Do nurses age more quickly than average?

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!

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.

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

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

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:)