I’m 20 and thinking of going to my local Breathe Easy group next week. Now this is going to sound awful but it seems it’s made up of elderly people? This isn’t a problem of course, but I worry about a) feeling like I can’t relate to them and they can’t relate to me, or b) people being excessively sympathetic because I’m young, which is always awkward!
On the other hand, simply meeting other people who understand living with lung conditions would be great, and elderly people always have such interesting perspectives and experiences. If it were a bigger group I wouldn’t be so hesitant but in a small group, the awkwardness is amplified haha
What can I expect? Especially if you’ve been to the one in Bramley!
Its the best thing going you will not treated any different everybodyis there for the same reason. I have been and I would highly recomend it you will be glad you went good luck.
You will meet some of the most loving people you'll ever meet...you will treasure them and their advice...mentors rock!! Really, age is just a number...you'll be surprised...some of your new friends attitudes might be younger than yours!
Well at 20 I can understand why you are reluctant, all those old bids, but you might be surprised, us old bids are quite young at heart and if you keep an open mind you may just enjoy it. If nothing else you will learn about your lung exercise. Good luck x
I agree with you all, Us oldies, know more about the Condition and have learned to Live & laugh with COPD...My God, My Grandkids are this age group and understand that I am their Young Nana. Never Knock an Aged person, they have all the experience and Stamina to live a Longer Life, Good Luck in all your Future Achievements Hun and Learn from the Best, Just enjoy the experience. Love n Hugs Sweetie. xxxx
I'm in my 60s but would hate to think young people find me boring. In my gead I'm 25! I have a wealth of knowledge on lung disease built up over many years and life experience on top. I have kids in their 30s and grandkids who keep me in touch with the trends of the modern age. I use a smartphone, whatsapp and Facebook to stay in touch with family. I play sport and sing.
So....give the group a try....you might be pleasantly surprised!
Oh no certainly not boring! But yes, experience comes with age and I’d love to hear the perspectives of older people who have lived longer with lung conditions than I’ve been alive!
Ha ha I had to laugh at all the replies coz it's exactly what I was going to say! I thought the same way as you at your age and I think all youngsters do, but I think they will love you as being a breath of fresh air and you will find most of them great. I am still 18 in my head so am younger than you!
Go with an open mind and have fun. x
I would have said it would be easier to get to know folk in a smaller group and you may find younger people come along as time passes.
I was at the beginning of a brand new breathe easy group years ago, we had all ages, carers as well, it was an interesting group with different speakers each month and I stayed with it for near on 8 years but must admit I stopped going eventually because I seemed to be spending a lot of time attending funerals and that became depressing after a while.
But for sure the first few years it was a good thing to meet up with people every month. I'd say give it a go and see how you get on, you may find its a good thing for you to do at this time. You are not committed for the rest of your days if you don't want to be.
Every group is different so yours may be a fun active group that you enjoy attending.
Good luck let us know how you find it
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Yes that’s one of my other minor worries, that there’ll be a lot of dying people...but if so then I guess I can be there for them with everyone else
I agree with all of the above. You will be made most welcome I’m sure. I get a great deal from the monthly meetings but also think how much everyone will gain from meeting you. It’s wonderful to be a part of a mutual support group- what you give you get back ten-fold and everyone adds something to the mix.
I would highly recommend giving it a go and getting involved.you’ve nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
Thank you! Yes I thought maybe my experiences as a younger person might be as interesting to them as their experiences as older people will be to me, but I wasn’t sure!
When I was a practising social worker it was an axiom that the optimum number of people for a group to work effectively is twelve. The last time I attended a local Breathe Easy group run by our hospital there was something over 50 people. Impossible for any group to work!
Our breatheasy group is constantly growing and is becoming better and better with increasing numbers. It felt small and miserable when I first joined, now meetings of generally over 30 people are vibrant and welcoming to new people. More people means we can offer more activities. We sing, we have a walking group, we have an annual trip, Xmas party etc and even have an allotment. We also now can offer our own pulmonary rehab in partnership with our local university as part of student training. The only problem is we are outgrowing our venue.
I am sure the other answers convey the fact that you will not feel awkward and will find it useful. Also, you are now getting quite old yourself and quite grown up too. Remember that you are four times older than a five-year-old child, and so if there are some 60-year-olds at the meeting then they are only 3 times your age. It is all relative. You see, as you get to adulthood you start to realise that age really does not matter. Most people on this site have been 20 themselves and know what it is like. We aren't aliens. The only thing that turns out to matter is the way you lead your life, and not how long you've been that way. You will find the best people there are the ones who are open and friendly and love to laugh. It won't matter if they are 20, 30 40, 50, 60 or 100. Just say hello to everyone you can meet, and try not to say - OMG 65, you look at least 100!
At the Breathe Easy group I attend not everyone is old. I will admit there are no 20 year olds. Did you know you can take a friend/carer/relative with you? They will be made welcome too. As everyone else has said at the group no one counts age as important.
Go along and give the group a try. xx
Thank you everyone, I’ve put it on my calendar for this Wednesday ☺️
Hi there not all attenders at Breathe easy groups are ill some are carers . I am one of your oldies with COPD/Asthma but my family of asthmatics range from school age to over 65s. Lung conditions do not have an age factor, so I am sure you will find the group you go to very freindly & helpful. Good Luck & enjoy
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