What is your 'I wish I was xx' age?

[R.M.C.]

When I was 30 a man with a room full of elk and moose mounts told me he would trade them all to be my age and have my legs to do it all again with. Now I am the age he was...

Wow that's crazy

 

[Dukeisok]

I'm 40. Nostalgia is a powerful drug that sells lots of magazines (look at sporting classics), books and gear. It is a drug that I'm certainly not immune to myself, and while there isn't an age I'd want I be again I wouldn't mind living in a simpler time. Experience has made me who I am today, I've often wished for a rewind button in life to make different decisions, but on the whole an exactly where I want to be. Whenever I'm feeling nostalgic, longing for the past, I remind myself that humans are wired for nostalgia and that the past want really that great. Even the ancient Romans pined for simpler times before the world moved so quickly and when men were men and women were women. (Virgils Aeneid). For a good modern view on this, watch midnight in Paris, where Owen Wilson is transported back into 1920s Paris to meet Gertrude Stein, Hemingway, and numerous authors in a golden age only to find his love interest wishes she was in the Belle epoque Paris of the late 19th century. I have a wife and 3 kids, the youngest is 4. I wouldn't change a thing

 

[wildwilderness]

30: only if I knew then what I know now!
Anything younger your Brain isn’t fully developed.

There were missed opportunities both business and relationship that I could have done better, and have been retired now at 45 with a happy family. Looks like I’m on track though to be there by 55

 

[fourfive8]

Good question. Most of us tend to cherry pick the past- human nature I think. I believe I was in best shape physically around 18-20 yo. Strongest at about 50. I’m way beyond that and there is much more to life than being a narcissistic 20 something.

Coincidentally, I too spent a day with my 19 yo daughter yesterday. I picked up her up at college and we just hung out together shopping and snacking at a couple of nice eateries. There is a special relationship between dads and daughters. So, no, I think at 72 I’m right where I should be.

 

[Ridgewalker]

30: only if I knew then what I know now!
Anything younger your Brain isn’t fully developed.

There were missed opportunities both business and relationship that I could have done better, and have been retired now at 45 with a happy family. Looks like I’m on track though to be there by 55

+1 tomorrow will be even better than today! I am certain!
I have had great experiences during my 75 years, but nothing compared to tomorrow!

P.S. I could use the body I once had though!

 

[RTG]

I wouldn’t change a thing. Though traveling back to give younger me investment or sports betting advice, that would be tempting.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

37.

 

[Still alive]

I am very happy how my life has turned out so far, at 58. The only thing I need is stronger legs when I was in my 20s so I can walk up hills, as I hunt without catching my breath?

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

At 51, life is great.

I’d turn back time 10 years just to have more quality time and to make good memories with family and friends that have passed. So, now I’m trying my best to make good memories with those that are still here.

 

[mark-hunter]

Looking back, general physical condition, aligned with life experience, combined with solid financial status, would come to the age of 40. This would be my pick.

 

[Newboomer]

At 51, life is great.

I’d turn back time 10 years just to have more quality time and to make good memories with family and friends that have passed. So, now I’m trying my best to make good memories with those that are still here.

That is a real brain teaser. After reading the posts from others, I did some soul searching and came to the conclusion that I will stay right where I am at 82. Sure, it would be nice to be young, strong, fit, But with that young age there is also ignorance. The life experiences are not there, the wisdom is lacking, the financial comfort is not there.

Having lived through many decades of all manner of physical, political, emotional trials and tribulations and good times, I will keep those memories locked away in my head and refer to them occasionally when I get in a certain mood. Great reminder that I am pretty damn well off in my present state.

Of course, with age comes the usual aches and pains associated with a life of hard physical labor but it also got me in the great shape I am today and will continue to maintain for however long. Presently recovering from a shoulder replacement which amazed the surgeon. He says that I am 82 chronologically, but more like 60 physically. Recovery should(will) be quick and easy. Makes me feel pretty good.

 

[curtism1234]

Perhaps several ages.

20 to have a redo and not be a functional alcoholic the rest of my life

35. Injured my back at 27 and age 35 the weight started going up. I wish I could go back and take care of myself better

I am 40 now. Health problems aside, I like the age. Career is beginning its peak and people generally take you seriously

 

[freefall]

And the context?!

All my body parts worked as designed, nothing hurt for no reason. Alaska was young, and life was a constant adventure.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I'll just go back to being 40.

Once I hit my 60's health problems started to creep up on me and now at 69 they have hit hard. After my trip to South Africa this past summer I realized that life is going to get harder to keep up with what I enjoy doing if I can keep it up. I had to cancel a Utah muzzle loader hunt due to a couple new health problems. Now I just wonder what they next one that will creep up and smack me between the eyes is going to be.

Sorry to hear it Jim, I hope and pray you will get fit enough to enjoy lots more hunting.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

30: only if I knew then what I know now!
Anything younger your Brain isn’t fully developed.

There were missed opportunities both business and relationship that I could have done better, and have been retired now at 45 with a happy family. Looks like I’m on track though to be there by 55

Funny you should mention the brain not being fully developed, I have seen it clearly in some young people, particularly men. Maturity only seems to come fully when you are called upon to impart wisdom to others, particularly your own kids.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

37.

But wisdom and experience can transpose those two numbers.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

If I were to return to a personal age (I wouldn’t) I think I would go back to the summer of 2010 when I graduated high school and buy as much Bitcoin as I could .

In all seriousness I misspent some of the most critical years of my youth and it nearly cost me my freedom and could have easily cost me my life not to mention other lesser consequences.

Life is good now

 

[JimP]

Sorry to hear it Jim, I hope and pray you will get fit enough to enjoy lots more hunting.

My biggest problem is getting in to see a Dr. I live in a semi rural area and while we have a number of Dr's getting a appointment quickly is a thing of the past. Then there is the problem that a specialist will only see you if you are refereed to them by your primary care Dr. So after having to wait 3 weeks to get into my primary care Dr there is another 2 week wait to see the specialist.

I guess I could do what a lot do and just go to the ER and start from there.

 

[meigsbucks]

I‘m 65. My choice would be 33 for several reasons. First, I wouldn’t have married my first wife. What a mistake that was. Cost me $$$$, a vehicle and several guns and that was before the divorce.
Other than that, I was in good shape. Had some money. Was going on a guided hunt every year. Had a tangent career lined up. My late 50’s and 60’s have brought health issues for both me and my second wife.

 

[mdwest]

I just wish I had my 23 year old knees back…

I’ll keep the experiences, financial stability, wonderful children, and friendships accumulated over 5+ decades though… I don’t want to turn back the clock on any of those…