A few days ago two separate events highlighting the triumph of attitude over age. Each brought a smile to my face. One was pure fiction, the other real life.
First the fiction: My wife and I rented the DVD “Last Vegas.” The premise of the movie was that three late-sixty-something friends, played by Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline and Morgan Freeman, want to throw their other long-time single friend, played by Michael Douglas, a bachelor party in Las Vegas.
Rife with backstories about aging, grief, lost loves and medical baggage, the movie had a sweet charm. Without revealing the plot, the oldsters proved they could still “…party like it’s 1959…” once they set their minds to living life to its fullest. It prompted me to think what the cast of “Hangover” might try when they go on Medicare.
Beyond having a wild time, each was transformed by their experiences. Each became a stronger, more authentic version of their truest self.
The second event is true: One of my nicest clients, a woman named Sandy, whom I have been training for 15 years, showed me the championship trophy she won with her partner in mixed doubles paddle tennis at a prestigious multi-club tournament. Sandy remarked that at 65 she was the oldest player in the event. Being a gracious woman, she attributed winning the championship to a great partner. Though her partner may have been great, mixed doubles requires the partners to play as a team. As in lawn tennis, a popular strategy in paddle tennis is to split up the partners and pound the ball at the woman, presumable the weaker link.
After detailing the games and sets played, it was obvious that those opponents foolish enough to attempt this strategy were beaten. They learned Sandy has cat like reflexes from her lateral agility drills, great strength from an exercise program which includes doing 30 regular push-ups balancing on a Pilates foam roller and antelope-like endurance from the cardio training she does on a regular basis.
Beyond providing terrific athletic conditioning, Sandy’s training has transformed her into a tournament champion. She became a more authentic version of her truest self.
Strength and cardio training have many benefits other than functional fitness, weight management and helping to maintain a nice figure or physique. They help turn back the clock.
What have you done recently to allow your conditioning, skill and desire to triumph over your age?
Joe! Love Sandy’s story! Thanks for sharing.. Back in hot yoga studio as the oldest babe in the mix…Trying to hang on to “health is wealth”…These 20 and 30 yr olds will keep me challenged to 60!lol…Happy Spring!
Hi DonnaLyn,
AS a fellow Boomer, I know we are like fine wines…getting better with age!