We Asked Lubbock: How’d You Realize You Were Getting Old?

There comes a moment in all of our lives, sometimes subtle, and sometimes painfully loud, when it hits you: Oh no. This is happening. I am getting old. We asked Lubbock residents to tell us just exactly what it was that made them realize time isn't exactly on their side anymore...

For starters, most people said their bodies began betraying them in some form or fashion. Getting out of bed shouldn't feel like a full-body workout. Apparently, even sneezing is a high-risk activity. Several people said they have to mentally prepare before bending over to tie their shoes...and that one spoke to me.

Others pointed out their slow shift in tolerance. Loud bass, cars, and crowded places used to be fun, but now feel like way too much. Somewhere along the line, staying home became the best plan available.

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There are also cultural gut punches. The music you grew up loving might be considered "classic rock" now. Mentioning certain celebrities will get you blank stares from confused young people. One person said they knew it was all over for them when they mentioned Bob Ross, and a kid had no idea who they were talking about. (That one is kind of sad, honestly. I loved Bob Ross when I was little...)

Nothing hits quite like interactions with a younger crowd. Whether you're being called an "old lady" by your grandkid or having a child offer to help you up the stairs, moments like these have a way of humbling you right there on the spot, huh?

OH, and let's not ignore those little pesky gray hairs, carrying around 6 kinds of pain reliever in your purse, and making a groaning noise every time you stand up...

Getting old isn't the most graceful, but at least everyone in Lubbock is going through it together. I'll catch you guys at the senior center soon enough...

Keep scrolling for more Lubbock laughs in the galleries below...