Day 366
How do you picture yourself at 90 years old? Most of us think that at the ripe age of 90, you don't have much energy, you sit around all day and live in an old folks home, waiting to die. It doesn't have to be that way. It's often a question of choice.
And it is not the choice that Hugh McColl made. After retiring, at the age of 75, this Edmonton resident decided to take up boxing. He fell in love with the sport and has been practicing it ever since. Last year, he celebrated his 90th birthday by putting on his gloves and stepping into the ring.
Hugh McColl attributes his longevity to the practice of the sport, stating that it not only keeps him healthy physically, but it also allows him to remain sharp mentally.
The truth is, the image people have of old age influences their behaviour. Who says you can't be in the best shape of your life later on, at the age of 50, 60, 70 or even 80. Who says that everybody physically peaks at 25 years old? There is no age to start making the right choices.
At 50 years old, my friend Gianni started going to the gym regularly and making exercise a part of his life. Four years later, he is in the best shape he has ever been! I can vow for it, I've known him for 15 years. The father of my friend Christina, John, who had a heart attack last year, recently told me that he hasn't felt this healthy and in shape in years. After his heart attack, he started exercising. He works out 3 to 4 times a week, despite the fact that he went through heart surgery and has a pacemaker.
The process of ageing cannot be avoided. It is a natural part of life. However, keeping a positive attitude and making the right choices, no matter your age, can make you live longer and happier. In he end, it always comes down to having a vision, a goal, and working towards achieving it, at 90 as well as at 20.
Here is a link to a report that was done on Hugh McColl in the Edmonton Sun. The video is worth watching: http://www.edmontonsun.com/2011/05/18/90yearold-boxer-still-going-strong
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