I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I'm not

In the course of life, the forces of time and age seem inevitable, like an incoming tide that gradually washes over the shores of our existence. Yet, Tina Turner, in her vibrant declaration, captures the essence of resilience and defiance against the aging process with the words: "I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I'm not old yet!" These words, bold and filled with determination, reflect a spirit that refuses to be diminished by the passing of years. Turner’s statement is not just about physical age, but about the mindset—a refusal to accept decline without fighting, without holding onto the vitality and energy that define one's essence, regardless of how many years have passed.

The ancients understood the battle between the passage of time and the will to live fully. The great philosopher Socrates often spoke of the importance of maintaining virility and spirit as one grew older. He believed that true wisdom came not just from accumulated knowledge but from a deep, unwavering commitment to living fully in each stage of life. Socrates did not view old age as a time of weakness or retreat but as an opportunity for growth and reflection. The spirit, to him, should never grow weary, no matter how the body might change. Tina Turner, in her defiance against the idea that aging must mean retreat, echoes this sentiment, embracing life and strength until the very end.

Consider the warriors of ancient Greece, who, despite the wear of years and the scars of battle, would continue to fight with fury and bravery. Achilles, perhaps the greatest warrior in Homer’s Iliad, was a symbol of immense strength and vitality, embodying the resolve to live with honor and vigor until the moment of his death. Though Achilles was not spared by age—he, too, succumbed to the passage of time—the very spirit of his character, the refusal to surrender, is a model that has inspired countless generations. Like Turner, the ancient warrior would not yield to the slow encroachment of time without giving his all, fighting until the final breath.

In more recent times, consider the example of Nelson Mandela, whose life spanned decades of struggle, imprisonment, and leadership. Mandela’s body endured the trials of age, but his spirit and will remained unbroken until the end. Even in his later years, after having fought tirelessly for freedom, he continued to engage in social and political action, showing the world that age does not necessarily weaken the will to change the world. Mandela’s vibrancy in his old age was not a result of a refusal to acknowledge the reality of age, but rather an unwavering commitment to his ideals, a reminder that old age is not an obstacle to purpose.

What Tina Turner and the ancients teach us is that age itself is not a limitation, but a challenge to be met with strength and determination. To accept the limitations that others place on us as we grow older is to surrender to the myths of age—myths that suggest we must become weak, passive, or uninvolved. Turner’s words remind us that youth is not simply a matter of years but of spirit and willpower. We are not bound by our bodies, and the true measure of life’s worth is not determined by the physical state but by the energy with which we engage with the world.

There is a deep lesson in this for all of us. In our own lives, we must fight against the cultural narratives that tell us to slow down as we age, to retreat from the challenges of life. Instead, we should cultivate the mindset of Tina Turner, and like the ancient warriors and leaders, we must embrace the vitality within us, using it to fuel our passions and drive until the very end. Whether we are 20 or 80, it is the spirit that sustains us, not the years. Old age should not be a retreat, but a call to action, a stage in life where we can still make our mark and engage fully in the world.

Let us then, as we journey through the ages, adopt this powerful mindset. Refuse to give in to the expectations of decline, and instead, embrace each year with vigor, passion, and purpose. Age may come, but with it, we hold the ability to shape our lives with resilience and joy, just as Tina Turner did. Let us walk with her spirit, live with her fire, and let the years not be the measure of our energy but only a reflection of the journey we continue to undertake. Old age is not an end; it is another chapter of our life’s ongoing adventure. And until that day comes, we shall live with the strength of youth, no matter the years behind us.