Age is definitely much more than just a number
Imagine a batsman working hard on a difficult pitch against aggressive pace bowlers and skilful spinners, putting together an inning, ball by ball. There are a few graceful shots, some audacious pulls, and certain cheeky nicks that narrowly miss the fielders. Yet, the batsman battles on in a show of guts and grit.
Not for nothing is cricket said to be a microcosm of life. Our lives are strikingly similar to a batsman facing up to the bouncers and turners that providence has in store. We learn not to fret and fume over dropped catches or setbacks that we all encounter in our lives.
I turned 49 the other day and surprisingly discovered that this milestone has an entirely different connotation in cricket and real life. A batsman at 49 is usually more than eager to reach the landmark of 50. Many a batsmen lose their wickets in the hurry and anxiety to reach the half-century mark. My son asked me, “Will you be 50 years old, Papa?” My reply was a vehement “No”. I went on to explain to him that I was one year short of 50. This rather innocent query from my son set me thinking. I felt distinctly relieved to discover that I was still a year away from the half-century mark.
Reaching 50 years of age triggered a train of thoughts in the mind. Is one’s age just a number? Or is this just an empty rhetoric to keep one going on life’s path? How would my old age be like? Would I have to rely on umpteen medicines as I age? Would I be physically as independent as I am today? Would I suffer from the dreadful dementia, forgetting memories and simple skills like putting on the shirt or brushing the teeth every morning? Would I be a butt of jokes in the neighbourhood? The answers to most of these are rather sad. Yes, ageing is synonymous with all of this.
Ageing is the universal truth, but we don’t seem to accept this basic fact. We fight with all our might to stop the wheels of time from turning so much so that we humans have built a million-dollar industry which makes products that would make us look younger. No one, including me, wants to reach the depressing mark of 50 on our timeline. Being 49 gives me a temporary sigh of relief.
The wonderful game of cricket does not reveal the trials and tribulations associated with reaching this important landmark and the joy of having the time to avoid reaching there once again.
Ageing is about recognising the telltale signs of wear and tear that sneak into our lives and yet going on with zest and enthusiasm. It’s all about ageing gracefully. Age is definitely much more than just a number.
I TURNED 49 THE OTHER DAY AND SURPRISINGLY DISCOVERED THAT THIS MILESTONE HAS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT CONNOTATION IN CRICKET AND REAL LIFE