Do nurses age more quickly than average?

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Due to the stress and the physical toll it has on the body. Do nurses generally look older than they actually are? I am actually scared about this...it's on a top list of fears.

1. Aging quicker than average due to the stress?

2. affects your personal relationships?

3. contracting disease that is incurable

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm 29 years of age, and the fine lines started surfacing on my forehead about 18 months ago. The bags are also prominent under my eyes. I don't think it is genetic because my mother is 52 years old with absolutely no fine lines or wrinkles on her face.

I have been wearing sunblock on my face for the past 7 years to delay premature aging. I also don't smoke tobacco or drink alcohol. I also exercise regularly. While I am not blaming my visibly premature aging on nursing, I will say that the nursing profession has certainly raised my level of internal stress over the past 4+ years.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Parish Nurse, Hospice.

I'm 53, been a nurse for almost 33 yrs and people usually can't believe that I'm 53 when I tell them my age. They usally say I look much younger- or started working at 12!

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I'm not so concerned with my looks as I am with my body. My feet, knees, and hips hurt by the end of my shift. I sometimes limp down the hall. And the biggie is my back. I had a chest xray done for a minor procedure, and it showed degenerative changes to my spine. EVERY nurse I work with c/o back pain at some time. I'd rather look old, than feel old.

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I suppose feeling old can increase looking old, vice versa too.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

My feet certainly feel as if they have aged exponentially since I've been in nursing if that helps.

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I suppose feeling old can increase looking old, vice versa too.

there ya go, crystal.

some days i've left work, hobbling and grunting to my car.

when i get home, hubby will either say "God you look rough" or "what happened to you?"

the days i'm on top of the world, i often hear relevant feedback, e.g., "you're such a kid" or "i can't believe you're 51".

yesterday i dressed up for a funeral and i got an uncontrollable case of the giggles.

it just so happens i received many compliments yesterday...

which just further convinces me that how you feel, is reflected to the world.

i also am a big proponent of exercising, for our physical and mental well-being...

and not sweating the small stuff.

and not worrying over things in which we have no control.

and focusing on positive over negative.

and counting one's blessings.

and...

leslie:)

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