“Always be a student. Never stop learning.”
Those were the words my Grandpa John shared with me over lunch when he was 95 years old. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of what he meant. Now, years later, those words echo louder than ever as I see how they shaped his life—and mine.
Grandpa John wasn’t just a lifelong learner; he embodied it. When most people his age might have been slowing down, he leaned into life. He got his pilot’s license in his 50s, bought his first plane in his 60s, and even took me flying in his 70s. That day was unforgettable—terrifying, yes, but also thrilling and inspiring.
Learning wasn’t just about grand adventures for Grandpa John; it was part of his daily life. Whenever I shared something I was curious about, he encouraged me to dive deeper.
- When I mentioned I’d started playing chess, he handed me a book on strategy.
- When I talked about my fascination with languages during my time in Germany, he gave me a book on linguistics.
- Even when I began exploring martial arts, he listened intently, asking thoughtful questions about what I was learning.
For Grandpa John, learning wasn’t just about knowledge—it was about living fully. He believed curiosity kept the mind sharp and the spirit young. And he wasn’t alone in this belief. In the resource, “100 Pieces of Advice from 100-Year-Olds”, one centenarian shared, “The brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.” Grandpa John would have nodded in agreement.
But lifelong learning is about more than just keeping your mind active. Grandpa John often said, “The older you get, the more you need to move.” For him, learning wasn’t limited to books or ideas—it included moving his body and staying physically engaged. As “The Older You Get, the More You Need to Move” explains, regular movement doesn’t just keep you fit; it keeps you connected to life.
When I step onto the mats for martial arts, I see this connection between learning and movement come alive. Learning a new technique engages my mind, while practicing it strengthens my body. The two go hand in hand. Grandpa John’s wisdom taught me that true learning involves the whole self—mind, body, and spirit.
I’ve seen this in others, too. People in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who step onto the mats for the first time aren’t just learning techniques—they’re reclaiming parts of themselves they thought were lost. They’re proving that learning doesn’t stop with age; it grows with it.
Grandpa John’s life stands as proof that you’re never too old to be a student. But don’t just take my word for it—take it from the centenarians who’ve shared their advice in “Lessons on Legacy”: “Life doesn’t stop teaching when you reach a certain age. You just have to keep showing up for class.”
So, let me ask you: What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? Maybe it’s a new hobby, a forgotten passion, or something entirely different. Take one step today. Open that book, sign up for that class, or simply start exploring.
Because learning is about more than gathering knowledge—it’s about staying curious, keeping your body and mind active, and living strong every day of your life.
You’re never too old to be a student. You’re never too old to live strong.
