When I Grow Up
Rita Moreno (91), Jane Fonda (85), Sally Field (76), and Lily Tomlin (83) “80 for Brady” movie
Most people feel younger or older than they really are – and this 'subjective age' has a big effect on their
physical and mental health.
Dave Robson, 2018
Scientists are increasingly interested in this effect. They are finding that your ‘subjective age’ may be essential for understanding the reasons that some people appear to flourish as they age – while others fade.
Feeling younger than your years also seems to come with a lower risk of depression and greater mental wellbeing as we age. It also means better physical health, including decreasing your risk of dementia, and a lessened chance that you will be hospitalized for illness.
I’ve always appreciated the wonders and musings of the imagination which could be why I have worked with children my entire life. I was Queen Babysitter on my block, a nanny through college, and worked for the YMCA as a camp counselor beginning at the age of 12; (it was the 1970’s and laws of childcare - including camps- hadn’t quite kicked in yet … ).
I think one of the main reasons why I love working with children is a simple one, “I love to play!” Children communicate all their feelings through play. As I age, this concept of play has remained a constant within me. I simply don’t want to stop moving my body, my mind and my spirit, communicating my feelings.
As I near the end of my formal career as a school teacher, I have come to the conclusion that there is still a bigger purpose that I am seeking. Oh sure, I’ll still keep my feet wet with substitute teaching in the school district a few days a week, and I LOVE my Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction-Teens (MBSR-T workshops), but I still feel there is a larger meaningful Lego-like piece that I’m about to put into place. What does it look like? I’m not quite sure, but here is what I know:
I LOVE attending the Senior’s exercise and Yoga classes in the FITNESSWORKS gym in Morro Bay near my mom’s house.
I LOVE hiking with young children, ‘Tweens and Teens anywhere! (Their wisdom is beyond many adults I know)
I LOVE attending the last hour of an Ironman Triathlon competition to watch and celebrate the athletes of all body sizes and ages crossing the finish line after competing for 17 hours.
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
There is a new movie coming out called 80 for Brady, and, of course, I LOVE IT!
It’s inspired by the true story of four octogenarians whose devotion to each other is only matched by their devotion to NFL quarterback, Tom Brady.
When you are living your subjective age, more of life is an adventure, which is an aspect of this film. But "80 for Brady" isn't just about these characters proving to themselves that they value their friendships and are still open to adventure. Indeed, it's the support they give each other, and the idea that they have nothing left to lose that makes them more willing to take risks than those who are two generations younger.
I find this category of bravery in a woman in my yoga class named Jane. She is retired and travels around the world skiing, practicing yoga and enjoying her family, especially her grandchildren. She throws herself into life. I love this!
When I was going through my Cancer Adventure, as I like to call it, I remember awakening from a deep sleep with a dream freshly resting in my mind; 92 candles. I had 92 candles on my birthday cake. After that dream, I didn’t worry about cancer anymore.
When I visit my mom in her central coast town and attend those senior gentle yoga or body pump exercise classes, the average age of the participants and instructors are 55+ years of age! They’re rockin’ it! They’re holding strong and sweating hard. They support and encourage one another. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of.
When I grow up, I want to be a participant and instructor for senior exercise and yoga classes. When I grow up, I want to act like Rita Moreno - dancing and talking about my sex life. (Mom, if you’re reading this, sorry if I embarrassed you … )
What do you want to be when you grow up?
The adventure is what you make it, no matter your age.
