Growing older is mandatory. Growing old? Well, we'll see!
This is the second time recently I've felt compelled to write about ageing well. Which probably tells me something.
Clearly, it's becoming a pretty important subject to me!
Perhaps it's because I'm now well and truly into my sixties, and increasingly conscious of just how much I want to squeeze out of the years ahead.
Not that I've suddenly discovered the benefits of looking after myself. Quite the contrary.
I've always liked to keep moving, eat well, challenge myself, learn new things, and surround myself with interesting people. Sitting still and watching life pass me by has never appealed to me.
And I don't intend to start now!
Mind you, longevity certainly runs in our family. My mum turns 100 in January 2027, and her big sister is already 101! Here they are together.
My mum (almost 100) pictured left, and her big sister (101). Almost 201 years of life between them! ❤️
So there's every possibility I've got quite a few years ahead of me yet. And I'd very much like to be in good shape to enjoy them!
But seriously, seeing people you love reach these extraordinary ages does make you think.
Because there's a difference between living a long life and living well for a long time.
I came across an article this morning about people who reach their 80s still fit, sharp, strong and independent.
And apparently, there's no great secret.
They move their bodies. They do some strength training and stay flexible. Eat predominantly whole foods. Maintain friendships. Keep their minds curious. Get enough sleep. And have something to look forward to.
Nothing particularly earth shattering, is it?
As I read through the list, I realised these are things I've been doing for years. Not because I've been following some grand longevity plan, but because that's how I enjoy living.
I like feeling strong. I like being active. I love good food, good company and a stimulating conversation. I enjoy having projects on the go, places to explore and something new to get excited about.
And heaven knows, I'm rarely short of something to do!
But as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate why these things matter.
Once, exercise might have been about fitting into a smaller pair of jeans. These days, I'm thinking more about being able to haul my own suitcase around, walk for kilometres exploring somewhere wonderful, climb a flight of stairs without puffing, and get down on the floor without needing a rescue team to get me back up!
Don't get me wrong. I'd still like the jeans to fit!
But increasingly, it's about something much bigger.
Freedom. Independence. Choices.
The freedom to say yes to an adventure. The independence to keep doing the things I love. And the choice to live life on my own terms for as long as possible.
Of course, life doesn't come with guarantees. I know that better than most. We can do everything right and still have a few curveballs thrown our way.
But that's all the more reason to make the most of what we have, while we have it.
And perhaps that's what I'd most like to share with anyone reading this.
You don't need to become a marathon runner, overhaul your entire diet or suddenly develop a passion for the gym.
Start with something you enjoy. Go for a walk. Pick up a few weights. Make plans with friends. Learn something new. Book that holiday you've been talking about for years.
Find things that make you want to get out of bed in the morning.
And keep doing them.
A little strength. A little movement. Good food, good company, plenty of laughter and a healthy dose of curiosity about what might be around the next corner.
And perhaps the occasional glass of red or a bottle of bubbles shared with a friend. I'm aiming for longevity, not sainthood! 🍷😂
Because the more I think about it, the less interested I am in simply living longer. I want to keep living WELL for as long as I possibly can.
I'm not planning to slow down just because the candles on my birthday cake are multiplying.
In fact, I've got far too many places to see, people to meet and things to experience.
And if I'm fortunate enough to reach my mum's age, I'd like to think I'll still have something exciting pencilled into the calendar!
Anyone else finding that the older they get, the more determined they are to stay fit, curious and independent? Or am I the only one already contemplating adventures for my 90th birthday? 😂
