I'm 86 and my doctor used to tell me to slow down - at least he

"I'm 86 and my doctor used to tell me to slow down - at least he did until he dropped dead," says Cesar Romero, a reflection that blends both humor and profound wisdom. This quote speaks to the fragility of life, the irony of time, and the notion that life cannot be controlled by the expectations of others. Romero’s remark is not simply a jest about the doctor's death, but a powerful reminder of the impermanence of existence, and the folly of prescribing limitations without understanding the greater forces that govern life. The message here is not one of disregard for health, but a recognition that the vitality of life cannot always be dictated by conventional wisdom or authority.

In the ancient world, the notion of living with purpose and strength in the face of life’s trials was highly revered. The Spartans, known for their warrior ethos, believed that life was to be lived with honor and physical vigor, regardless of age or hardship. Age was no barrier to strength, but a new phase in the pursuit of a greater purpose. Likewise, the ancient Romans admired Cato the Elder, who remained active in politics and philosophy well into his old age. Even in his later years, Cato insisted on being of service to the Republic, embodying the idea that life’s value is determined by what we give to the world, not by the years behind us. The ancient wisdom teaches us that age does not diminish our ability to contribute—rather, it offers an opportunity to continue shaping the world through lived experience.

Cesar Romero’s words, though said in jest, echo the sentiment of these ancient figures: the act of slowing down is not necessarily a universal prescription for living a full life. Often, it is in embracing life with vigor, regardless of one’s age, that we find the meaning we seek. Benjamin Franklin, who lived well into his eighties, once said, “Those who love life do not fear death, but live fully.” Franklin, like Romero, lived a life rich with work, learning, and purpose, showing that the pursuit of vitality does not fade with age, but flourishes through continued engagement with the world.

Consider the story of Leonidas, the great Spartan king, who, at the age of 60, led his army into battle at Thermopylae against the overwhelming Persian forces. Leonidas did not slow down because of his age; instead, he showed that age is not a hindrance to courage, valor, or purpose. His leadership, even in his later years, inspired generations of soldiers to believe that their strength and duty could not be measured simply by the number of their years. Like Leonidas, Romero’s sentiment highlights the timeless nature of the human spirit, which is not bound by the limitations imposed by others but is defined by the individual’s will to live fully.

Romero's statement also touches on the fragility of life itself. His doctor, who once advised him to slow down, was subject to the same fate as everyone: death. The doctor's demise serves as a reminder that no matter how much we try to control life, time marches on, and none of us are exempt from its course. It is an irony of life that we often seek to preserve youth and vitality by restricting our actions, yet death is as much a part of life as living itself. The ancient philosophers spoke often of the inevitability of death, urging us not to fear it but to live in a way that makes the time we have meaningful, regardless of its length.

The lesson we can glean from Romero’s words is that life should be lived boldly, without hesitation or fear of age. Vitality is not merely a matter of physical strength, but of the will to continue pursuing one's passions and purpose, no matter the number of years we have. Just as the ancients honored those who lived their lives fully, we too must recognize that living well means embracing every moment, pushing through obstacles, and never allowing the passing years to diminish our drive to contribute to the world.

In our own lives, let us take Cesar Romero's lesson to heart: do not let age, limiting beliefs, or the expectations of others dictate how you live your days. Instead, live with vigor, with a heart full of purpose, and a spirit that refuses to yield to the pressures of time. Whether you are young or old, every day is an opportunity to make an impact, to engage with the world, and to find joy in the simple act of living. The key to a fulfilling life lies not in slowing down, but in continuing to move forward, to embrace each moment with enthusiasm, and to live in a way that shows no fear of what lies ahead.