Stay Busy: The Paradox of Time and Aging

Why Staying Busy Might Be the Key to Feeling Younger

When you retire, you expect to have plenty of spare time. Expect to. In reality, the days still fill up, time moves quickly, and somehow, you’re just as busy as before. Recently, I joined a local tennis group. They play twice a week, and when asked if I’d like to join both sessions, I hesitated because I started thinking: if I play tennis twice a week, am I actually making a change? Embracing something new? Or am I just continuing my old routines, only now in a different setting? It reminded me of what I wrote in my blog about 'We Have The Time', the idea that we should make conscious choices to try new things. And, to me, this was nothing new.

Aging happens gradually, almost imperceptibly. Of course, you notice it in the mirror or when getting out of bed feels a little stiffer than before. But on a day-to-day level, it sneaks up on you. I once wrote that time feels slower when you’re young because every day brings new experiences. So, perhaps the key to keeping life feeling rich and full is to keep seeking those experiences—actively. To try new things, to stay busy.

This idea was reinforced when I read Neem een Geit by Claudia de Breij. In it, she interviews older, more experienced individuals to learn from their wisdom. One chapter in particular stood out to me—the importance of keeping yourself busy. An 80-year-old man explained his reason for staying active: “to stay mentally flexible.” That phrase struck a chord. Again, in my blog - this time, 'Confronting Confession' - I wrote about how I felt something was missing, even though I was exactly where I wanted to be. That 'something' was a certain mental challenge. Therefore, reading this man's words confirmed my suspicion: the best way to grow 'old' and stay mentally agile is to keep moving, physically and intellectually.

Youth is wasted on the young.

It’s funny how we all seem to have the same paradoxical wish: when we’re young, we want to be older. We want freedom, responsibility, the ability to make our own choices. But once we reach a certain age, we’d love to be young again—except this time, with all the wisdom we’ve accumulated. And it's true. I always assumed that as I grew older, I’d have more time and be more relaxed about it. But somehow, I feel the opposite. Is it because each day gone is one less day ahead? Or is it simply that I still want to do so much? Maybe the answer lies in simply staying busy. The more engaged we are, the more we slow down our perception of time. We stretch it out by filling it with meaningful activities. That’s something I want to hold on to. Not in a career-driven way, but in the sense of wanting to stay engaged, to continue to matter, to build a legacy. Since January, I’ve been filling that gap, and things are falling into place. The Luxury Life I dreamed about for years, is finally coming together like a puzzle; all the pieces are falling into place.

And one last thought—staying busy isn’t just about keeping active. It’s also a source of creativity. One project often sparks inspiration for another. Learning. I recently came across a quote that resonated deeply:

“If you want something done, ask a busy person.”

Staying busy can enrich our lives, but it can also be a way to distract ourselves—from accepting the passage of time, from facing certain realities. True luxury isn’t just in the doing but also in creating space to rest, reflect, and simply be. Finding that ever-elusive balance.

Enjoy your weekend!

Zonnige groet,

Carlo

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Main Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of New Experiences: As we age, it's important to continue seeking new experiences, even if they seem similar to previous routines. Actively making new choices helps keep life feeling rich and full.

• The Power of Staying Busy: Staying mentally and physically active is essential for maintaining mental flexibility and creativity. Keeping busy helps us slow down our perception of time and keeps us engaged in life.

• The Need for Balance: While staying busy has its benefits, it’s also crucial to find balance by allowing time for rest, reflection, and simply "being." Luxury isn't just about doing more, but also about creating space for ourselves to pause and enjoy life.

To continue your journey and start making meaningful changes, here’s a book recommendation to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (Book recommendation): Year of Yes, here