My friend “C” just celebrated his 80th birthday last week. Growing up in my home country, I always thought of 80 as “old”—well beyond the average life expectancy for men in many places. Typically, you might expect someone that age to be inactive or in poor health, but not my friend!
“C” and I are both part of the Hash House Harriers, affectionately known as the “Drinking Club with A Running Problem.” When we first met, I didn’t drink and hadn’t started running, but we enjoyed fast hiking during our “hashing” adventures. He often left the rest of us behind with his speed!
Last year, when he was 78, we decided to start playing pickleball together. Since neither of us had any prior experience, we turned to YouTube for tips. With his 30 years of tennis background, “C” quickly demonstrated his skills. I’ve played countless matches against him, but I’ve yet to secure a single win! He goes to the gym for two hours every morning, walking several miles to get there, and then plays pickleball with me for a few hours afterward—defeating me each time. Now, he plays pickleball every day, while I’ve taken up distance running as my sport of choice.
“C” retired at 47, long before the FIRE movement gained traction, and he wasn’t even familiar with the concept when I mentioned it. He’s one of the happiest people I know, living an active, carefree life. His example truly inspires me to embrace life, stay active, and strive for financial independence at an earlier age. He proves that age is just a number when you live intentionally rather than merely existing.
