Monday, July 10, 2006

How old are you?

A nice one from a site that I am subscribed to - Mountainwings

How old are you?

When someone asks me that question, four answers come to mind, because I have four different ages.

1. The chronological age:
This is what most mean by, “How old are you?” They mean how many years has it been since you came out of your mother’s womb? That’s a simple measure of years and it is the easiest one to figure.

2. The physical age:
You can be 40 chronologically and 20 physically or vice versa. How old you are in years can be totally different from your age as reflected by your physical body. Some at 60 have more energy, vitality, and health than many at 20.

I rode my bicycle for 40 miles recently on the bike trail. As I was nearing my starting point and the end of my 40-mile ride, a man passed me like I was standing still. No one during the 40 miles had passed me but this man zoomed by.

When I got to the parking lot he was standing there talking to friends. I overheard him say how far he had ridden. “Excuse me,” I said, “I couldn’t help but overhear you, did you just say that you rode 65 miles?” “Yep,” he answered. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?” I asked. “I’m 60,” he replied. What he meant was that he was 60 chronologically but his body was far younger. Few 20-year-olds were in his condition.

Some cars have 200,000 miles on them and are 20 years old, yet they run and look almost like new. So it is with our bodies. As we age, how well we have maintained them shows our true physical age.

3. The intellectual:
Our IQ, exposure and experience determines our intellectual age.

4. The emotional/spiritual:
Some are babies in grown up bodies with big degrees and plenty of money, but emotionally and spiritually immature. Some are teenagers but yet have the wisdom of sages.

So,
How old are you?

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