The victory of 78-year-old Donald Trump in the presidential elections of the United States—the world’s most powerful and wealthy nation—held on 20th November offers a powerful lesson for all of us, especially for the youth.
In India, most people at this age hesitate even to undertake a pilgrimage. Only a few are exceptions. Just last week, a 77-year-old friend of mine received an offer to go on a cruise from Mumbai to Goa. Despite being slightly unwell, his strong willpower encouraged him to go ahead. After three days, he returned with wonderful memories of a delightful vacation. His daughter had initially advised him not to go, which even caused some disagreement. But on his happy return, the entire family felt relieved and joyful.
Donald Trump first became President of the United States at the age of 70 in 2016. In the 2020 elections, he was again nominated by the Republican Party but lost to Joe Biden of the Democratic Party. After this defeat, at the age of 74, he immediately began preparing for the 2024 elections. Through relentless effort, he won again at the age of 78, surprising the entire world.
To establish oneself in such a powerful position at this age is truly remarkable. The credit goes to his strong willpower, good health, and financial strength. This serves as an important and inspiring lesson for the younger generation.
From an early age, we must take conscious steps to maintain our health. Regular exercise, yoga, and mindful eating are essential. Today, awareness about health has increased across all age groups. The rapid growth of fitness centers and gyms in cities supports this observation. However, discipline is crucial. Many young people join gyms but fail to remain consistent, which can negatively affect their health. It is encouraging, though, to see many young individuals exercising and practicing yoga in parks. Participation in sports has also increased significantly compared to earlier times.
Along with health awareness, young people must pay close attention to their diet. Eating out at hotels or ordering food online has become very common. For those living away from home for studies or work, this may be unavoidable at times. Even then, one must exercise good judgment. Healthy eating not only impacts the body but also influences the mind.
Recently, a six-day health camp was organized in Delhi by the “Sun to Human Foundation,” where various techniques for improving health were taught. Many participants reported significant benefits from these methods. Their emphasis was on eating the right food at the right time, which, according to them, also has a strong impact on mental well-being.
At the age of 78, Trump traveled extensively during his election campaign—today in one place, tomorrow in another—delivering speeches everywhere. Such rigorous travel and public engagement are not easy. This was possible because his health supported him. Today’s youth must understand that maintaining good health in youth is essential to ensure well-being even beyond the age of 70.
Similarly, financial planning must begin early in life. Only when one has adequate financial resources in later years can life run smoothly. Starting savings today and making wise investment decisions are essential. The cost of living continues to rise every year, and healthcare expenses are increasing rapidly. Even medical insurance premiums become significantly higher with age.
To maintain physical and mental well-being as we grow older, it is important to:
- Stay physically active and exercise regularly
- Follow a healthy diet
- Begin financial planning at an early stage
Not only Trump, but even in India, there are many individuals who continue to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation well into their seventies and eighties. The younger generation needs to reflect deeply on these examples.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
