Chapter 1: Understanding Dour and Do-er

To fully appreciate this article, let's delve into a bit of Scottish vocabulary. In Scotland, certain terms don't have a direct English equivalent, one of which is 'dour' (pronounced like 'door'). This term is derived from the Gaelic word 'dúr' and can be translated into various English synonyms such as sullen, dull, or grim. A glance out the window on a typical morning may confirm that the weather often embodies this description.

When you refer to someone as 'dour', you're indicating that they are grumpy, humorless, and have a pessimistic view of life. For instance, you might say someone has "a distinctly dour expression."

Now that you know what 'dour' signifies, let me pose a question: "Are you a dour or a do-er?" As you enter your retirement years, do you find yourself merely existing? Are your most vibrant days behind you, leaving little to anticipate? Or do you wake each morning excitedly checking your schedule for the day's activities?

The reason I bring this up is that as I navigate my mid-60s, I've noticed two distinct groups among older adults—the 'dours' and the 'do-ers'. To clarify, my observations pertain only to those who have the ability to make choices; I am not considering individuals whose later years are overshadowed by illness, loss, isolation, or financial struggles. Many are sadly shaped by their circumstances.

I am speaking of those retirees who lack a plan for how to fill their time. They float through each day, preoccupied with mundane tasks and chores, with little to look forward to due to a lack of planning.

In my village, I frequently encounter a few peers who retired early. Despite being of similar age, I continue working and engage in several community activities. When I observe them, they often seem hunched, aged, and weary. Their typical response when I inquire about their well-being is, "Oh, not too bad. Just getting by." Unfortunately, they appear to have aged significantly.

Conversely, I am part of a weekly running group that serves more as a social gathering. Participants of various ages come together every Saturday to run, jog, or simply walk—what matters is participation. I know some regulars are in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Conversations with them are typically lively; they often initiate discussions and share updates about their lives. Their demeanor is consistently upbeat—they are 'do-ers'.

My mother-in-law, at 86, resides in a small Scottish Highland town. She strolls to the shops daily, often stopping to chat with friends and enjoying coffee breaks. Additionally, she visits elderly neighbors, running errands to ensure they are well. She exemplifies a 'do-er'.

Retirement and aging usher in significant changes in our lives. For many, these changes present opportunities to embrace new hobbies, activities, and adventures. Growing older doesn't necessitate slowing down. As my observations suggest, stagnation can accelerate the aging process. Regardless of your retirement situation, I hope you seize the moment and strive to be a 'do-er', not a 'dour'.

In this clip from "Pain & Gain," Mark Wahlberg illustrates the distinction between taking action and remaining passive in life.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Activity on Aging

This official film clip from "Pain & Gain" emphasizes the importance of being proactive and engaged in life as we age.