Don’t stop playing

By Ryhaan Shah

Haven’t we all watched our favourite sportsmen and women lose their form and ability to perform at their best? The more senior among us would remember the glory days of cricketers Clive Lloyd and Alvin Kallicharran, who were succeeded by names like Chanderpaul, Sarwan, and Hooper. What happened to them happens to all of us – ageing.
Many athletes often stay trim and healthy into their senior years because of the good habits they developed during their professional careers. They learnt the benefits of a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Most of them do not smoke, and during the training and playing season, they would stay away from alcohol. In retirement, they often do not give up the bat or ball or racquet but continue to play in senior leagues or choose to coach the next generation of athletes.
They know the truth about that advice given by English playwright George Bernard Shaw, who once quipped, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
Playing for us could be anything from cycling, swimming, playing tennis or softball, or simply going for regular walks or taking a yoga class. Living with sunshine all year round is a boon to maintaining an active lifestyle. A bracing walk on the seawall or in any park in the fresh air can do wonders for maintaining good health and a feeling of wellbeing.
We know well the physical signs of ageing. It’s not just the greying and thinning hair, the wrinkles or the loss of 20/20 vision as we get fitted for reading glasses; there can also be the loss of muscle mass and flexibility, and our bones can become more brittle, which increases our risk of fractures.
Our tropical weather plays a role here again since we get a free daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, which is vital for bone health; it helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone strength.
Not everyone ages at the same rate or shares similar or even all the signs. Much has to do with our genes and family history, which is why doctors ask for that information. Hereditary conditions can predispose us to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Early detection and treatment could add years to our lives, so if there is a need, make sure and seek medical advice and help.
There are some signs of ageing that occur quietly, and, unless we pay attention, they can endanger our health. As we age, our blood vessels and arteries become stiffer. This means that our heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, and this can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure or simply “pressure” locally, is known as the “silent killer” because it frequently has no noticeable symptoms, yet it can cause significant damage to the body over time.  Many people with hypertension are unaware they have it until serious problems arise, such as a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.
If there is a history of heart disease in your family, you will want to keep an eye on your blood pressure levels in your middling years and most definitely as you grow older. Most pharmacies provide free blood pressure checks, and if your pressure is high – or low – you should see a doctor who will likely prescribe medications and advise you about maintaining a healthy diet and weight and getting regular exercise. These would help to keep your pressure under control.
The same advice about diet and exercise is often given to those who become diabetic. There are medications to help with high sugar levels, and it is well known that a well-balanced diet and exercise can help to reverse this condition or keep it in check.
It makes good sense to be aware of the signs of ageing and to get medical help if needed since this can help save our life and add years to it.
Our senior years can be the most rewarding time of our life. The children have grown into their own lives, and playing with our grandchildren can be a real joy. We have gained patience and much knowledge about the world, and we are much more confident than our younger selves.
It is, as American comedian George Burns put it, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Play on; there are more memories to be made.