ANDRE BEGIN

While I wouldn’t say that I have delusions or fantasies about immortality but to say that I am an optimist would be a fair statement. With so many of my ancestors and relatives surpassing the statistical averages of life expectancy, I like to think that in having made it through six decades relatively unscathed, the potential for a long life is there for me too.

Given that most generations seem to live a little longer than their predecessors, isn’t it realistic to hope for longevity and vitality when we have a good number of factors in our favour?

The power of medical science and technology

Contributing to my sense of optimism is the first factor: medical science and technology. With the emergence of cures, discoveries and developments that can contribute to longer and healthier lives, I have every hope this factor alone should help me make it to the three digits. Who can say what illnesses will become a thing of the past?

Also, with knees, hips and lenses as part of today’s reality for better quality of life, what other spare parts are in our future to help us overcome the reality of day-to-day wear and tear?

Good genes

In dabbling in genealogical research, I discovered several of my ancestors lived well into their 80s, some even to their 90s, and this was decades before the sophisticated medical system we know today. For that reason, I count myself extremely lucky if it means that strong genes are on my side.

Healthy habits

Back when I was a kid, the health food store was a regular stop in our family’s weekly errands, instilling in me the value of healthy habits. While my diet may not be a carbon copy of what centenarians in the Blue Zones might eat, I do make a point of taking advantage of our proximity to farm-fresh produce and locally-raised protein sources as the focal point of our meals.

Also, once I started working behind a desk, I knew that I needed to supplement my routine with some form of exercise to burn off some excess energy. In doing so, this laid the ground work for a life-long interest in exercising regularly and a reflex for guilt trips to steer me back on track when I didn’t.

Looking younger than my age

Back when I had reached the age of majority and was eligible to share in the privileges of adulthood, I thought it was a pain to show my driver’s licence all the time to prove my age. In sharing my frustration, my elders said, “You’ll come to appreciate that some day”. Well, they were right. Now, when presenting ID to prove I am eligible for seniors’ discount, it is always a thrill when someone does the quick math in their head, looks at me and says something like “Wow! You lookin friggin’ good for your age.” As another trait that ran through the family tree, I hope this is a hopeful sign of things to come even if just for the psychological benefit of thinking I’m doing something right.

Better stress management

As much as I enjoyed my 33 year career, it had its stressful moments. Stepping away from the workplace and enjoying the leisurely pace of retirement has helped to reduce stress.

After a lifetime of living in the city and moving to the country a few years ago, it would be naïve to say that in a rural environment there are no stressors. However, the break from some of the irritants one might encounter in a bustling city has proven to be its own form of therapy.

Plus with some helpful hints from a psychotherapist a few years back, I believe I am better equipped to recognize, handle and sometimes even prevent moments of anxiety.

Sense of purpose

To me, writing is my reason to jump out of bed and go “yippee” in the morning. However, I admit to a fear of running out of time before I can commit all of my stories to paper.

How ironic it would be to have taken six decades to learn how to write well and then only have a limited time to actually put those skills to good use. To me, it would be a tragedy to leave so many stories untold that could be of service and benefit to others.

Either way, I accept the reality that new ideas keep coming to me every day, and I think it would be impossible to create something out of every single idea. But I’m happy to try!

Do I still feel signs of aging? Of course I do. My stomach isn’t the efficient trash compactor it used to be; I can detect a draft in a restaurant before I’ve had a chance to open my menu; and for me, “late night” means 10 p.m.

But when you factor in all of the above, one could hope for a chance at a good long life. There should be no reason why I shouldn’t hope for ample opportunity to see my projects to fruition.

It also suggests taking a step back from time to time to evaluate what writing projects might mean to me and to my readers and to prioritize the ones with the greatest potential to resonate.

All I can do is to have faith that time will be there, to make the most of my writing time and to trust that what gets published is meant to be.

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Sincere thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
André