Cont.

The Day I Turned 80.

I Suddenly Got Old

By Larry Hayes

Turning 80 was not a big deal to me but my longtime tennis friend (78) thought otherwise and started kidding me about my age. In jest, of course.

 

So, is 80 old? Yeah, “it’s up there.” But how old depends on many things. Your lifestyle. Your physical activity. Your attitude and your DNA, although DNA accounts for only 20% or less toward longevity. Because your parents or grandparents lived into their 90s doesn’t mean that you will.


What Counts?

Exercise for one thing. What you’ve heard a thousand times is true. Doctors and health gurus have been preaching the benefits of exercise for years because it works.

 

I don’t consider myself an exercise fanatic but believe my playing USTA tennis for the past 40 years has helped keep me healthy and active.

 

Equally important to physical exercise is your lifestyle. I’m not a health nut either but do watch what I eat and drink, though I love In-N-Out protein burgers, my favorite fast food.

 

Having a positive attitude helps, too. I believe the glass is “half-full” and that people are basically good and kind.

 

One of my idols is Dr. Walter M. Bortz, 93. He’s an expert in wellness and longevity, ran marathons in his late 80’s and wrote nine books including my favorite “Dare To Be 100.” When I asked what keeps him going, he replied


“Make Yourself Useful”

Look yourself in the mirror and ask, “Am I Still Necessary? If the answer is yes, then life goes on and worth living.

 

As many of you may know, I write and publish a digital monthly publication for boomers and seniors named The Scoop. After I turned 80, my financial advisor asked:


Why do you do it? It’s hard work.”


“You’re not getting any younger and you’re not getting rich.”


It ain’t about the money. That’s for sure. Publishing and writing has been a labor of love of mine for the past 20 years. My readers are the major reason “why I do it.” Their feedback keeps me going.


ActiveOver50 is always so well done, an interesting read and a wealth of information.”


“I so enjoyed this issue and found the articles very illuminating. I especially enjoyed the "Trip to Santa Barbara" since that city is so important to me. Thanks for continuing with this labor of love!” 


I wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you that I'm loving your online "The Scoop!" publication. You've done a great job with that.”

As captain/player--our Sunnyvale 65 7.0 team went to the Nationals in 2021 in Surprise, AZ. The 6.0 team I was on came in third in the Nation.

Besides tennis, I enjoy lawn bowling with my wife at the Santa Clara Lawn Bowl Club in Santa Clara, CA.

How much longer can I play tennis?

Good question that only time will tell. I’m mortal and grateful every day that I’m able to play competitive tennis two to three days a week and lawn bowl with my wife on weekends. As an octogenarian (hate the word), “lifespan" statistics are not in my favor. I should have kicked the bucket at age 79 which is the life expectancy for someone my age.

 

The good news is that many 80-year-olds are living longer, healthier and leading meaningful lives. Several players on my tennis teams are 80+. Many

in their late 70’s. Some still working.

 

Having “purpose” is what helps keep me going. It’s a myth that older adults are frail, feeble and useless. What people are doing in their 80s is amazing. Many are active, healthy and living meaningful lives thanks to modern medicine and technology.


While most of us can expect to live to around 80, some people defy expectations and live to be over 100. It’s not all “doom and gloom.”


In America, the number of 80-year old’s is projected to grow faster than those under 18 for the next 40 years. The truth is that I seldom think about being “old” even though age is important but it doesn’t necessarily define what I can or cannot do.


Thank God, the definition of aging is changing and it's time to delete the words “old and elderly” from our vocabulary.


My motto? Continue to do what you love as long as you can and make yourself useful.


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