“THE IDEA IS TO DIE YOUNG AS LATE AS POSSIBLE.”

On Quora, I came across a striking image of an elderly man, probably in his 80s. He wore glasses, had tousled white hair, and confidently rode an off-road motorcycle, embodying the spirit of a competitor in the rugged world of motorcycle racing. Dressed in racing leather attire and protective boots, but without a helmet, he presented a unique picture of an older individual participating in a sport typically associated with younger people. 

The accompanying caption read, “The Idea is to Die Young as Late as Possible.” You may have seen this image; it’s both clever and thought-provoking. It caught my attention, and although I can’t reproduce it here due to copyright restrictions, it inspired me to reflect on the message it conveys. While some may struggle to understand the essence of this phrase, for those of us in our senior years, attempting to recapture the vibrancy of our 20s, it resonates deeply. It embodies the aspirations many of us have for our later years.

ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE “YOUNGNESS” 

None of us can dive into a new activity without being physically prepared. Therefore, prioritizing a progressive body conditioning program that improves stamina, strength, and balance is essential. Addressing these concerns might also require us to refine our nutrition, exercise routine, and sleep habits. Additionally, we should identify specific practices and habits that do not support our goals and work to eliminate them. Thankfully, attaining this knowledge does not require special skills or professional help; information is widely available today, unlike in our grandparents’ time.

 We must also recognize the psychological preparation needed to get us into the right mindset. Without this preparation, we run the risk of being a “ningas kugon,” or a flash in the pan—the worst enemy of our transformation. Only through persistent effort can we achieve a senior makeover. This process involves not just superficial changes but a substantial shift in our outlook, motivating us to feel youthful again. By doing so, we can extend our life expectancy and maintain the vigour of youth until the very end of our lives. 

Once we are both physically and psychologically fit, we should evaluate the activities we engage in and determine which ones can contribute to a more dynamic lifestyle. Sometimes, we might even learn from younger generations. What music do they listen to? What leisure activities do they participate in? What type of company do they keep?

Let’s examine some typical senior activities and determine how they can complement and enhance youthfulness. (Keep in mind that you should be physically and psychologically fit before participating in these activities.) 

A. Walking/Jogging: This activity can be beneficial if it is brisk enough to raise your heart rate (70-119 BPM for an 80-year-old). Walking outdoors, rain or shine, on a tree-lined trail can increase oxygen intake, making it a wise choice. Walking meditation can be practiced outdoors. Walking indoors, especially in malls or pedestrian walkways, is less favourable due to higher levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and pollutants, particularly in areas with heavy traffic. 

B. Song and Dance:  The traditional senior’s approach to this activity is old and trite. An occasional “rave” type gathering can inject a little fun into a senior’s gathering.  Traditional choirs often have predictable song selections that can be dull. Even upbeat songs from the ’60s, like those by Chubby Checker, can breathe some life into performances. Consider hiring a choir coach skilled in creating swaying movements, enabling the singers to respond to music with spirit and vitality.

Oh no! Another Hawaiian-themed dance?  How about a “Pirates of Penzance” theme instead, or “West Side Story”? Additionally, dance selections often feel repetitive. Bringing in a young DJ could spark new energy, and instead of the same line dancing routines, some old ones can be new again, like the “maski pops.” This is also true of songs.  However, some classics may lead to cognitive decline and better kept under wraps; e.g. “Strangers in the Night” or “Moon River”.  I call this a senior’s lullaby!

C. Floor Exercises:  Exercise is beneficial, though some forms are better than others. Engaging in new exercises stimulates different body parts and creates new neural pathways, which improves cognition. While Zumba has been popular for a while, it doesn’t fit the definition of a can’t-miss workout. Martial arts, notably Tai Chi or yoga, are more effective as they enhance balance, coordination, flexibility, posture, and reduce muscle tension. 

D. Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities are the most underrated among the elderly.  Fresh air and sunshine beat any indoor venue. They should be pursued year-round unless weather conditions pose health risks, such as poor air quality or lightning storms. Venues like a soccer field are excellent for stretching or low-impact callisthenics. A sunny winter day can feel just like a bright summer day. Consider accessing winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing, as they can be more enjoyable than sitting in a mall. Picnics and camping are great at any time of year, and nothing compares to a bright fall day in the forest, which is much more appealing than enduring the heat of summer on the beach. 

E. Coffee:  My favourite is a quiet nook at Chapters or Starbucks with a choice book. It depends on what you want to accomplish while having coffee. Many seniors are also getting into video games, which can help improve cognitive functions and sensory skills. There is something about breakfast meetings with like-minded groups or evening talks by invited speakers. 

I am not a fan of talks on topics like senior scams, medical challenges or funeral arrangements.  These may exacerbate hypochondria, unnecessary anxiety and sleep disturbances. Researching these topics privately is a better option for concerned seniors. Socializing over coffee is much preferred to sitting alone on the couch watching TV; a hearty laugh is good for the heart, and a strong heart contributes to a youthful spirit! 

F. Sports: Participating in sports is ideal, rather than just being a spectator. Engaged spectatorship is preferable to passive viewing. Some can enhance both physical and cognitive wellness. For seniors, golf might be a better choice than shuffleboard; it can provide a sufficient cardiovascular workout through walking, swinging, and the motivation of peer pressure. Various senior leagues exist for sports such as pickleball, swimming, and cycling. Notably, Fauja Singh, the oldest marathon runner, continued running until the age of 114 before he tragically passed away after being hit by a car ( but not while running ).

G. Travel: Personally, the excitement of travel is not what it used to be. Many seniors have homes filled with photo albums featuring pictures of tourist spots, often showing a smiling couple in the foreground. This can feel old and cliché. I know individuals who take cabs to visit multiple tourist spots in a day, asking the driver to take a picture at each location before rushing off to the next destination. This approach epitomizes a fleeting and meaningless journey. 

Here are some of the kinds of trips or experiences that last a lifetime, of which I was privileged to have had.  Dog sledding in Northern Manitoba and x-country skiing on Lake Winnisk are examples of activities that northern Canadian communities offer, providing participants with a taste of every winter activity imaginable—sleeping in an igloo, snowmobiling, winter golfing, and more. On the other hand, in Newfoundland (as in many places in Canada), you can canoe and portage from one brook to the next. Gathering wild mussels, picking squid and capelin, and fishing for sole along sandy beaches and in season, fresh lobster ( bought locally ), all cooked and consumed on the beach.

Snorkelling, clam digging or crabbing surpasses the most passive activity on a beach—sunbathing. The grandeur of a vast iceberg and whale watching, as passive as they are, still outweighs visiting a Disney-themed park. I still dream of whitewater river rafting. The only “watching” that I still look forward to is an African Safari. I could elaborate endlessly, but the point is this: if you can, a trip is more meaningful when it involves participation. Staying longer to learn local customs and indulge in local delicacies creates lasting experiences.

 ICE FISHING

PASSIVE ACTIVITIES: DO THEY ENHANCE YOUTHFULNESS?

Mental and emotional well-being are by-products of physical activities and are crucial for a balanced approach to youthful longevity. Particular pursuits specifically target our psychological well-being, as physical manifestations of anxiety and stress can hinder our ability to engage in activities that promote healthy aging. Among the tried-and-true methods for managing life’s psychological challenges are mindfulness and meditation. 

Engaging in hobbies that stimulate the mind, such as various card games, is a well-known remedy for early cognitive decline. Learning a new language or expressing oneself through writing can revive dormant academic skills. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences fosters optimism and cultivates gratitude in our daily interactions. 

Does practicing religious devotion contribute to youthfulness? Does attending church promote it? The answer is not straightforward. For instance, the recent surge in measles cases can be traced to certain denominations that do not believe in vaccination.

Some groups oppose certain recognized medical interventions, such as blood transfusions or kidney dialysis. Some proclaim impending doom every few years, while others are enamoured with martyrdom through terrorism. These are the very antithesis of youthfulness and contradict the pursuit of longevity.

On the other hand, some individuals find solace in prayer, while others rely on their faith for moral and ethical support. However, these factors do not necessarily translate into overall positive behaviours in society. Statistics often reveal uncomfortable truths. The Philippines exemplifies the disconnect between religiosity and misconduct, demonstrating issues like corruption ( 1.6 trillion in 2024), the highest teen pregnancy rates, and the highest murder rate among ASEAN countries in 2016 and 2017. 

EJK is a continuing blight as perpetrators kill with unrestrained impunity.  The latest disappearance of 34 “sabungeros” ( cockfighting enthusiasts) follows a long list of massacres, including the notorious Ampatuan case that killed 58, including 32 journalists. We have the dubious distinction of being the “murder capital of journalists,” according to the Phil. Daily Inquirer. The perpetrators of these issues often belong to the same churchgoing demographic we see on Sunday mornings. WTF!

Millennials and Gen Xers are less religious than Baby Boomers. Established congregations are predominantly composed of individuals aged 50 to 60 years old. In Canada, projections indicate that 9,000 churches may close in the next decade, with 38% of Christian adults having switched to “unaffiliated” status. The switch is only 4% in the Philippines, even as the decline in the Christian denomination (mostly Roman Catholic) from 84% to 71% is significant.  Is there any correlation between these stats and the aging process?

ISN’T AGEING AND DEATH PART OF OUR EVOLUTIONARY BIRTHRIGHT? SO, WHY ALL THIS RESISTANCE? 

Yes, but the quality of ageing is critical. This is the crux of the title: we strive to live as long as possible but hope to age in a way that allows us to feel and function like a 25-year-old, rather than a 95-year-old drooler and incontinent crank, suffering from IPED (Irrelevant Penis with Erectile Dysfunction). 

Ageing is merely a prelude to our final exit, yet we have control over how we approach this departure. Once unconstrained genes are now within the scope of medical science, promising to slow down the deterioration that often accompanies ageing. Humanity has been searching for Ponce de Leon’s “fountain of youth” throughout history. Since we first emerged from the caves and began cultivating food, our pursuit of extending life has been relentless; however, nature’s intent is for all of us to depart as quickly as possible.

Natural selection has favoured genes associated with ageing, allowing younger, potentially more adaptable individuals to survive, reproduce, and pass on traits to a new generation better suited to evolving environments. When death—a necessary mechanism for generational turnover—is delayed, new characteristics and mutations struggle to be tested within a population. This becomes problematic in rapidly changing environments where swift adaptation is crucial for survival. However, Homo sapiens is inherently a selfish species. In the deep enclaves of Silicon Valley, particularly with the ambitions of figures like Elon Musk and his xAI-Grok, the goal is to subjugate nature entirely. 

AI offers the promise of putting humanity in an “evolutionary hold,” enabling us to withstand environmental changes through both biological and technological adaptations. The caricature of a mad scientist concocting a formula for immortality is no longer seen as mere folly. IMMORTALITY has become a serious objective. I can almost hear the BS  (Bible Study) crowd chiming in: “We’ve been there before. Didn’t we have a 900-year-old Adam and Methuselah’s 969 years, or the 80-year-old Sarah giving birth to Isaac? So, what’s the concern?” 

Reality check: Seeking immortality is, in fact, counterproductive to the health and survival of our species. It represents a complete abdication of our evolutionary legacy, which could ultimately lead to our extinction. 

So, please settle down and just age gracefully!

edwingdeleon@gmail.com

Edwin de Leon, M.Ed is the author of “ Memories and Reflections”

Available on ebay.ca, item # 404956810223 or by email from the author.