Age is not measured by years. Nature does not equally distribute

In the vast journey of life, time and age are often seen as the markers of a person’s vitality, wisdom, and strength. And yet, as Dorothy Thompson wisely observes, "Age is not measured by years. Nature does not equally distribute energy. Some people are born old and tired while others are going strong at seventy." These words reflect a deeper truth about human life—that the passage of time does not alone determine the vitality of a person. The essence of life, the energy that fuels us, comes not from the number of years we live, but from something deeper—our spirit, our mind, and our capacity to draw strength from the world around us.

The ancients were keenly aware of the mystery of age and vitality. Plato, the great philosopher, spoke often of the soul’s immortality, believing that while the body may grow weary, the true essence of a person—the soul—remains untarnished by time. He recognized that while the physical world is bound by decay, the spirit possesses an inherent strength that transcends the limitations of the body. The energy of the soul is not constrained by the march of time, and as such, people may retain the vigor of youth even in their later years. This understanding forms the backdrop of Thompson’s insight: that the true measure of one’s life force cannot be captured by the years alone, but by the inner spark that burns within.

Consider the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose vitality remained undiminished as he approached old age. Da Vinci, who lived into his seventies, is often depicted not as a weary old man, but as a figure of continuous curiosity, creativity, and energy. His mind, still sharp in his later years, did not grow tired with age. Instead, he continued to create, innovate, and explore new ideas, defying the expectations of age. Da Vinci, like many other figures throughout history, exemplifies the idea that it is not the number of years one lives that defines their energy, but the passion, the curiosity, and the spirit that one cultivates within themselves.

The same can be said of Winston Churchill, who, in his later years, continued to serve with tremendous energy and determination, leading Britain through the most trying days of World War II. Despite his age and the physical toll of his long life, Churchill remained a force of nature, not worn down by time, but driven by an inner strength that propelled him to action. He understood, as Thompson suggests, that age is not defined by the years, but by the vitality of the spirit. Churchill’s example teaches us that energy and purpose do not fade with time, but are sustained by the will and focus with which we meet the world.

The lesson of Thompson’s words is clear: age should not be viewed as a burden, nor should we assume that the toll of years is inevitable. Instead, we must recognize that vitality is as much a matter of attitude as it is of biology. There are those who, despite their years, continue to live with the energy of the youth; they draw strength not from their circumstances, but from their perspective. The soul, the mind, and the spirit can remain vibrant, no matter the passage of time, and in this vitality lies the true essence of life.

What, then, should we take away from these reflections? It is that vitality is not the result of simply growing older, but of choosing to live with purpose and passion, regardless of the years. We must cultivate our inner strength, nurture our curiosity, and continue to seek new experiences, no matter how many years we have lived. It is the act of engagement—with life, with others, and with ourselves—that keeps the flame of youth burning, even when our bodies age. Time may mark our physical forms, but the energy within us is something we can choose to sustain and nourish.

In our own lives, let us choose to embrace each day with the vigor of youth, not constrained by the limits of age. Let us strive to keep the spirit of adventure, of learning, and of curiosity alive in our hearts. Like Da Vinci, let us allow our minds to remain sharp, our hearts to remain open, and our bodies to remain strong. And as Churchill did, let us find our purpose and passion, regardless of the years we accumulate. For it is in the spirit—not in the age—that our true energy resides, and it is that energy that will carry us through the years ahead. Age may come, but with a vigorous spirit, we can stand strong and flourish throughout all the seasons of life.