“Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young.”
In my opinion this quote has several meanings. It can mean to beware of an old soldier who heroically continues to fight on the battlefield, and it can also mean respect the older man who still maintains a healthy mind and body and fights age-related diseases.
Some Stats:
According to 2016 statistics, there are 36,290,000 people living in Canada. Around 50 percent of them are over the age of 40.
Currently there are more seniors than children living in Canada. In 2016, the margin was very close, with children under 14 years old making up 16.6 percent of the population and seniors making up 16.9 percent.
It is reported that almost 25 percent of the Canadian population will be over 65 years of age by 2031.
That’s a lot of grandparents that will need attention and care from their younger families.
Investment Advice:
“First we form habits, then they form us.” — Jim Rohn
I think one of the best investments for young adults is to embark on an active lifestyle, one that will set them up for healthy habits for the rest of their lives. The building blocks to longevity must start early. A compelling lifestyle to choose from is the journey of Martial Arts. Here are six reasons why:
1) May slow down deterioration: Dalhousie University in Halifax reports after thirty years of age, loss of muscle mass and strength, brittle bones and stiff joints are inevitable. In seniors, cognitive function is reduced. Adopting an active lifestyle that includes exercising, stretching and coordination drills slows down the aging process.
2) Motivation: Unlike gym memberships, martial arts is highly goal oriented. The lack of goal orientation in gyms accounted for 80 percent of gym members quitting after five months of joining, according to this story written in January 2012. Martial Arts is not designed to be a temporary cure. It is designed to be a lifestyle because it is based on achievements and constant improvement which drives the students to be committed for life.
3) Skill and Art: Martial Arts offers so much more than what gyms do. Apart from strengthening the bones, muscles and heart, martial arts offers skills to defend, discipline for the mind, mental agility and coordination, balance, and inclusion in a supportive community. Also, the constant practicing of the dynamic sequences of complex techniques improves motor coordination.
4) The Mind: Although “crystallized” intelligence like factual knowledge and experience is retained in older adults, the cognitive functions that deteriorate during aging are the “fluid” intelligence such as working memory and processing speed. This has an effect on word fluency and problem solving ability. The mindfulness and focus-demanding aspect of Martial Arts training can help keep the aging mind occupied and active. It has been said that a mind not being used will deteriorate, leading to possible dementia.
5) Elderly Abuse: In 2014, Canadian data sadly reported that elderly abuse doubled in its previous 10 years. Abuses can be sexual, financial, physical, verbal and psychological. If seniors are mentally and physically dependent on others, they may fall victim. Martial Arts empowers its students because it teaches self-dignity, self-respect, self defense and assertiveness (notaggressiveness). Making the right choices and standing up for oneself can help avoid negative situations and relationships. Defending oneself emotionally and physically is priceless. Living an extended life with more independence is very attractive for the aging person.
6) Community and Family: One of our worst fears is aging alone. We cannot always depend on family and close friends because even they will pass; children grow up and leave home, so we cannot depend on other’s obligation to care for us. This is why being part of a community helps broaden our relationship base. A martial arts community is a positive environment where long lasting relationships develop, offsetting loneliness, dependency and depression.
The Added Bonus:
The individualism in martial arts training makes it highly personal and the true enemies to battle are within the students. “Enemies” like self-doubt, depression, low self-esteem, aggressive anger, destructive behavior and preventative diseases need constant interventions. Martial Arts strengthens the mind and heart for life, making the art invaluable for the disciple.
If you have been harboring a desire to try out martial arts I hope this article has opened your mind and heart to look for a school in your community. Share this article with a friend or relative to visit a martial arts school together.