“Don’t retire…never retire. Ever!!”
– David Lewine, Age 86

After studying yoga and meditation with masters in the USA and India, David became known for teaching yoga in schools, organized classes, and in meditation gatherings. Today he does “karma yoga” (giving-back yoga) at a veterans hospital where he teaches and assists fellow vets.

“People like you and I, though mortal, of course, like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long they live. We never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.”
– Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, the greatest scientist of the 20th century, continued his work until the end, declaring from his deathbed at age 76, “I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share; it is time to go.”

“I never would have thought that as I got older, I could expand my work. Now, I begin to think that we all need to keep life fresh. Even though I no longer need the physical stimulation, let’s say, of riding a horse, I must keep going. My art goes along with me, wherever I go. It’s the thing that inspires me.”
– Gillian Jagger, Age 86

World-renowned multimedia installation artist, and sculptor, based in the Hudson Valley of the United States. After our interview for this book, Gillian took a fall that partially paralyzed her. No longer able to sculpt or paint, she took to writing by dictation, continuing to insist on channeling her creative spirit. She died in November 2019.

“I don’t know what it means to be old.”
– Igor Stravinsky

In an interview, the celebrated Russian composer, pianist, and conductor Igor Stravinsky, then in his eighties, was asked if it was more difficult to find inspiration as a composer in old age. He smiled, saying that the reporters were looking at him as an old man, but that he didn’t experience himself that way. So the question had no meaning for him. Stravinsky’s remark is sound advice for any older person. Ignore another’s limiting view, which may perceive you as older than you sense you are. We must be true to our soul’s age, not our age in numbers or as indicated by poor health. These are meaningless to the soul.

“Liking what you do, to me, is not sufficient. I want to do only what I LOVE.”
– Sam Ulano, “Mr. Rhythm,” Age 85

Sam Ulano, a notorious jazz drummer and teacher, shared this in his soulful book Keep Swinging: Approach Your Senior Years without Skipping a Beat. He says: “Liking what you do, to me, is not sufficient. I want to do only what I love. This way I can work day after day at my inner joy….I have many friends who just spend day after day searching for that one thing that would give them the inner glow that comes from doing what you love to do. It’s not easy to find, but it’s there and when we recognize it, we know we’ve found our greatest desire.”

“While the strength is given me, I have no right to lay it down.”
– Clara Barton

Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross, at 90, worked 14 hours each day.

The Thymus Gland is located behind the breastbone and between the two lungs. In yoga, it connects with the heart chakra. The main function of this gland is the production of T-cells (macrophages and T killer cells) associated with robust immune response. When we’re younger, the Thymus is strong, however, it begins to shrink after puberty. As we age and the gland gets smaller, so does our natural immune response. Here are two simple ways to age well and support and reignite your Thymus.

THE THYMUS THUMP

During my Alexander training, I studied with Dr. John Diamond, who recognized the interconnection with the health of the Thymus with healthy aging and strong immune functions. Dr. Diamond discovered that his patients who regularly practiced the Thymus Thump felt more vitality and natural resistance to disease, and documented his findings in his book “Behavioral Kinesiology: How to Activate Your Thymus”.

How to Thump Your Thymus:

Tap your breastbone gently with your fingertips. You’ll hear and feel the staccato thump it makes. Practice this for a minute or two for a few times every day to stimulate and invigorate the Thymus. Give it a try for a week and notice if you feel just a bit more refreshed. Then keep the practice going!

THE WONDER OF SIBERIAN RHODIOLA

Siberian Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that grows in the arctic zones. Here’s the lowdown! Researchers studied communities around the world that had average lifespans of over 100 years. They found that several countries in the Russian steppes, including Siberia, used Siberian Rhodiola as a tea, or in yogurt derived from native livestock every day! Modern research indicates that certain components found in the Siberian Rhodiola plant, Rosavins, affect not only immune functions but also create a general sense of well-being, increased energy, and actively support thymus function. Living in the higher elevations and remaining active also contributes to the longevity of the Russian steppe and Siberian peoples, for which they have been honored and admired rather than ridiculed and diminished.