Lessons on Longevity: What I Learned from My 90-Year-Old Basketball Buddies

Ever since I moved to Taipei, my mornings have taken on a new routine—playing basketball with a group of elderly players who, despite their age, are sharper and more energetic than many people half their age. These aren’t just casual weekend warriors; they play with skill, coordination, and a level of enthusiasm that would put younger players to shame.

One weekend, we gathered to celebrate the 92nd birthday of one of our regulars. Sitting beside him was his 96-year-old best friend, both of them still passionate about the game. As we enjoyed some great food and high-quality whiskey, I couldn’t help but admire their health, happiness, and longevity. It made me think: What’s their secret?

Lesson #1: Always Let Someone Know Where You Are

If you think losing your phone is stressful, imagine losing a 96-year-old man.

Among our group, the eldest player is Uncle Liu, who, at 96, is still an active participant in our basketball mornings. Communicating with him can be a challenge—most of what he says is mumbled beyond recognition, and we rely on other elderly friends to “translate.” Despite that, he’s a deeply respected figure in our circle.

One day, we received an urgent message in our group chat: Uncle Liu had gone out in the morning and hadn’t returned all day. His family was worried sick and had started searching for him.

Immediately, a few of us jumped on our motorbikes and rode around looking for him—checking his usual walking routes by the river, his favourite snack stalls, and of course, the basketball court. Hours passed with no sign of him. At his age, any kind of accident could be dangerous.

Just when we were getting seriously worried, we finally got the news: he had made it home safely. Guess where he had been?

At the zoo.

That’s right. He had spent the entire day wandering around the zoo, completely forgetting to inform his family.

This little adventure taught us all an important lesson: always check in with someone before heading out, especially as you get older. In Taiwan, there’s a common habit called “??” (bào bèi)—basically, letting your family or friends know where you are. It’s a small action that can prevent unnecessary panic.

Since that day, our basketball group started a simple daily check-in: every morning, we drop a quick “Good morning” message in our group chat, maybe share a joke or two. It’s a simple habit, but it brings peace of mind to everyone.

After seeing how much comfort this gave my basketball buddies, I started doing the same in my own family group chat. Since my father passed away, my mom has been living alone, and she now sends a message every morning to let us know she’s doing okay. It’s not just about safety—it’s also a way to stay emotionally connected.

And inspired by this, I even introduced a version of it in my Telegram group, where I share financial wisdom and money tips daily. It’s my way of letting everyone know I’m still here, still learning, and still sharing what I know.

Lesson #2: Longevity Isn’t an Accident

One of the most inspiring people in our group is Uncle Luo, the 92-year-old birthday boy. He’s an absolute legend.

At 82, he was still competing in community basketball tournaments, even winning the “Oldest Player on the Court” award. Not only did he play, but his team actually won a gold medal. Up until a few months ago, he was still cycling to the basketball court every morning.

So why did he suddenly stop coming?

It turns out, his daughter was worried about his safety. As he aged, she felt it was too risky for him to live alone, so she asked him to move in with her family. While this meant he had to give up his cycling routine, it gave his family peace of mind.

But here’s what’s really impressive: even at 92, he still does everything himself. He cooks, cleans, and handles his daily life independently. His secret? A combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, staying socially active, and always having a purpose.

This reminds me of something I once discussed with a friend about wealth and health. He pointed out that, with enough money, you can outsource almost anything—except for one thing: exercise.

You can hire someone to cook for you, drive for you, even manage your investments. But no matter how rich you are, you can’t pay someone to work out for you. If you want strong muscles, you have to lift the weights yourself. If you want good cardiovascular health, you have to do the cardio. No shortcuts.

Uncle Luo embodies this principle. His habits weren’t built overnight—they were developed over decades. And that’s exactly why he’s still going strong.

Lesson #3: Age and Wealth Are Both Relative

During our birthday celebration, the conversation naturally turned to age. Who was the oldest? Who was the youngest?

Most of the group was in their 70s, with a few in their 80s. One of them joked that hitting 65 was the best because it meant free bus rides and senior discounts. Curious, I asked around and discovered something surprising: I was the youngest person at the table.

At under 50, I was practically a kid in their eyes. And let me tell you, being called “young and handsome” by a group of 70-year-olds is a fantastic confidence boost.

But this got me thinking: age, much like wealth, is completely relative.

A few weeks earlier, I had attended a basketball training camp where I was the oldest participant. They even gave me a special certificate for being the “senior player” in the group. In that setting, I was the old guy. Here, I was the young one.

The same thing happens with money. When I was struggling to make RM5,000 a month, I thought RM10,000 was rich. Then I started making more, and suddenly, people with millions seemed wealthy. Later, I met billionaires, and even my millions felt small.

At every stage, your perspective shifts. The trick is to stop comparing and focus on what actually matters.

Final Thought: Happiness is a State of Mind

If there’s one thing my elderly basketball buddies have taught me, it’s this: happiness is a mindset.

They don’t dwell on what they’ve lost over the years—they focus on what they still have. They take joy in the present moment, in small victories, in good company.

Life is all about perspective. When we compare ourselves to those with more, we feel like we’re lacking. When we compare ourselves to those with less, we feel grateful. The key isn’t to compare—it’s to appreciate.

And perhaps the best lesson of all? Growing older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

If Uncle Liu can still enjoy a day at the zoo at 96, if Uncle Luo can still take care of himself at 92, then surely, we can all take a few notes from their playbook.

So, here’s to staying active, staying connected, and living with purpose—at any age.

What’s your favourite lesson from the elderly in your life? Share in the comments!