Growing old

As I was listening to the radio this morning, I came across this song: “Forever young, I want to be forever young.” Yes all of us want to remain young as long as we could. If there were such a thing called longevity pill, I bet people would rush for it. I once asked a girl "How old are you?" She replied “Cannot tell lah, very sensitive!” The female genders do not like to reveal their age. The word “old” conjures affiliation with trepidation, uncertainty, loneliness and incapacity. You know you are over the hill when the candles cost more than the birthday cake. When the fine contours running around your forehead are increasing. When people start calling you "Uncle". Old age is often associated with deteriorating health, problems of dementia, osteoporosis, arthritis, etc. The list goes on...... How fightening!

Few months ago I had this wonderful opportunity to conduct exercise sessions for senior citizens at a community club. We did a workout sitting on the chair. It was mostly low impact exercises done to music. What the senior citizens didn’t realise were that they were able to execute the exercises without much difficulty. They recognised the benefits of exercise & felt great after the workout. It was an achievement. And that reminds me of something. If you don’t use your muscles, you’ll gradually lose them over time. I’m certain most of us want to age gracefully and still look great. I'm glad that the dragonboat trainings have help me achieve this.

“Growing Old”. So what’s the big deal? It’s not about how long we live but rather how we live that matters. Active ageing does make a difference. Mr Ray Kroc revolutionised the fast food business - Mcdonald at the age of 52. Colonel Sanders used his $105 Social Security cheque to start a venture that eventually became Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was 65.

We shouldn't be too concerned about old age. You are either ill or not ill. If you're not ill, there is no need to worry. If you're ill, you either live or die. If you live, there is no need to worry. If you die, you'll go to heaven or hell. If you go to heaven, there's no need to worry. If you go to hell, you'll be busy shaking hands with your friends & you won't have time to worry.

If I do live to ripe old age one day, I know I don't have to be concerned about peer pressure. Most of them won't be around.

"You may be over the hill, but there’s always something new
To learn, to share and feel, What lies ahead is a splendid view"