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Do You Know How Old I Am?
This is not a quiz for you to guess my age. Instead, it’s simply a reiteration of what I’ve heard from a number of people throughout my life, and which I continue to hear a bit too often. I first heard it from my dad when I was in my early teens, and he in his early 40s. Whenever I asked for him to join me on a bike ride, to go roller-skating or to simply play catch with a ball or Frisbee, he’d answer with the question, “Do you know how old I am?”
Without considering the number that represented his chronological age, such a question clearly indicated that he simply was too old – even when he was merely in his 40s. Now that he’s 81, his words have become his reality as he’s barely able to stand up from a chair; he shuffles cautiously as he moves from one room to another, and his brain functions have begun to diminish, as dementia has begun to set in.
Conversely, my mom has never, to this day, suggested she’s too old for anything. As such, she thinks, acts, and performs as though she’s 20-30 years younger than her chronological age. She plays handball better than most women in their 20s and 30s, power walks 4-5 times per week, lifts weights 2-3 times per week, and bowls in four bowling leagues. Additionally, she still conducts business as a freelance bookkeeper. Not bad for a 77-year young person … who chose to maintain a strong body, and thus a sharp mind. Because she always considered herself to be young, she has remained young, biologically (the true form of aging we should each be mindful of).
While the obvious difference between my two parents has been a direct result of their level of physical activity and exercise, the less-obvious difference has been their choice of words and expectations of what aging should be. It all starts with your thoughts, then your words, which will be followed by your actions. Remember the saying, thought precedes the action? This is not just for the attainment of material objects, but for the attainment of health, youthfulness and vitality.
In recent years, I’ve been hearing complaints, from friends and colleagues, about how they’re feeling their age catch up with them … and they’re 10-15 years younger than I am. What’s particularly upsetting is when my mom’s fellow bowlers, who are in their 30s and 40s, complain to her about their getting too old for league bowling. It’s almost as though they forgot they’re talking to someone who’s nearly twice their age. Not to mention the fact that, in a league setting, bowling requires movement only 25% of the time … and at a slower pace than most other sports.
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Do you know how old I am?” If so, it’s time to stop, and eliminate this damaging phrase from your psyche. It’s not so much a question as much as it is a statement, determining that you’ve simply decided to stop being young. Once you’ve eliminated this phrase, then it’s time to take action that’s needed to begin living a younger lifestyle. Start slowly at first, and build up from there. Always challenge yourself just enough to go past your comfort zone. In doing so, everything else – particularly activities of daily living – becomes easier.
One of my favorite quotes applies in this case:
Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.
(Mahatma Gandhi)
In one sentence, your beliefs become your destiny. It’s up to you. Choose to believe you can be youthful all through life … and you will be. But do take action!
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