While we’ve all heard clichés similar to this, renowned actress Sophia Loren, now 84, probably said it more eloquently, even giving us insights as to how to obtain this state of being. “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love,” she said. “When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
Every single day, people are shattering the barriers that hold us back as we age. Just this past year, California runner Katherine Beiers finished the Boston Marathon. She was 85 years old. The late astronaut, John Glenn spent nine days in outer space at the age of 77. And, the late former president, George H.W. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by diving from a plane. Both his 75th and 80th birthdays were celebrated the same way.
Although traveling into space or jumping out of an airplane might be a bit extreme for most of us, there are unlimited activities to keep that youthful vigor. Here are a few ideas, some of them admittedly a bit off the wall, to get your mind moving.
- Join a club or, better yet, start one.
- Take up a new hobby. On the tame side, try something like writing, beekeeping or fishing. Looking for something different? How about extreme ironing (yes, that’s really a thing), competitive duck herding or tree shaping?
- ‘Dance Like Nobody’s Watching.’ Ballroom dancing, line dancing, belly dancing or, for the very adventurous, pole dancing can all be fun and provide loads of exercise. (Fun fact: At 73, Dai Dali is China’s oldest pole dancer. She began this strenuous hobby at the age of 65).
- Go back to school. Get a degree. Just learn something new.
- Travel to somewhere exotic. A place you’ve always wanted to go but have never been.
- Volunteer to do something that’s completely out of the ordinary for you. Take up public speaking, work with animals at a zoo or rehabilitation center or tutor at a local school.
- Write a novel and publish it.
- Try a new sport. Running, paddle boarding, fencing, golfing and hiking are just a few to consider.
- Sign up for a run or walk and then train for it. Who knows? The Boston Marathon might be in your future after all.
- Become an entrepreneur. Are you good at creating great photographs, baking delicious cakes or staging homes for sell? Your talents could pay off.
- Get politically involved. Run for office.
If these ideas don’t pique your interests, consider your passion, do some research and begin your own journey to a more youthful existence. Remember, you really are only as old as you feel.
