Aging gracefully is out of fashion. In this Botox Nation, people seem to believe they can avoid aging altogether.
But masters swimmers and other older athletes look forward to "aging up" -- entering a new age group -- since it's advantageous to compete against people who are slightly older. Masters swimmers parade around the pool deck in skimpy suits, proud of their bodies and their accomplishments. Ranging from 19 to 90-plus, they look muscular, fit -- and flabby. They look real. They look happy.
Mom's aging up this year. At the Arizona State Long Course Championships next week, she will compete for the first time in the 80-84 age group.
Like many octogenarians, Mom's got sore joints. She's practicing a one-armed racing dive, designed to protect her shoulder without sacrificing speed. Some older swimmers start in the water. Mom thinks that looks wimpy.
Luckily, the meet coincides with the National Speakers Association's convention, also in Phoenix, so I'll be there, cheering for Mom.
The first time Mom competed, at age 70, she was so nervous she stepped onto the starting blocks still wearing her flip- flops. We still kid her about that.
Now she's an old pro, so to speak, with her own coach and weight trainer. But I figured she could use another teammate. So I've registered for the meet too. Mom and I have swum together for more than 40 years -- racing in backyard pools, teaming up for mother- daughter relays, bobbing around in the ocean -- but we've never swum in the same masters meet. Should be great fun.
Though Mom holds two Arizona breaststroke records for 75-79-year-olds, she's not expecting to set any records next week, due to that sore shoulder, a sore knee, and a few other ailments. But records are not the point. The point is aging up with honesty, optimism, and gratitude. Testing yourself, even if you're flabby, wrinkly, and slower than before. Enjoying life now, because no matter how old we may look or feel, none of us get to swim forever. Go Mom!
Point #1: If you want to know how to age gracefully, watch older athletes.
Point #2: If you want to feel alive, dive into a new adventure, preferably with someone you love.
