I watched a tennis exhibition match recently as four young former circuit professionals played mixed doubles. They ranged in age from 24 to 34. They hit the ball so hard and their serves were so fast that it was impossible to imagine returning the ball. The level of the game was a quantum leap above any game I could ever play.
US versus China at Longwood Cricket Club in 1970s. How many are still out there playing the game today?
Tennis, golf, skiing, pickleball, swimming, whatever the sport, as we mature, the level of the sports at which we play diminishes. And how we handle this varies across the spectrum. I spoke to a 76-year old tennis player who still plays competitively in senior tournaments around the globe.
When he was in his 20s and 30s, he was ranked nationally, in fact, ranked #3 in the United States. When I asked him how he still gets out there in spite of various “worn out joints” and less speed, he said that he “keeps playing at the best level he can for his age.” That is a terrific attitude but men, in particular, have a hard time letting go of their prowess as athletes. They are quick to tell you about their earlier wins and athletic achievements. The typical tale of “You should have seen me back then” can be tiring to hear.
Not able to reach that high anymore!
That does not seem to be the case with women athletes. Women athletes take their maturing game in stride and play as well as they can with what they have. No question, I am not able to race around the court like the “energizer bunny”, and I cannot hit the ball as hard as I used to. And I cannot play a level at which the new younger members play, but I have decided that I will keep playing as long as I can because I enjoy the exercise and getting out there.
In a recent interview, Linda Fried, Dean of Columbia University’s School of Public Health, stated that many of the physical complaints and aliments of aging can be prevented. And it is by remaining physically active. She states that physical activity is vital and that “Exercise is the closest thing we’ve found to a magic pill for combating the effects of aging. “
Sports and being physically active has been an important part of my life. But Lucy reminded me that playing sports means even more to me than the average person. With my illness this past year, even as sick and weak as I was, I played tennis and paddle and skied. I played tennis with a feeding tube in my stomach (very tricky trying to serve and not have the tube pull out).
My great teammates still enjoy moving and playing and being competitive
In thinking about this, I realize that in playing tennis or being engaged in some athletic activity, I felt “normal” and not sick. The physical act of running around on the court and playing to win helped me forget the illness. Being competitive is just as important as playing for me. Sports give me the opportunity to express my competitive nature. I am forever grateful to my fellow teammates and athletes who were understanding and kind and put up with my fatigue and periodic “time outs” on the court during the long road to recovery.
Not only does playing sports keep us healthier both physically and mentally, it fosters great friendships. I played doubles this week with women I have known for over 40 years and we still enjoy playing against and with each other. It is great to have this kind of shared interest(trust me, we are still competitive and try to win). The message for us is that we should “keep on trucking” and appreciate whatever we can do as a privilege as is the day itself.
Let’s keep in shape and look as good as we can look. As we mature, we need to pay particular attention to our changing physique. Let’s embrace our grown-up bodies and forget trying to look like a thirty-year old. One area that we need to keep an eye on is our hair which can thin and fade. There are tricks to keep it healthy and shiny. Lucy found an article that describes how to keep colored treated hair from dulling particularly in the summer:
https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-keep-hair-color-from-fading-pro-colorist-guide-tips?utm_source
Keep moving and keep looking good!
Ciao
Lucy and Claudia