It’s never too late and you’re never too old

Another great contribution to Positive Aging month from our teacher Tom Magill. As he shares with us, he's into his 70th year. How does that feel? And what can he share from his experience? We know that aging can lead to invisibility and people writing off your knowledge - weirdly that doesn't seem to work for aging global dictators - but the reality for many is one of loss of agency and being seen. Not so at Maitri! Read on... 

It’s never too late and you’re never too old. 

At 48 I was having back pain. A chiropractor told me whilst on his table: you have two ages, your calendar age and your biological age, which is determined by the flexibility of your spine. How can I make my spine more flexible, I asked? Try a yoga class. I ignored him and went to the pub. Around that time I asked a friend to recommend some life insurance. He suggested a yoga class. This wasn’t a coincidence. Yoga, seriously? I was sceptical, but I went along anyway. I was stiff, aching, envious and competitive – big mistake – don’t compete with the bendy girls in Lycra… "What other people are doing on their mat is none of your business, work on yourself" I took the teacher’s advice and stuck at yoga despite the challenges. That was 21 years ago. Last year I completed my yoga teacher training. 

People ask me what’s the most useful thing you’ve got from yoga? I now make better decisions. One of the benefits of aging is learning how to respond instead of simply reacting. I’ve discovered that choosing my response is where my true power resides. This knowledge is something I can bring to my practice and teaching. 

I teach yoga between six and seven on Friday evenings at Maitri for blokes who don’t do yoga. Previously I’d be perched on a high barstool at that time. I’ve learned that it’s never too late and you’re never too old. I’ll be 70 next year. I feel great. I still think I’m 45. People sometimes ask me for advice: hydrate, eat less, move more, sleep well, breathe deeply and learn how to synchronise your movement and breath. Start with 5 minutes of yoga a day – consistency beats intensity. If in doubt, remember: 

“You are not too old 
and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths 
where life calmly gives out 
its own secret.”  (Rilke)

I hope to see you on the mat. 

Tom Magill

Does this strike a chord? Look up Tom on his profile page and find out about his Yoga for Men (who don't do yoga) 6-7pm Fridays. If that time doesn't suit (or you don't identify as male) then check all the other teachers in the studio and find something else. You can also drop us an email [email protected] and we can advise.