Many older individuals are discouraged by the adage “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks”. While that saying might have a grain of truth to it, it also doesn’t say anything about the dog being unwilling. Or whether said dog had a patient teacher.
In other words, while it might be tougher for older folk to pick up something new, there’s nothing stopping them from actually doing so, except perhaps themselves. And considering this is the 21st century , it’s not exactly an acceptable excuse anymore.
After all, Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria picked up fencing in her 50s – and this was in the 1800s! (She also got her shoulder tattooed with an anchor in 1881, when she was 51.)
In fact, it can even be argued that there are more opportunities now for older people to start something new. For starters, with the advent of the internet and smart phones, information on clubs and schools aren’t hard to come by.
Secondly, some combat sports like taekwondo now offer virtual sparing matches, meaning that there is no need to physically hit an opponent anymore. Rather, with the aid of sensors, your body becomes the console that controls an avatar, which will mimic your movements. Your opponent would also be standing a safe distance away, controlling the opposing avatar.
Although the goal is the same – win by points or KO – the lack of physical contact means that this option can be considered the safest for seniors.
If older individuals think they’ll be out of place in a physical class full of younger ones, there’s no need to worry about that too. Some clubs and schools offer classes especially for seniors, with content and pace specially curated for them. If they don’t wish to join such classes, they’ll also find themselves more than welcome to join a class full of young’uns.
Article credited to Victoire Morier
