I recently turned 61 years old, and for the first time in my life, the thought of being an old man has crept into my mind. I don't like that thought.
Then I heard a quote from Clint Eastwood, who was 93 at the time of this writing, that resonated with the way I think. Clint was asked by Toby Keith, a country singer, about his secret to staying active and vibrant at his age.
"Every day when I wake up, I don't let the old man in. My secret has been the same since 1959: staying busy. I never let the old man into the house. I've had to drag him out because he was already comfortably settled, bothering me all the time, leaving no space for anything other than nostalgia. You have to stay active, alive, happy, strong, and capable. It's in us, in our intelligence, attitude, and mentality. We are young, regardless of our ID. We must learn to fight to not let the old man in.
That old man awaits us, stationed and tired by the side of the road to discourage us. I don't let the old, critical, hostile, envious spirit in—the one that scrutinizes our past to tie us up with complaints and distant anxieties or relived traumas and waves of pain.
You have to turn your back on the old murmurer, full of rage and complaints, lacking courage, denying himself that old age can be creative, determined, and full of light and projection.
Aging can be pleasant and even fun if you know how to use your time, if you're satisfied with what you've achieved, and if you still maintain enthusiasm."
Note Clint Eastwood has won four Oscars—all after turning sixty. He lives by "not letting the old man into the house."
These words resonated so profoundly with country singer Toby Keith that they inspired him to compose the song "Don't Let the Old Man In" dedicated to the legendary actor.
Ironically, Toby Keith just recently died at a young age and did not get a chance to follow Clint’s advice. These types of early deaths really make you realize that life is short and living like Clint lives is more important than ever because you never know how much time you have left.
I have always been very active, but I recently kicked it up a notch to try to live like Clint does. As a result, I feel better than ever.