Recently I heard a minister speaking about his reaction to his retirement. He questioned himself “Am I really retired?” He then asked, “At this time of life- am I too old?”

Do you find yourself saying “I am too old?” Is age your excuse for not doing things?

Edward Smith, motivational speaker, and author wrote,

“Don’t use “I am too old” for an excuse. People that were “too old” have accomplished many of the greatest achievements in the world. If you say you are “too old”, you are giving up growing and living, and it is just one more excuse for not doing something. Usually being at the point where you are “too old” means you have an incredible base of knowledge and experience and at the very least you have discovered the many ways NOT to do something. It would be a real waste not to use this for you and share it with others. You are never “too old” to be your best.”

Look at:

• Frank Stronach, the 78 year old Austrian -Canadian businessman. As the founder of Magna International in Aurora, Ontario, and Magna Entertainment Corp., he is still receiving many accolades for his contributions to technological education, technical skills training and entrepreneurship.
• Betty White, the 88 year old American actress, comedian and former game show host, was recently a guest host for TV’s Saturday Night Live. Now, 6,000 fans on Facebook have put forward the idea of her being the next host for the Academy Awards.
• Bob Crossley, author, painter, and a 93 year old friend of mine, still skis each year in Switzerland because he believes he is able, physically, mentally and emotionally.  His style and technique might not be as great as in earlier years, but this does not stop him.

It is a fact that as the body ages, there are certain changes to deal with, mostly physical. One cannot predict what will happen. It could be a knee, back, or leg problem, that prevents one from getting around as quickly as usual. A hearing deficit can affect one’s general well being. Television and audio volumes needs to be increased, and communication becomes more difficult. Cancer can strike requiring surgery, chemo or radiation or Dementia can creep up on people. So much time is taken away from lives.

Isn’t it at this point of personal demise that one would say “I’m too old.”

 But wait – why am I dwelling on the negatives.  

 A way can be found to deal with all of the above, and the challenges ahead can be met with a positive approach. We all know people like Frank, Betty and Bob – who are determined and committed to make things happen, whether it is in business, on TV, or in sports. They do not let their age, stage, or circumstances prevent them from achieving personal goals. Their enthusiasm and commitment are contagious and motivating for others.   

Again, one asks: “At what age is too old?

At what stage is too old?” Am I too old?

The answers lie within each one of us.

As Kerry, my daughter says  “Your age is only an indicator of how much wisdom you have to share with others.”

And Abraham Lincoln probably said it best;

“And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.”