What does it mean to have vitality throughout one’s life? How can it be done? I remember reading a story in 2011 about this 93-year-old yoga enthusiast and ballroom dance competitor, Tao Porchon-Lynch, who does more physical activities than most teenagers. Then there’s Lew Hollander, at age 80, competed in the Ford Ironman World Championships at Kona, Hawaii. Or how about 92-year-old Olga Kotelko who holds more than 20 world records in track and field.
Each of the above athletes are still able to compete at high levels despite their respective ages. Outside of athletics there is 102-year-old Margaret Dunning who changes the spark plugs and oil every 3,000 miles on her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster (which she’s owned for 63 years). Last year a news report was done on 91-year-old Morris Wilkinson, who has worked the last 64 years as a mailman in Alabama. Prior to that, Morris served for 6 years in the U.S. Marines during WWII.
There are many examples of seniors doing things beyond their years. Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as “Grandma Moses”, started her painting
career in her late 70’s (after being forced into retirement due to her advanced age). For the next 25 years her work would be showcased the world over. She met world leaders and was celebrated in LIFE Magazine. Her folk art is still seen to this day in greeting cards as well as calendars. At the age of 88, Mademoiselle Magazine named her a “Young Woman of the Year” due to her inspiration and vitality. She lived until the age of 101, passing away on December 13, 1961. In 1969, the U.S. Postage Service issued a commemorative stamp in her honor.
Dr. Michael Mant
ell wrote an excellent article for the San Diego Magazine in 2011 that describes what matters most in active aging. You can read it here: Active Aging: What Matters Most
In his article he describes how attitude plays an important role in how we age throughout our life. As you have read from the examples above, in each case, the seniors kept focused on a passion and purpose. They did things that mattered. Whether it was competing, painting, working, or taking care of a special car, they did it with a sense of purpose. I would surmise they also lived a healthier life than most people too. Having activities that got them out of the house and around other people was important. In every case, most of the people they were around were much younger.
86-year-old Dick Van Dyke recently married his 40-year-old makeup artist. On an episode of The Doctors TV, he showcased his vitality by doing dancing and physical movements that astounded the audience and the doctors. When asked of how he was able to stay young, he responded, “I like to have young friends.”
I like Dr. Mantell’s suggestion that keeping a forward thinking attitude, including having challenging goals is important. Surrounding yourself with youthful people is also a key. Why would you go play BINGO, when you could go hiking or more. And who says you can’t do what 20-year-olds do? Heck, I sure don’t and recently broke my personal record of pull-up by doing 57 non-stop. Don’t tell me to slow down or even think of retiring. And that’s is part of the right attitude one has to have.
So, let me offer these suggestions so that you can have lifelong vitality:
- Keep physically active through exercise as well as eat healthy.
- Have purpose in your life. Do something that matters for you and for others.
- Keep setting goals based on your purpose.
- Have a attitude of living fully. Enjoy each moment. Keep looking at the possibilities that life has to offer and keep grabbing it. I like to say it this way, “Be like a child all your life.”
- Learn to forgive. Forgiveness is in essence a gift that you give to yourself as well as others. Hatred is a weight and hurts only you and those closest to you. Maintain a life of gratitude instead.
- Associate with younger people. They will keep you going as you keep them going.
- Have a sense of empathy for others.
You can live a full and vital life your whole life. You simply have to want to go after life itself. It’s up to you to do so.
Bob