As we learn that the latest snowboarding sensation is 11-year-old who Beijing-born Patti Zhou, now based in Colorado and about to join the US Dew Tour circuit, some skiers and boarders who are beyond teenage may have been relieved to hear that a 42-year-old Austrian snowboarder, Andreas Prommegger, just made history by becoming the world’s oldest champion to date, having taken gold in the parallel slalom at the current World Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Championships currently taking place in Bakuriani, Georgia.
Those even older than Andreas who are now feeling suitably inspired may be interested in a new book ‘Gnar Country’ written by Steven Kotler, whom, having studied human performance for thirty years, decided to put his science to the test at aged 53 and become what he describes as an “expert level free skier”.
In his book Kotler argues that aging is a mental event as much as a physical process, and a shift in mindset can actually add seven years to our lives.
He believes that strength, stamina and all the other abilities we once believed declined over time, are now seen as use-it-or-lose-it skills. By training our bodies and brains for our later years, we can retain and improve our prowess far longer than once thought.
Kotler also says that beneficial brain changes occur in the second half of our lives, which—if properly cultivated—unlock whole new levels of intelligence, wisdom, creativity, and empathy.
Essentially, old dogs can indeed learn new tricks, or in other words, old humans are better at learning certain skills than their younger counterparts.
In a message of hope for the older skier and boarder, Kotler concludes that, “far from being a time of loneliness, depression and cognitive decline, our later years have the potential to be deeply meaningful and fulfilling.”
Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad is published by Harper Collins on 2 March 2023 priced £25.
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
