter this sweepstakes. Bummer. My old bones could use a spa day or 2….
I turned 29 this year, so next year will be the “big 3-0.” I feel pretty good about getting older, I don’t have all the answers to the “big questions” necessarily. But, its hard to want to turn back the clocks when I realize just how much healthier (and happier) I am than I was a few short years ago. My 25 year old self never would have considered running a 5k – my 29 year old self is training for a full marathon!
I think its really important to age gracefully, enjoy all that life has to offer, and keep looking up.
Jennifer H recently posted..O’Shaughnessy Matthew 25 10k Race Recap
I’ll be 3-0 in less than 2 months and I’m trying to stay positive about it. But it is hard because I am newly single (never married), with no kids, and I just thought things would go a different way for me.
My mom was just diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at 57 and it just makes me contemplate a lot of things that come along with getting old(er).
Honestly, I am not to keen about getting older. I turn 38 this year and getting closer to the big 4-0 feels… well, downright annoying! Seeing my skin wrinkle, my face change and my hair grey is a bummer but I realize that it happens to us all. I miss my youth. I miss being able to leave the house without makeup on. On the other hand, the older I get, the better I get at running so there’s some bonus there… just a little though…
Laura recently posted..Motivation Waning, Vacation Winning
I’m not too afraid of getting older, and have found enough things about being younger that I’m glad I’m past dealing with. My mother is still beautiful, active, and strong, and a wonderful example for me, that age doesn’t mean boundaries!
At 26, I constantly ask myself, “what am I doing with my life?” I look forward to getting older and having an answer to that question. I have also met a great deal of fit, healthy, fabulous women over 50, and I hope to be one of them someday!
Your mom is only 50!? HOLY COW!
It’s funny–I just had this conversation with my family this weekend at the reunion. My grandma was there, she’s 90, and her sister who is 92. Several family members said they never want to get to 90. I say why not?! My grandma is AWESOME! She’s done so much with her life, she’s traveled, had 5 kids and now has a billion grand and great grandkids. I want that!
Lisa recently posted..Once Upon a Time
I love getting older (minus the wrinkles). I’m about to be 33 on 9/1, and I love that with each passing year I appreciate life more. I’m humbled more and more each year, and I learn more every day. I’m so glad to not have to live out those naive, immature years of my teens and twenties, and I look forward to getting older to see what I’ll have to say about my thirties!
Annie recently posted..Checking in from Sunny CA
I’m only 22, so I feel great about getting older because I know my 20s will be filled with a lot more opportunities (so many so far!), lots of change, and lots of running!
For the most part, I don’t really think much about it. The two years I have in my thirties have been 2 of the best, happiest years of my life, so things seem to be just getting better! I have to admit though, sometimes it scares me, because I see my parents talking about all the crazy and weird (and annoying) things that my grandparents do…yet I see them starting to do those SAME things! So it scares me that I will start to turn into someone that I don’t necessarily want to be without even realizing it!!
Corey recently posted..Weekly Recap: Lake of the Ozarks
I enjoy getting older. I feel much more confident in myself than I used to feel and much less pressure to conform.
Honestly, I really enjoy getting older in that life just keeps getting better. However, I hear my 4 year old talk constantly about “when I’m bigger, when I’m older” and I just want to freeze time so that he won’t age…..
I was so excited to turn 30! People always thought I was younger than I am, and it was nice to hit a new decade… not sure yet how I feel about 40, but I have some time to warm up to the idea.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..July recap and heading north
I like getting older. Great things have happened during every period of my life, so getting older doesn’t worry me…at least not yet.
I am turning 32 in a month. I always thought thirty was soooo old. But I don’t feel old. I still feel young!
Andrea recently posted..2012 Mammoth Book Challenge- August Update
My favorite thing about getting older is that my life gets better and better every day that I get to experience it! When I was younger I definitely did not appreciate all of the wonderful things that life has to offer, and there are, hopefully, many more years that I have to enjoy it!
I’m finding myself in my 30s. It rocks!
I appreciate getting older in that I have more life experience to drawn upon and am (I hope) wiser than I was when I was younger. The only thing that I don’t really like about getting older is the increasing aches and pains and the longer time it takes to heal from injury. That being said, I think that I have a much great appreciation for everything that I am and have been able to do.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Back in the pool with swim intervals
33? I’m not liking it! I liked 26!
I want to see my kids grow up and get married some day, getting old isn’t all bad
I look forward to retirement and traveling in my “old age”
31 is already too old for me, but with age comes freedom to say whatever you want and get away with it!
I feel uneasy. However, I hope for the best and realize that I cannot sit around dwelling on growing old… although today is my birthday!
i just turned 40 and i felt much better than when i turned 30. My base is set, my family is formed, now I am just enjoying it. No angst, no dwelling on what it will be like to turn 50 either.
I feel very uneasy about getting older!
I don’t look forward to getting older.
I don’t mind the idea of getting older. However I do worry about becoming incapacitated or not being able to take care of myself financially.
I feel optimistic about aging with good health a key.
I feel good and guardedly optimistic about getting old.
as long as im getting older means im still living, so that to me is a “good thing”
Thanks for a super giveaway!