On Running in my Sixties
I overheard an old runner during my days of half-marathons say jokingly: “I love running, and if I drop dead while on the road, it’s okay as long as I know I died doing what I enjoyed.”
Now that I am in my 60s, I find a grain of truth in what he said. Don’t we all hope and pray for a good quality of life as we sail into the sunset or leave the earth with a smile on our faces, staring at the moon and stars? Imagine being 90 years old, still able to cover a distance from point A to point B, alert, oriented, and enjoying the view. Whether that distance is a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or marathon, it doesn’t matter. At this age, it’s irrelevant if you walk or run at a snail’s pace. Who really cares? As I’ve come to realize, at a certain age, I become invisible to the world except to my most intimate friends and family, many of whom are now bidding farewell one by one as they sail to that place no one knows. This reminds me that, in a few years, I will follow. Won’t it be nice to follow them running or jogging? Imagine if, in that place, they are waiting for you with a big welcome party. Wouldn’t that be grand?
The grim alternative is spending the last years of my life immobile, helpless, and being kept alive for the sake of being alive.
The point I am driving at is this: life is getting shorter as I age. I don’t dream big anymore. I enjoy the little functions I can still manage independently. I can drive to the store, cook, clean, and garden. I can go to the library, browse the latest books, and read. I can still attend to my personal needs, shower, and change clothes. I even indulge in buying silver rings and chains, like a teenager. They’re cheap on Amazon, and I wear what I feel like wearing. I go to the park and start recording videos of myself. I’m loving social media and Big Tech (without being lured into their simulated virtual worlds), sharing what I know and hope can be useful to others. In 2025, I will retire—well, mostly. I’ve decided to keep a 10-hour workweek to avoid the shock of boredom or unexpected idleness. For me, retirement is simply shifting from a regular job demanded by life to doing work for the joy and self-accomplishment.
Starting next year, I’m tabling my favorite tasks: meditation, running, recording videos, snapping photos of new places, continuing my part-time job in the health field, and pursuing deferred interests like reading, writing, and learning new skills. I also plan to travel, perhaps driving outside my town or flying to nearby cities and states. But all these plans hinge on one thing: a healthy body.
Health is probably the most important asset a person can have, second only to being close to the Supreme Being if you’re spiritual like me. In my 34 years of work, I’ve seen people who made millions and became VIPs in their circles but were miserable because they couldn’t take a single step due to injury, stroke, paralysis, or mental illness. What is the value of millions if you can’t spend it on the things that bring you joy? My fellow seniors, maintaining good health should top our retirement priorities.
Each of us has a personal list of what constitutes retirement. It’s individualized. One might want to spend time with grandkids; another might continue working for pleasure, money, or prestige. Someone else might finally attend to long-neglected hobbies or shift to a less stressful career. Others may want to travel, volunteer, or simply enjoy solitude. The key is having decent health to pursue these goals.
Mobility and activity are crucial. Each of us has our preferred forms of movement—walking, running, swimming, biking, weightlifting, yoga, or gardening. Some might enjoy mountain climbing or fishing; others may spend their days babysitting grandchildren or woodworking in a shed. The point is that any activity—whether a hobby, exercise, or something that gives a sense of accomplishment—helps maintain health.
For me, my favorite activities are low-key, and some may find them boring:
Meditation/Journaling
I start my day with coffee, quietly contemplating the previous day and planning the current one. This clears my thoughts and revitalizes my mind. Journaling helps me organize my thoughts and tame my sometimes restless brain.
Exercise
As I enter my 60s, exercise is vital for combating illnesses like obesity, high blood pressure, and arthritis. It’s an essential complement to medication and helps me maintain my independence.
Mindfulness
This practice keeps me focused on the present. I often find myself dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, neglecting what’s happening now. Mindfulness reminds me to stay grounded.
Virtual Reality
While I enjoy social media and creating content for reels, I limit my online engagement to an hour or two daily. I balance this with real-world activities like reading, writing, and other hobbies.
Mental Exercises
I prioritize simplicity, peace, and calmness. While I enjoy learning new skills and honing old ones, I avoid overstimulation and distractions. Sometimes, a quiet day at home with a good book is all I need.
But running remains my most beloved activity. If I can no longer run, I’ll jog. If jogging becomes too hard, I’ll brisk walk. If walking is difficult, I’ll use a wheelchair. I accept the realities of aging and cherish the beauty and variety the world offers. My history and past experiences are treasures worth remembering. That’s why I capture moments through videos and images. These are the gifts I’ll carry with me as I sail into the golden horizon of a beautiful sunset.