Joy isn't determined by age. (thebigland / Shutterstock.com)
"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
Baseball legend Satchel Paige posed this thought-provoking question, which looks at age as a matter of attitude and not years. These seven videos feature older folks who have mastered the art of aging with grace. Rather than being held back by their age and physical condition, they embrace who they are and revel in all of their wonderful gifts. It doesn’t matter how old you are, there is always more to learn – watch these videos and gain some fun-loving wisdom from your elders.
1. FALLING IN LOVE AT ANY AGE
Dana Jackson has always wanted a dream wedding. At 100 years-old her wish came true, when she tied the knot with 87-year-old Bill Strauss. The couple went all out, with a bachelorette party (garter included!) and Jackson donning a full length wedding dress. Their romantic story shows the timelessness of love and romance, giving us butterflies in our stomachs.
2. LIVING YOUR PASSION AT ANY AGE
At 94 years-old Hy Snell is a bubbly, talented and humorous man with a passion. Painting is his lifeline and, despite his steadily declining eyesight, he approaches each piece of art as the best thing he’s ever going to make. Anyone can take a cue from Hy on how to age gracefully - as he so beautifully puts it, “Age isn’t important, it’s what you’re doing at that age that’s important.”
3. UNLOCKING YOUR POTENTIAL AT ANY AGE
John Glenn went into space again at the age of 77, while Henry Jay Heimleich created his lifesaving maneuver at the age of 54. The number of years on this planet does not take away our ability to create, explore and achieve. As people grow and evolve each day, so do their passions and interests, resulting in a lifelong path of unlocking your potential.
4. LETTING LOOSE AT ANY AGE
Don’t judge a book by its cover after watching this grandpa dancing machine. The groove can hit you at any time, and for the next 45 seconds you’ll see this man redefine what it means to dance, proving that age has nothing to do with shaking what you got.
5. FUN AT ANY AGE
Waiting for their turn for a physical at the Mayo Clinic, husband and wife Marlow and Frances Cowan spotted a piano. The long-time married couple started to pump out a lively tune on the ivory keys, adding in some of their very own theatrical touches which proved to be quite a crowd pleaser – bringing in an air of frivolity and joy to the staff and patients at the clinic.
6. STRONG AT ANY AGE
Meet Tao Porchon-Lynch; at 93 years-old she was listed as the Guinness World Records' oldest yoga teacher. The devoted yogi, now 96 years-old, still instructs yoga and is dedicated to practicing and spreading awareness of its benefits. Porchon-Lynch is a living embodiment of the positive effects of yoga, and a beautiful example showing that passion and vitality can flourish at any age.
7. PLAYING AT ANY AGE
At 102 years-old, Ida Pieracci makes her rounds at the San Jose Country Club where she holds the record of 11 - holes in one. The San Jose native’s secret to living a long and happy life is summed up with the words “being a good kid,” which she matches with a hearty chuckle.
