 |
There’s a thrilla going on in Manila. No, Muhammad Ali hasn’t returned from the fray to reclaim his fighting day glory, but instead this fight is against a bigger opponent: getting older.
I have observed a resurgence of athleticism among 30 year olds in Manila. Weekly sponsored runs, bike fests and triathlons are now commonplace in The Philippines thru establishments like Pinoy Fitness. It used to be that the 2nd or 3rd decade of a person’s life was dedicated to living life without thinking or fear of consequences. Now It seems like “Six Degrees of Separation” applies to health concerns. There are only six degrees of separation between a healthy 30 year old and his 30 year old acquaintance with diabetes, heart problems and/or high blood pressure.
Turning to athletics is a 30 year old’s response to this reality. Yes, athleticism is still about the physical challenge, but it is no longer a competition of physical skill and prowess as it was during collegiate days. It is has become a statement of a person’s health status. Health really is the new status symbol.