How old is too old?
For professional athletes it's all about getting the timing just right.
Many sportspeople are ridiculed for staying in the game too long, and not retiring when they should. In the eyes of many, these stars hurt their legacy, and their team, by not accepting it is their time.
But for many Australians, sport is something to be enjoyed simply because you’re taking part. Ollie Clarke is one man who would be determined to argue that there is no such thing as ‘staying in the game too long.’
Ollie, 73, can still be seen at basketball courts mixing it up with men 15 years his junior. For Ollie, age just isn’t a factor.
“I don’t get around as well as I used to, but I still give them a run for their money,” he said.
“It keeps me healthy and I still have a few years left in me yet.”
Ollie is part of a growing contingent of over 55s taking to the courts for senior competition. And, after turning 73 in August, is showing no sign of slowing down.
Meanwhile, whether it’s hanging up the sporting gear, the togs, or the keys to the bike, many people are finding themselves giving away the things they love because they think they’re too old.
If you have given up something you love doing because you (or your family) think you’re too old, we’d like to hear from you. We’d especially like to hear from you if, like Ollie, you’re defying the years and are still doing that activity you love, such as playing tennis, roller-blading, rowing or even flying a plane!
Do we need to give up these things as we get on in life? Or can an activity be an activity for life?