To resist the frigidity of old age, one must combine the body

"To resist the frigidity of old age, one must combine the body, the mind, and the heart. And to keep these in parallel vigor one must exercise, study, and love." These words from Alan Bleasdale offer us a profound understanding of the human spirit and its relationship to the inevitable passage of time. In a world that often sees old age as a cold, unyielding phase, Bleasdale suggests a different path, one where the body, the mind, and the heart remain aligned, vital, and full of life, no matter the years that have passed. He proposes that true vitality comes not just from physical strength, but from the harmonious cultivation of mind, body, and spirit—a triad that, when nurtured together, can help us resist the frigidity of old age.

The ancients understood well the interconnectedness of these three elements. Socrates, in his search for wisdom, often spoke of the necessity of a balanced life, one that nourished both the mind and the body. For Socrates, intellectual pursuit alone was not enough to fulfill the human being; the body, too, had to be cared for, as it was the vessel through which the soul and mind functioned. Similarly, the Stoics, such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, emphasized the importance of self-discipline—not just in thought, but also in physical action. They believed that true strength came from the integration of mind, body, and spirit, each one supporting the other in the pursuit of virtue and peace.

Bleasdale’s quote carries this same wisdom, suggesting that to resist the coldness of old age, we must engage in practices that nurture all three aspects of our being. The body, when neglected, begins to wither and decay, but with regular exercise, it remains flexible and strong. The mind, when left idle, becomes stagnant and weary, but through continuous study and learning, it remains sharp and curious. The heart, too, must be tended to, for without love, whether for others or for life itself, the spirit can become hard and brittle. It is in the delicate balance of these three—body, mind, and heart—that we find the true resilience against the passage of time.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose own aging was marked not by decline, but by an unrelenting passion for discovery. Even in his later years, da Vinci continued to exercise his body through physical activity, his mind through his artistic and scientific endeavors, and his heart through his deep love of beauty and life. His ability to integrate these aspects of himself kept him ever vibrant, and his work continued to influence the world long after his death. Da Vinci’s life is a testament to the power of maintaining vigor in all parts of the self, showing that age does not need to diminish us if we keep these elements in parallel vigor.

Similarly, consider Mahatma Gandhi, whose heart, even in his advanced years, remained open and full of compassion for all people. His mind was keen and dedicated to the cause of justice, while his body, though frail, was disciplined and engaged in the pursuit of his ideals. Gandhi’s life teaches us that love—whether for one’s country, one’s fellow human beings, or even oneself—can keep the spirit alive and powerful, no matter how many years have passed. He combined the cultivation of his mind, his body, and his heart in such a way that he was able to endure and thrive, even through the ravages of age.

Bleasdale’s words call us to take action in our own lives, to not merely accept the inevitability of aging but to resist its coldness by actively engaging in practices that nourish all aspects of our being. This does not mean striving for perfection, but rather striving for balance. It means moving our bodies with purpose, whether through exercise or daily activity, to keep them strong and functional. It means seeking knowledge, remaining curious, and studying the world around us to keep our minds sharp. And it means surrounding ourselves with love—whether through relationships, creative pursuits, or simply by cultivating an attitude of gratitude and compassion.

The lesson here is simple, yet profound: to grow old with grace and vigor, we must not surrender to the limitations of age. Instead, we must actively engage in practices that cultivate the body, the mind, and the heart. As we do so, we not only resist the frigidity of old age but embrace the vitality that comes with living fully in every moment. Exercise, study, and love—these are the keys to keeping ourselves vibrant, regardless of the number of years we have lived. Let us strive, then, to live each day with intention, nurturing all parts of ourselves, so that as we grow older, we do so with strength, wisdom, and compassion.