Recently, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: people using their age as an excuse to limit themselves. Phrases like “I’m too old for this” or “At my age, it’s too late to start” have become all too common.
Age has become a barrier, dictating when we should marry, have children, or pursue new endeavors. Alarmingly, some Japanese high school student girls even believe that life is “over” after graduation. OMG !!!
Today, I want to share a story that shatters these age-related stereotypes. It’s about Barry, an 80-year-old man who embodies the belief that age is just a number. Barry is a history professor at a college in Saipan. During his summer break, he came to Chiang Mai and stumbled upon our Muay Thai gym, where he began training several times a week.
Barry’s physique is remarkable - far from what you’d expect of an 80-year-old. He’s maintained his strength through daily swimming and weight training, and he’s no stranger to martial arts, having practiced Karate and Iaido during his time in Japan. Back in Saipan, he even trains at an MMA gym. His punches are powerful, showing no signs of the frailty often associated with old age.
But what truly sets Barry apart is his youthful spirit. Every time he came to the gym, he was eager to learn. He would say things like, “I’m not hitting the left hook well; I need to work on that today,” or “How can I make my one-two punch faster?”
His eyes would light up like a child’s when he achieved his goals, saying,
“Thank you! I made some progress today!”
Barry’s words resonate deeply:
“I don’t have much time, you know what I mean? So, every single second is precious and valuable to me. I won’t waste a single moment.”
His perspective made me reflect on whether I, too, could maintain such a strong desire for self-improvement at 80.
Barry’s desire to inspire others is evident:
“I want to tell my students and many young people to never give up, to keep moving forward, and to persist in their efforts. And I aspire to be a role model, showing them that even at the age of 80, it is possible.”
His story reminded me of a famous saying by Sato Issai, a prominent Japanese Confucian scholar:
“If you study when young, you will achieve in adulthood. If you continue to learn in adulthood, you will not decline in old age. If you keep learning in old age, your spirit will not decay even after death.”
These words underscore the value of lifelong learning, regardless of age.
Everyone is destined to be born and, eventually, to die. As we age, many of us struggle with declining abilities, often giving up on learning and self-improvement. But the true meaning of life, I believe, lies in continually bettering oneself and using that knowledge to contribute to society, no matter how old we are. Barry’s example reinforced this belief.
Issai Sato himself wrote, “I am now 80 years old, yet my hearing and vision have not severely deteriorated. How fortunate I am! As long as I have one breath, I should not cease my studies.”
This dedication to learning reminded me of my parents, who, at 68, enrolled in a university in the United States. At the time, I questioned their decision - what could they possibly want to study at that age? But now, I see their insatiable curiosity and drive for self-improvement as truly admirable. My mother, now a vibrant 86, always says, “Knowledge and experience are never a burden in life.”
People begin to wither when they stop learning, even if they are still young. But as long as we continue to learn, we can keep growing, no matter our age. Learning is the key to fully savoring life.
Barry, the super grandpa from Saipan, sees age as nothing more than a number. His playful spirit and determination make him an eternal hero in our eyes. And to him, we are all just babies --- we have so much potential and so many possibilities ahead of us. So, let’s say goodbye to using age as an excuse and start living in the present.
Let’s make the most of our limited time on this earth and savor every moment!
We look forward to welcoming you at The Camp!
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