‘How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?’

The phrase "How old would you be if you didn’t know your age?" caught my attention in a magazine last week. It struck me as one of the most profound thoughts ever expressed, though it wasn’t credited to anyone. After taking a second look, I decided to ponder over it.

Most individuals instinctively act and conform to the behaviors typically associated with their age. We frequently hear comments like, "That 'wan' should act his age" or "There he is... going around as if he’s still young." However, I believe it’s natural to desire the vitality and freshness that comes with youth. A few years ago, I opted for a metabolic age assessment test.

While I’m not eager to boast about the disparity between my metabolic and chronological ages, I did dispose of the results in the trunk of my car, just in case.

In general, our actions are significantly shaped by the knowledge others possess about our age. Yet, there are instances that defy this rule. My Aunt Betty approached 100 years old before she passed away. Unlike most women of her generation who wore subdued colors as they aged, Aunt Betty continued to dress in vibrant hues until her final days.

She maintained her youthful appearance by dressing in pinks, bright blues, and various sparkles until the very end. I firmly believe that her confidence in not knowing her age contributed to her longevity. The advice "Act your age" is often given to people from nine to ninety or even older, but I argue that it’s the worst advice we’ve ever received.

Imagine a scenario where you didn’t know your age, nor did anyone else. How would you behave? How would you know when it’s time to "act your age" and engage in activities such as bridge, rug-making, bingo, pottery, or painting? If you were unaware of your age, would you stop playing tennis, jiving, or throwing snowballs? Another common remark people make is, "You don’t look your age."

Without knowing your age, how could others determine how you should appear? If you didn’t know your own age, would you continue to seek new experiences and remain optimistic? Would cynicism be entirely eradicated, making room for more laughter, fun, and adventure? Wouldn’t we be more inclined to embrace new opportunities and give them a try?

The article highlights several remarkable individuals who defy age norms. Dale Sandes, 91, is currently hiking the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail, traversing 14 states in America. At 82, just a month shy of my birthday, I planned to embark on the final leg of my Camino pilgrimage in September. Therefore, let us disregard our ages, count our blessings instead of our years, and chase our dreams rather than dates.

Let us savor the joyous moments of life, just as Caroline Ruth Weden did when she published her first book at the age of 102! Swedish shooter Oscar Swan achieved Olympic gold at 64 and silver at 72. Finally, here's a cautionary tale for the girls against the dangers of complacency. Australian Lee Colley became a father again at the age of 92 – he evidently wasn’t paying attention when they advised him to "act his age" or perhaps he was simply one of the fortunate few who didn’t know his age.