There is a secret to qualifying in any sport to play for your country…
Outlive all the players that are better than you!
I was in Spain last week watching the England over-80s Football Team compete in the Nations Cup. These players (including my father-in-law) were not playing for their country when they were in their 20s, but have stayed fit and now qualify. They have literally outlived the competition.
Football currently has international teams up to the age bracket of over 75s, but the English FA has put together the first over-80s team from players currently competing at county level and is sending them to tournaments to encourage other countries. The FA’s point is that football doesn’t stop being good for you at age 80, on the contrary it brings multiple benefits. Football played when you are in your 80s gives you twice weekly training sessions, national/international travel to away games and most importantly a community to spend time with.
In recent decades retirement has gone from a short period of a few years of no work, to decades of the same. Staying healthy is one of the most important determinants of happiness in retirement and whilst we can’t avoid unexpected health issues, we can improve our chances of living a happier and healthier retirement.
Staying active, both physically and mentally is the best way to stay healthy in retirement. You have to be disciplined to stay active at any age and in retirement we can lose the external nudges that help us to remain committed. The very best way, to stay committed is to be committed to a group of other retired people.
If you can find your tribe, it doesn’t much matter whether it is bridge, walking, team sports, charity work, volunteering, the important thing is to have others that we engage with. In the case of my father-in-law, football provides mental stimulation, friends to chat to, regular exercise and a huge sense of achievement. It really is a magic pill for a healthy and happy retirement.
Yes, being good at a sport helps you to qualify for your country and you can narrow your odds by picking a sport that is more niche. The British Heart Foundation lists Unicycle Hockey but for retired people their suggestion of walking basketball might be a better pick.
We are currently helping clients to lived a happier and healthier retirement, across the South East and Nationally from our offices in Hook, Hampshire.