Uncle Joe is always one to embrace any challenge in life. At the young age of 70 he thought it would be a good idea to learn golf. And that passion has taken him to various courses in Canada, England and Europe. Let me share with you some of the benefits of taking on new skills in your older years. Now you will want to read to the end to hear one other twist that Uncle Joe faced that challenged and encouraged me.
Life is a never-ending journey of growth and self-discovery, and age should never be a barrier to pursuing new passions and acquiring new skills. Now this holds true in all areas of your life mentally, physically, socially and your spiritual life growth is encouraged and needed even if it feels like all the effort is uphill.
“Everything worthwhile is uphill.” John Maxwell
As we age, it becomes easy to settle into familiar routines and shy away from venturing into uncharted territory. However, the difficulty of learning a new skill, such as golf, can be both invigorating and rewarding, especially when taken on during the golden years.
Being inspired by my Uncle Joe’s story I wanted to share some of the challenges faced when learning golf or any new skill at 70 years old and why Uncle Joe embraced new challenges in older his age.
One thing to remember is that being stretched at any age is essential for personal growth and certainly for your overall well-being.
Learning golf at any age can be challenging, but it can feel particularly daunting when one is already in their 70s. The physical demands, coordination required, and the complex techniques
can seem overwhelming at first. However, it is important to remember that age is just a number, and with perseverance and determination, the learning curve can be overcome.
Now my cousin Perry who Is Uncle Joe’s son has been his coach from the very beginning and is not a bad golfer in his own right. And having a coach in any arena is helpful to give you those extra insights that are needed or just to keep you out of the weeds. Patience becomes the key, as progress may be slower compared to younger learners, but the sense of accomplishment will be equally profound.
“It took me seventeen years to get 3,000 hits. It took one afternoon on the golf course.” Hank Aaron
Engaging in a new skill like golf has numerous benefits for older adults. It provides an opportunity for regular physical activity, promoting flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. The gentle exercise and walking involved in playing golf can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. Moreover, the mental stimulation that golf provides can enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus, ultimately improving overall mental well-being.
“The harder you work the luckier you get.” Arnold Palmer 4x winner of The Masters
Learning golf in your senior years opens up a whole new avenue for social interaction and building connections. Golf is often played in groups, offering the chance to meet like-minded individuals and form lasting friendships. Engaging in regular golf outings or joining local clubs can create a sense of belonging and provide a supportive community, combating feelings of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes arise in older age.
There is a unique sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill, regardless of age. The process of learning golf and gradually improving one’s swing, accuracy, and overall performance can be immensely fulfilling. Each milestone achieved on the golf course serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential for growth that exists within every individual, regardless of their age.
Taking on new challenges later in life expands horizons and fuels personal growth. Learning golf at 70 is not only about acquiring a new skill, but it is also about pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing the unknown. It demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and explore, traits that contribute to a vibrant and fulfilling life. New skills Uncle Joe would say brings fresh perspectives, broaden interests, and foster a continuous sense of curiosity, which is essential for personal development. Not to mention a few laughs along the way.
“Give me golf clubs, fresh air, and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.” —Jack Benny
Learning a new skill like golf at 70 years old may come with its fair share of difficulties, but the rewards are abundant. You see, although Uncle Joe went golfing last week, he first started golfing 24 years ago. That’s right my Uncle Joe is 94 and has won 6 Tournaments shown here holding two of his trophies The process of challenging oneself, stepping outside of comfort zones, and embracing new experiences is beneficial for personal growth and overall well-being, regardless of age. So, whether it’s picking up a golf club or pursuing any other passion, remember that it’s never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery. The pursuit of new skills can bring great joy and fulfillment to your life.
In your spiritual life that new skill could be learning to share your faith that you hold so dear with both young and old alike. Uncle Joe certainly has a deep faith in God and maybe that has helped his golf game. But here at CEF Canada we can certainly help you learn some new skills to share your faith with young and old alike if that is a hurdle you would like to overcome.
Oh, and one last thing, Uncle Joe has been blind most of his life and plays in what is known as the Blind Golf League, and yes that is a thing. http://www.blindgolf.ca/. Perry was interviewed along with Uncle Joe after winning a recent tournament and was asked what should not let Joe do as a blind golfer and quick came the reply “Don’t let him drive the golf cart”
Today is a great day to go and learn a new skill.
Art
Art Alexander