I may be 65, but my wife is still hopeful that I will grow up some day. That said, after 43 years together, she knows she‘ll have to be patient! I don’t take myself too seriously and my inner child needs to be let out every so often – I love telling silly stories and doing silly things with my friends, children and grandchildren.

I’m not sure where the idea of growing old disgracefully originated, but it definitely doesn’t mean bringing the family name into disrepute. Instead, it’s about enjoying life, being a little eccentric from time to time and continuing to do the things you love, even if they no longer seem age appropriate. In my case, these include an occasional night out with the boys, motorcycles and speed. Speaking of motorcycles, many of my senior biker friends have perfected the concept of being delightfully disgraceful. Take Old Eric, for example. Known as the Wrinkly Rider, he’s a legend at 85 on a custom Harley with a loud pipe!

The way I see it, the quest to grow old disgracefully begins in the mind. Last year at the age of 88, and about to commence shooting his new movie, The Mule, Clint Eastwood was asked how he’s kept up his energy and passion. His response: “I get up every morning, go outside and don’t let the old man in.”

Someone else who’s maintained a youthful attitude in later life is one of my favourite musicians, Leonard Cohen. After releasing of one of his most successful albums, Songs from the Road, in 2010 aged 76, he went on a world tour for 12 months!

Finally, I’d like to leave you with the words of Robert Sean Leonard’s character, Neil Perry, when he quotes Henry David Thoreau in Robin Williams’ Dead Poets Society, “I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life. To put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I had come to die, discover that I had not lived.” Wonderful advice, isn’t it?

Age shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying life and trying new things. And we subscribe to this philosophy at Evergreen by encouraging active aging in vibrant communities of healthy, happy retirees. Many of our residents have lived inspiring lives and continue to take on new experiences and challenges.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Evergreen and our Partnership for Life promise, please call Sharon on 087 808 7000 or email us at info@evergreenlifestyle.co.za.