Age Is Just A Number?

I love my Mum, and the things she says. How's that for an opening sentence on a Private Ski Instructor's blog post? But it's true. For the last forty plus years, my Mother has always said to me on her birthday that 'Age is just a number Son'. Even though quite often she told me many fibs about her actual age !?! So what's this got to do with delivering private ski lessons here in Méribel?

Until recently I've always thought that's a funny thing to say. I'm no longer in my twenties.... damn, or my thirties.... (starting to sound like my Mother fibbing about age now).... alright I'm not even in my early forties any more. So this 'Age is just a number' thing has had me thinking recently. About two weeks ago this whole subject was blown apart.

For a whole week I had the absolute pleasure of skiing with people whose ages ranged from late fifties to late sixties. Granted this bunch weren't doing back flips, skiing backwards or diving into the nearest freestyle parks. But then neither was I. The most interesting thing I picked up on was their attitude to life.

I'm very aware that there are people back in the UK of my age who have a very different outlook on life.This often reflects on their well being both mentally and physically. Can I quickly say here that I'm not saying that's right or wrong. But to hear one of this group, who will be seventy years old soon, talk about exactly the same subject was quite refreshing. This particular chap is still working full time and running his own business, well beyond retirement age. He is a very active person including participating in different sports.

But the most impressive thing that struck me about each individual within this group was their mental attitude. They were all so positive. They looked forward to everything. They were very young at heart. The banter flying around between them was infectious and hilarious. One of my Dad's favourite TV programmes over the years has been 'Last of the Summer Wine'. Just because this group came from Yorkshire, and have similar accents... is perhaps a cheap comparison? But their cheekiness and outlook on life is very similar.

Whether we had rubbish weather where it was very cold, dodgy visibility, icy snow, busy pistes or other possible distractions: this group saw beyond this and still had a fantastic holiday. Without naming names, both Michael and I can't wait to see you all again out here in Méribel next winter. Good skiing, big lunches, the odd drink and heaps of laughter. Live with passion everyone.

Martin

P.S. A message to my Mother. Perhaps you've been right after all of these years, 'Age is just a number'.