Do you want to live to be 100 years old?

Do you want to live to be 100 years old? Of course, although it does depend on the quality of life I still have. This is the answer that I hear most of the time. Why is that? 

Many people have a purpose in life; a drive, a passion, something that they enjoy doing and this is what makes life worth living for them. Given the choice most people want a purpose and they want to be self-dependent – able to look after themselves. 

In professional sport there is a big problem with athletes who, when retired, often struggle with depression because they really miss doing what they loved doing – their purpose. This can be worse for those whose careers are cut short due to injury. As a keen rugby player I know that if someone gave me a magic pill that would allow me to keep playing rugby into my 70’s, I would probably take it! 

The problem is that we tend to be more ‘reactive’ than ‘proactive’ in the decisions we make associated with our health. “It’s not too bad” is a phrase that I  often hear. Wouldn’t it be great if it was normal for people to say, “I feel great!” For this to happen it is really important that we remain as active as possible and don’t just accept and settle for aches and pains that we think are due to arthritis or wear and tear.

I think this guy would like to live to 100!

When was the last time you felt your best and why isn’t it now? For inspiration check out this 90 year old body builder’s TED Talk.