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50 Painfully Relatable Posts That Show What Being In Your 40s Is Really Like (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
Aging is an interesting thing; most of us do it, if we're fortunate enough. But knowledge and wisdom aren't the only things age brings us. We also start aching in the places where we used to play, as Leonard Cohen sang.
Today, we're shining the light on young midlifers: the folks in their 40s. We've gathered up the most hilarious and relatable posts from the people on X (Twitter) about what life is like once you hit 40, and present it to you, Pandas. Care to see what's waiting for you ahead or want to know if anybody else has your midlife struggles? Scroll away!
Bored Panda wanted to know more about keeping up with good health when you're in your 40s, so we reached out to the health and wellness coach Youna Angevin-Castro. She shared some realistic health and fitness goals for people entering their 40s, debunked some common misconceptions, and pointed out some overlooked aspects of self-care every 40-something-year-old should know. Read her expert insights below!
More info: Thrive Over 40 | Instagram | Facebook
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#1
Youna Angevin-Castro is a wellness coach specializing in midlife health. When working with her clients, she invites them to shift their focus from purely aesthetic goals to optimizing their overall well-being and longevity.
"For many of us – especially women – our forties are only the halfway mark, and we may have another 30-40 years ahead of us, so the focus should be on staying fit and healthy for as long as possible," she told Bored Panda.
"In our 40s, both men and women begin experiencing natural muscle loss and changes in metabolism," Angevin-Castro explains. That's why strength training is essential if we want to maintain bone density and muscle mass.
"I recommend setting goals around functional activities – being able to carry groceries easily, play with children or grandchildren without getting winded, and maintain good posture and mobility throughout the day," the wellness coach says.
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Women in their 40s have another thing to deal with – perimenopause. Angevin-Castro emphasizes the importance of adapting health routines to hormonal changes. "Women may find that exercise routines that once worked for them are no longer as effective as they once were," she says. "Rest and recovery become much more important to long-term well-being."
"There are no hard and fast rules because everyone's experience of perimenopause is individual, but I encourage my clients to focus on consistent, sustainable movement that energises rather than depletes your body. Find something you love doing and do it regularly – even better if you can do it with friends. And make sure to build adequate rest into your weekly routine," the health and wellness coach notes.
#4
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I got this one beat. I remember fourth grade, at the end of the school year, everyone was walking around with our yearbooks getting our teachers and classmates to sign them. I was (unsurprisingly) already the weird and socially awkward Lakota you all know and love today. Only my teachers had signed my yearbook. I had no friends. Suddenly, the most popular (and cutest) boy in class walked right up to me, making eye contact with me, and I grabbed his yearbook right out of his hands and started to sign it, absolutely awash in excitement that the Popular Kid wanted ME to sign his yearbook. He looked really confused and said "Oh, uh, I actually just wanted to know if you knew where Lucas is." (Lucas was his best friend.) He hadn't wanted me to sign his yearbook at all. I was 10 years old. I will be turning 43 next month. I have never forgotten the searing embarrassment of that moment. Ryan, if you're out there, and you remember Chia Pet Girl, thank you for being kind about it afterwards XD
#6
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
I just commented on another post about this, but again hearing stuff like Soundgarden, Metallica, Nirvana, GN'R, etc. when I'm buying milk is a weird f*****g experience.
As you'll see from the tweets we've collected here, many people think that exhaustion, weight gain, and loss of vitality are just natural parts of aging. But Angevin-Castro says it's not true. "While both men and women experience age-related changes, these shouldn't significantly impact quality of life."
"For women, there are additional misconceptions around perimenopause and menopause," she adds. "Many believe these transitions must be endured with suffering. But with the right support and understanding, women can navigate these changes while maintaining energy and well-being. The idea that mood swings and weight gain are inevitable is a myth," the wellness coach explains.
#8
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
And you have to be REALLY careful when you sneeze, because you might just pee yourself a little when you do. Friends, if you have a uterus, do your kegels! XD
#9
Serena Myers 11 months ago
Or that 12 year old dressed up as a police officer is, in fact, a police officer.
The wellness coach points out that everyone ages differently. However, hormonal changes can make it more challenging, especially for women. She urges individuals to look for support. "Start a conversation with [your] healthcare provider about what's happening and discuss the options available to [you] to alleviate negative symptoms," Angevin-Castro says.
#11
Kate Jones 11 months ago
I'm single with no kids and like the idea of having medical personnel nearby in case something happens to me. I plan to get a life alert necklace and stay home as long as possible, but I’m okay with the idea of a nursing home. I don’t want to be lying on the floor in pain with no one knowing I’m hurt. The issue is these places are barely covered by insurance. My grandmother’s private insurance—one of the best—still requires her to spend her entire savings for lower-level care. You have to pay $80K upfront just to get in, and if they pass away immediately, that money is gone. My parents are grateful my grandfather saved so much because they couldn’t manage her care anymore. Nicer places cost millions, and it’s frustrating that elder care isn’t subsidized. It makes me question why we even pay taxes when so little actually helps people.
Good habits and self-care are important throughout our lives, even when we're in our 40s. Angevin-Castro points to the nervous system and says that its health becomes crucial. "Chronic stress can accelerate aging and impact everything from sleep quality to immune function."
"This makes stress-management practices like meditation, deep breathing, or regular nature walks essential self-care tools. Gut health also deserves special attention, as it affects so many aspects of health, including mood and inflammation levels," she adds.
#15
Little Bit 11 months ago
Yep that's me. If something wakes me up or I need to pee, even if I've only been asleep for half an hour, that's it, that's my sleep over for the night
Another thing even younger people often overlook is prioritizing sleep. "Sleep plays a really important role in maintaining brain health and cognitive function," Angevin-Castro says. "But it is also closely intertwined with physical and psychological health more broadly."
"Poor sleep not only makes life a lot harder than it needs to be, but it's also associated with negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and poor mental health," the health and wellness coach explains.
#17
R1MV4Superleggera 11 months ago
Right! First thing first! What on God's green EARTH is "midlife crisis"? Believe me! In my now 40 years of age (yeah! I know, I'm way old!) and I've done sooo many things that...well, what's out there that can help me to get some awesome adrenaline rush?
#18
kansasmagic 11 months ago
Ok, this one is actually true. Except the part about having friends because **40s!**
What should midlifers do? Angevin-Castro recommends maintaining regular routines. Start with getting up and going to bed roughly at the same time every day. Also, make sure you're getting a decent amount of sleep – 7-9 hours, ideally. "Unfortunately, stress and worry can negatively impact our sleep, so finding ways to manage negative thoughts, such as mindfulness practices or journalling, may help," the expert adds.
#21
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I remember growing up - one of my favorite radio stations was KRTH, which was considered an "oldies" station. Its tagline was "hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s" (or something like that.) Recently I tuned in to KRTH again, only to find that the songs from the decade of my birth (the 80s) are now also considered oldies, as are songs from the 90s. The songs of my childhood and teen years are now oldies. I have become vintage.
Angevin-Castro once again directs her attention to women in their 40s and beyond. She says they should pay particular attention to some specific aspects of self-care. "Regular health screenings become more important, including mammograms and bone density scans. Supporting liver health through diet and lifestyle choices can also help," she says.
#23
Blue Bunny of Happiness 11 months ago
And you start quoting your Dad, “This isn’t Blackpool illuminations, you know!”
The health and wellness coach observes that a lot of men and women start reassessing their relationship with alcohol once they hit 40. "The hangovers and anxiety become more pronounced, and the negatives start to outweigh the benefits. Additionally, women may find that their nutritional needs change as they try to maintain muscle mass and support bone health."
#25
Kate Jones 11 months ago
Hey I loved clippy. Everyone gives him s**t and he was just trying to help.
But physical health isn't the only thing 40-somethings should be paying attention to. "For both men and women, nurturing meaningful connections and maintaining strong social support networks becomes increasingly important for mental and emotional well-being. Learning to set boundaries and prioritise rest isn't selfish – it's essential for thriving in midlife."
"Many people in their 40s are juggling career demands with family responsibilities, making it even more important to create space for rest and recovery," Angevin-Castro adds.
#28
Kate Jones 11 months ago
Hahaha yes this is true. I also tend to understand the bad guy's point of view a little more, too.
#30
Nikki Gross 11 months ago (edited)
I live in Oklahoma, so in the Summer it's hot and humid as f**k. I found these AMAZING culottes that are loose, paper thin and supposed to be used as pajamas, but they look like regular clothes.They have POCKETS, elastic waist with a draw string. What's even better is ALL of the tops that match look like normal shirts and are just as comfortable. I bought several pairs and colors of each set, which is a good thing because I haven't seen them since then. I wear the hell out of them and practically live in those most of the year. Definitely, hands down one of my best finds.
Youna Angevin-Castro believes that your 40s can be a time of profound positive transformation. "I've witnessed clients discover new levels of energy, confidence and well-being by embracing changes rather than fighting them."
"While men and women may face different challenges, both can thrive by prioritising their health in smart, sustainable ways. For women especially, understanding and working with their changing hormones rather than against them can lead to unexpected improvements in energy, mood and overall quality of life," the wellness coach says.
#32
Kate Jones 11 months ago
And you need a nap every day around 2pm and your pretty grumpy if you can't get it.
#33
Kate Jones 11 months ago
And by anything, we don't mean parasailing or bungie jumping. We mean walking around the grocery store too long.
#37
#44
LillieMean 11 months ago
I don't think any furniture manufacturer sells coffee tables suitable for snoozing, except for cats.
#45
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I was just mentioning in another comment about how I get horrific acid reflux all night long if I eat peanut butter past 6pm. I love peanut butter. I do not have a peanut allergy. I've eaten PBJ sandwiches all of my life. And now I am some kind of "do not feed after midnight" movie Gremlin who can't eat peanut butter if it's past the afternoon. I do NOT understand XD
#46
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
Yes!! You start getting the "Good" soups, instead of always buying the cheap ones. My budget is pretty tight, but I would rather get one big can of the good stuff, which is two meals for me. The smaller cheap cans aren't very filling, taste worse and are one meal, so it actually equals out a lot better money wise.
#47
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
Throwing out your back or knees when you're cleaning the litter box.
#49
#51
InoueAmani 11 months ago
When I was 20 I couldn't comprehend what 40 would be like, now I'm here and I know exactly what 60 looks like.
#52
Kate Jones 11 months ago
It's a weird experience when your doctor or lawyer is way younger than you. Like... I don't trust you at all. You're 25, you know nothing.
#54
#56
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
One of my Sister's will have her 33rd wedding anniversary in a few months. She swears, when my BIL dies that she'll keep his urn next to her bed and she's currently 58. They met when she was 22 and married at 25, so she swears he's it for her. My Great Aunt and Uncle were married for 70 years, when they both passed away weeks from each other. I NEVER wanted to get married, but I told everyone that the only way it would happen is if it was like my Aunt and Uncle. They were still crazy about each other until they both passed away. My Aunt got sick, but my Uncle was still really healthy, especially for his age, but as soon as she died he gave up and passed away 3 weeks later. The Doctor said his heart gave out and it was one of the very few times that he thinks someone died of a broken heart. If I couldn't have that then what's the point.
#61
kansasmagic 11 months ago
I learned early in my 30s that we just aren't going to do anything on Friday night. Or any other night.
#63
#65
detective miller's hat 11 months ago
I must say one of my brothers is really mastering the Dad Sneeze.
#66
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
Nah, neither XD Stopped caring about my weight (other than health concerns) when my ex told me that I physically "disgusted" him when I hit 150 lbs when we were still together (I'm 5'5"; 150lbs is within my normal parameters.)
#69
kansasmagic 11 months ago
That was when I was younger and had, you know, hopes and aspirations. Now that I'm nearly 50 and reality is deeply settling in, looking at other peoples' houses mostly makes me resentful.
#70
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I was born in the 80s, so will always love 80s music a tiny bit more than 90s music. But I was a teenager in the 90s, so... yes, the 90s had the best music XD
#71
Robert Trebor 11 months ago
At 75 I built myself a bigger bed. New pillows, flannel sheets, a nice new comforter. I just woke up from a two-hour nap in my living room chair.
#73
#75
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
I'm like the Rice Krispies commercials...Snap, Crackle, Pop every time I move.
#80
Sarah Stevens 11 months ago
TI turned 40 in Nov... and finally admitted my eyes were old so I bought a pair of readers with magnetic lenses. I was way too excited that it had sunglass attachments and yellow lenses for night driving.
#81
#82
Hiram's Friend 11 months ago
I'm in my 70's. Pack Oxygen concentrator, CPAP machine, bunch of d***s. Don't smoke! Anything!
#84
#85
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
Normally 7, but I just went to the doctor and have 9. The trick is remembering how many pills and how many times a day to take each one. Even with a pill organizer, actually remembering to take the f*****g thing is a pain in the a*s.
#91
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
I drive a little car, so I have to remember row numbers or lines to the exit doors. I also have favorite parking spots which helps a lot when I'm trying to find where the hell I parked.
#93
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
Before I learned the power of lounge pants and culottes that was me whenever I would leave the house.
#94
Hiram's Friend 11 months ago
Lived in North Dakota. Had plastic seats, no A/C. Live in Arizona. Have A/C, also heated seats and heated steering wheel.
#95
#96
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I now understand why my dad drank a big glass of Metamucil every day when I was a kid XD
#101
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
Mine sucks simply because I have multiple Doctors for different things, so I'm on a first name basis with the people at the pharmacy I use.
#102
#104
Nikki Gross 11 months ago
As much as I hate the heat, I hate having to bundle up just to go to the store. Give me warm weather where it's throw and go.
#105
Wondering Alice 11 months ago
I have always worn sensible comfy shoes or quality boots. I thought I'd be smug in my 40's that my knees and hips would be better than everyone elses. I was wrong. Everything hurts. So to you youngsters, If you want to look cool go for it - it doesn't make any difference.
#109
#110
#111
Bertha Madott 11 months ago
I work out at home usually in pajamas. Major crisis when I joined a gym. 76F.
#112
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
I've actually had a Zojirushi rice cooker for a couple of decades now (my ex is Chinese) but I recently learned that Zojirushi also makes an insulated water bottle/thermos, and now I own a Zojirushi insulated water bottle/thermos. If I put ice into it, the ice will stay frozen for over an entire day!
#114
#120
LakotaWolf (she/her) 11 months ago
For me, it's Crocs. I finally gave in after decades of hating and loathing Crocs on principle. Then I had a sick puppy who couldn't walk and had to wear diapers and needed to be carried outdoors to go potty (if we could catch it in time.) Suddenly, washable, breathable footwear that one can slip on in 1 second became worth their weight in gold XD I have a pair of Crocs by each door to the outdoors now. I have even worn them out in public. I have lost all shame. I even own a pair with the soft fleece lining. Pray for my soul, for I am damned.
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Bored Seb 11 months ago
I love those stupid posts. It helps me realize I'm still not in my 40s. Turning 45 later this year, and still wondering when I'll be in their 40s...
Norma Smith 11 months ago
I'm in my sixties and I can relate to some of these posts but my 40's weren't as bad as some of these. Of course I was 36 for 9 years and then I turned 37 so I may have just missed the 40s issues...
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Bill Evs 11 months ago
I last went out with my mates (all in our mid forties) for a few drinks just before Christmas. As we're sitting in the pub I reach into my pocket, pull out some pills and pop a couple of them. One of my friends look at me as if to say "you're not still doing stuff like that are you" until I explained they were for indigestion as the lager wasn't sitting well with me and I had predicted that would happen so planned ahead. All of a sudden it was a chorus of "give me some too".
Bored Seb 11 months ago
I love those stupid posts. It helps me realize I'm still not in my 40s. Turning 45 later this year, and still wondering when I'll be in their 40s...
Norma Smith 11 months ago
I'm in my sixties and I can relate to some of these posts but my 40's weren't as bad as some of these. Of course I was 36 for 9 years and then I turned 37 so I may have just missed the 40s issues...
Load More Replies... Bill Evs 11 months ago
I last went out with my mates (all in our mid forties) for a few drinks just before Christmas. As we're sitting in the pub I reach into my pocket, pull out some pills and pop a couple of them. One of my friends look at me as if to say "you're not still doing stuff like that are you" until I explained they were for indigestion as the lager wasn't sitting well with me and I had predicted that would happen so planned ahead. All of a sudden it was a chorus of "give me some too".
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