I’m not 70 yet, but I’m close enough to start thinking about it. And I really don’t want to think life gets boring at 70 and beyond. As long as we’re alive and kicking we want life to be interesting and productive.
We all admire those older folks that do things that are a little uncommon for their age. Think about the 90 year old that gets their college degree. Or the famous artist that didn’t start until her mid 70s. I just read about an 80 year old that still hikes up and down mountains on a daily basis. Some even have the audacity to start a business!
So What is Crazy Anyway?
While things are slowly changing, being crazy just means doing things the world doesn’t expect at your age. It is still assumed that you shouldn’t do certain things beyond some predefined age. Just tell someone you have retired. They assume you mean you have hit the stop button. No more work. No more adventure. No more purpose or productivity.
Crazy is Good
I’d like to propose that crazy is good! If you retire it just means you are moving to a new phase in life. You can do most anything you want. Yes, you may be slowing a bit physically, but you more than make up for it in wisdom. And you have seen it all before, so you can be a little eccentric, a little different, and yes, a little crazy!
Crazy is Healthy
Crazy keeps your brain sharp. Most evidence now points to a “use it or lose it” reality as we age. This is especially true for your brain health. And physically, while you can’t do the same things at 80 that you did at 20, you probably can do more than you think. You see examples every day. I have an uncle that ran marathons well into his 80s. He did admit that around 85 he did start doing more walking than running!
The World Needs Your Craziness
There are so many examples of older folks making major contributions to society. Many doctors practice until a very advanced age. I read about one Japanese doctor that still practices every day despite being over 100. Writers and artists often do some of their best work after 80. And while you can argue about politicians making contributions to society, many stay active well into their 80s. Look at Jimmy Carter and his work with Habitat for Humanity.
So How Can You Be Crazy?
You don’t have to run marathons or save the world to be a little crazy (although who knows what is possible until you try!) Here are some ideas to get you thinking.
Keep Moving
This one helps make everything else more possible. Move however you can. Walk, swim, bicycle, or run as you are able
Be the oldest walking in a marathon or start a group of older gym rats! Anybody up for softball or touch football where the only requirement is being over 70?
Learn Stuff
There are so many opportunities to learn stuff these days. Many colleges allow seniors to attend classes for free or low cost. And the Internet has near infinite possibilities.
Teach Stuff
You know a lot. Give others the benefit of that knowledge. You can teach formal classes or maybe make use of a more informal setting like a community center. You can even learn to create your own online courses.
Go Places
Go more places than you ever thought possible. Go somewhere unusual or use an alternative means of transportation. If you have always driven places try taking the train, a plane or even the bus. If you fancy foreign travel go somewhere unusual, or spend a little more time than the average tourist.
Read Voraciously
Read, read, read. It will keep you sharp and make you a more interesting person to be around. It will give you ideas and help keep your brain sharp. Read what others have done in their “older” years.
Start a Blog
Everyone has a story to tell. A blog makes it possible. And even if few people read what you write it is good for you personally.
Write Articles and Books
I cannot overemphasize how helpful writing has been to me. It can be for you too so give a try.
How will you be just a little crazy?
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