Have you ever heard friends or colleagues mention that they get tired more easily the older they get?

I've heard this from friends who are older and surprisingly, younger. But why is it easier to believe that the older someone is, the less energy they have? And conversely, the younger the person, the more active they are?

But I don't think that we become less energetic as we age. I've met folks who are stronger, fitter and more active, despite being 20 years older than me.

Do they work out daily? Perhaps that's part of it. Maybe they drink more coffee than I do as well. Exercise has wonderful benefits - even just walking for 45 minutes a day three times a week will make you sprightlier and more limber.

Frequent exercise will make you feel more energetic. (Image: Chander R, Unsplash)

The sedentary trap

Many of us, however, spend six to seven hours a day sitting at our desks. The problem arises when we don't counter this with exercise (I need a lot more myself). Eventually, prolonged sedentary habits lead to lower energy levels... and this feeling of 'being old'.

A lack of exercise also leads to aches and pains. When my neck became sore neck due to poor posture, walking and cycling (along with improved posture) eventually made it go away. But there's no doubt that working out played the biggest role in my healing.

If all this is true, why then, is aging still equated with having lower energy levels?

The work and social skills you use have a "mana" cost. (Image: Federico Beccari, Unsplash)

"Managing your mana"

My theory about age and energy is this: As you get older, you become more selective about who and/or what you spent your time on.

For instance, if you were 25 and got invited to an after-work party at your first job, you'd probably attend. But if you're 35, there's a good chance there are a variety of reasons why you'd say no.

With age comes more responsibilities. You might have children to pick up from school and look after at home. You may need to shop for groceries or even prepare dinner at home.

As we get older, many of us make more judicious use of our time, especially when there are more pressing matters needing our attention.

(Image: Alexandar Todov, Unsplash)

This is "managing your mana". In video games, mana is a fictional energy that characters use to cast spells or special skills. Depending on the game, it either replenishes (slowly) over time, or the player can consume potions (or pots) to instantly refill it.

The same scenario applies in real life. And let's not forget that while energy can be refilled, there's no way to gain back time already spent.

– Jeremy

Main image: I ch, Unsplash