Ageing is an inevitable process of life. We begin to age the moment we are born. For many sports, the physical powers of athletes are near or at their peak up from around 19 years old (give or take) to around 30 years of age- look at sports like tennis, triathlon, football, basketball. While we don't doubt their legacies and contributions to the game, one cannot deny that current athletes like Roger Federer, Ronaldinho, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham were at their respective peaks a few years ago. What they have done is accept the inevitable and changed their games to suit their ageing bodies. Having the added experience helps too, and this is why they are still able to perform, although not as well as before. This is what Rio Ferdinand, a world class defender for Manchester United for so long, at 33 years of age, has to do- adapt and change his game as finds his position in the team in jeopardy because he has lost his pace.

There are a number of human reactions to ageing. As we age, some of us look to delay the ageing process; some of us accept the inevitable and let ourselves go. I suppose some of us fall into either category, or have our feet planted in both categories, either in equal or unequal proportion. For those of you in your mid 30s and above, I am sure you have some friends who look almost the same as they did in high school; some look completely different; some look older but more or less the same. I'd like to think that I fall somewhere in between. My weight is more or less the same since I was 14 years old (give or take 5kg, depending on factors such as how much I eat and exercise at a given time- it varies), but I certainly look older now. I try to work out as often as possible, and I try to eat the right food. The acne that ravaged my face throughout my teenage years and up to a few years ago is gone, but the scars are permanent. People would still recognise me but the moment they are up close, they will see an aged, pock-marked, tired looking man.

What is my point here? Physically and numerically we age, that is inevitable. We can do what we can to delay the inevitable, although at some point in our lives, we have to accept it. Priorities change. But we can always keep ourselves mentally young by constantly working out our minds. Like a muscle, our minds need to be worked out. This is why I fully respect the "elder" men in our society today- Dr. Mahathir, Lee Kuan Yew, Sir Alex Ferguson are prime examples of men who have constantly worked out their minds and remain active in their day to day lives. I strive to be like them and I hope that I can live as long as life as them.

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 25th year managing Manchester United this Sunday, and he shows no sign of slowing down. I am in awe of the man- he still celebrates every Manchester United goal as enthusiastically as any fan would, he has developed so many teams over time, adapting, changing his personnel and tactics. Aside from remaining healthy, his strength is his mental strength, keeping an open mind, his ability to adapt and change with the times, and tweak the style of play accordingly. While he has his wealth of experience from years past to draw upon, he also looks forward and is not burdened by the past. His vast experience from the past is a means to build towards successes in the present, and future.

I understand Sir Alex likes his glass of wine and he shares a bottle with his opposing managers after matches. Very classy indeed. Sir Alex, I salute you for your years of exceptional service and I will toast my glass of wine to you this Saturday at 11pm when Manchester United play Sunderland. Cheers.